CRICKET | Page 5 TENNIS | Page 11 Not just Djokovic To Advertise here Call: 444 11 300, 444 66 621 drummers in downs Goffi n Windies band, to reach says Simmons Miami fi nal

Saturday, April 2, 2016 FOOTBALL Jumada II 24, 1437 AH Barcelona honour GULF TIMES Cruyff as Real Madrid seek redemption SPORT Page 3 QATAR STARS LEAGUE Wakrah out of danger zone aft er shocking Lekhwiya El Jaish held by Qatar Sports Club, Champions Rayyan shocked by Al Gharafa

By Sports Reporter Doha

l Wakrah staved off relega- tion in the Qatar Stars League with a 2-0 upset victory over Lekhwiya yesterday evening. AGoals at the end of each half from Mouhcine Moutouali and Mahir Yousef gave the Blue Waves a much-needed win despite Lekhwiya enjoying an as- tounding 62% of possession in the match. The four-time champions were, however, wasteful in front of the goal, missing several chances that came their way. Al Wakrah opened the scoring in the 37th minute, courtesy of Moutouali. A bulldozing run from the impressive Yousef pushed the Lekhwiya defence back. At the second time of asking, Yousef slipped the ball to the Moroc- can midfi elder who calmly curled the ball past Lekhwiya keeper Ivanildo Ro- drigues. In the second half, Lekhwiya came out with renewed vigor, and had two headed chances that should have found the back of the net — fi rst from Span- ish defender Chico Flores and the sec- ond from striker Alain Dioko, whose fl icked header frustratingly trickled Top: Lekhwiya coach Djamel Belmadi out of play. watches his team battle it out against Lekhwiya continued to push and Al Wakrah (R). At left, Al Rayyan’s brought on midfi elders Karim Boudiaf Rodrigo Tabata attempts to get and Nam Tae Hee. It didn’t take them past a host of Al Gharafa players. long to open Wakrah up with an intri- cate passing move but unfortunately the bottom right hand side of the goal Alain Dioko fl uff ed his lines at the vital to give Mauricio Larriera’s side the vi- al-Rabiei on target. Emiliano Vechio’s SC box in the eighty sixth minute. moment. tal three points. perfectly delivered corner kick found The match ended in a 1-1 draw and Wakrah were without striker Se- Meanwhile, second-placed El Jaish Rabei in a crowded box and the Qatari this means Qatar SC are still in the bastian Saez through injury, but had and relegation threatened Qatar Sports defender made no mistake as he headed drop zone level on points with twelfth an able replacement in the form of Club played out a 1-1 draw at the Le- the ball straight past Khalifa Abubakar. placed Al Kharaitiyat, but behind on Yousef who put in a man-of-the- khwiya Stadium. Abderrazak Hamdallah equalised goal diff erence. El Jaish remain in sec- match performance for his side. After The fi rst half was a cagey aff air with for El Jaish from a spot kick in the 68th ond spot with forty-four points from being pinned back for the majority of both goalkeepers producing some fi ne minute. The Moroccan calmly slotted twenty-four games. the second half, Wakrah sprung on the saves to keep their teams in the game. home the penalty which brings his sea- Meanwhile, in a late match, champi- break to deliver a second goal and guar- Qatar SC had the majority of chances son tally to seventeen goals. The pen- ons Al Rayyan fell to a 2-1 defeat to Al antee all three points. in the fi rst half but El Jaish stopper alty came after Hamdallah was brought Gharafa. A fi ne run in the 84th minute from Khalifa Abubakar produced some vital down in the box by Qatar SC’s defender For Al Rayyan, who won the touna- Moutouali pulled in the Lekhwiya de- blocks to keep his side in the tie. and goal-scorer, Mohammed al-Rabiei ment with several games to spare, it fence, and a pass to the unmarked In the fi nal play of the fi rst half, the Jassim al-Mullah got himself a red was only their third defeat in 24 QSL Yousef saw him calmly slot the ball into Kings took the lead with Mohammed card for a rash challenge in the Qatar matches.

CRICKET Dhoni laughs off retirement talk aft er T20 exit

AFP The light-hearted exchange dre Charles, went on to smash a balls, other than that we tried our Mumbai came at the end of a painful loss match-winning 82 off 51 balls. best,” he said. for the wicketkeeper-batsman’s If Simmons and the West In- “Luck is a factor defi nitely but team who had been red-hot fa- dies rode their luck, Dhoni was at the end of the day you have to ndia Mahendra vourites to win the trophy on left to curse his bad fortune play good cricket. There’s none Singh Dhoni laughed off home soil. which began when he lost a cru- of the tournaments we have talk of retirement as he put a After India had scored a cial toss and was made to bat won was because of good luck. brave face on the devastating slightly below-par total of 192 for fi rst. There’s nothing called good luck, WorldI semi-fi nal loss two in their 20 overs, the West “The diff erence between the you have to execute your plans to the West Indies. Indies’ run chase got off to a ter- fi rst innings and the second in- well.” The hosts came into the tour- rible start when was nings when it comes to the sur- Before the match, West Indies’ nament with sky-high confi - bowled for just fi ve. face was too much,” said Dhoni skipper Darren Sammy had said dence but also widespread spec- But fi rst Johnson Charles and as he spoke about his bowlers’ the semi-fi nal was a “David and ulation that it could be the last then and Andre struggles. Goliath” encounter, with more international outing for Dhoni, Russell started thrashing the In- “In the fi rst innings you will than a billion Indians willing 34. dian bowlers around the ground have seen there was a bit of as- their team to win. But after India’s stunning de- India’s Virat as they struggled to make the ball sistance for the spinners, it was Victory in the tournament feat by seven , it was left Kohli and grip in heavy dew. gripping a bit, but there was would have been the icing on the to an Australian journalist to put skipper M S Their cause was not helped nothing much in the second in- cake for Dhoni who also skip- the burning question to Dhoni at Dhoni pictured by the agony of seeing Simmons nings.” pered India to victory on home Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. after the defeat twice dismissed only to be re- Although India’s star batsman soil in the 2011 World Cup and in Dhoni then asked the some- on Thursday. prieved both times when slow scored an unbeaten the inaugural World T20 in South what stunned Sam Ferris of the motion replays showed that 89, Dhoni acknowledged that Africa in 2007. cricket.com.au website onto the he said. “Do you think I am unfi t, indeed looked more than capable “I wished it was an Indian Ravichandran Ashwin and then they were about 10 runs short in Kohli has already replaced him dais, put his arm around him, looking at my running? Do you of staying in shape until the next media guy because I would have had overstepped. their innings but refused to criti- as Test captain but Dhoni, who is and turned the tables by becom- think I can survive until the 2019 50-over World Cup, a laughing asked him if he had a son old Simmons, playing in his fi rst cise his players. India’s most successful captain, ing the interviewer. World Cup?” Dhoni then responded: “Then enough, and a wicketkeeper, to match of the tournament as a “The only thing I am disap- remains a popular fi gure in the “Do you want me to retire?” When Ferris replied that Dhoni you have answered the question.” play!” he said. late call-up for the injured An- pointed about is the two no- dressing-room. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, April 2, 2016 FOOTBALL

QATAR STARS LEAGUE / PREVIEW LOOKING AHEAD Mesaimeer tussle against Al Ahli with Al Sailiya take on one eye on Emir Cup Al Sadd looking to improve position ‘The game against Sadd is not very easy but what we are focused on is to find the Mesaimeer coach Rodion Gacanin (L) and Al Ahli assistant coach right balance in the team. We are not the strongest team but we all play as one...’ Stanislav Moravec during the pre-match press conference.

By Sports Reporter What we improved in the last Doha half of the season is that we fo- cused on local players. Now we are training twice a day and our ottom side Mesaimeer players have become more pro- take on in form Al Ahli fessional,” said the fi fty-two- at the Al Arabi Stadium year-old at the press conference today. This match will on Thursday. Bbe good preparation for the Emir Al Ahli has grabbed all six cup for Mesaimeer and must win points from their last two games for Al Ahli as they hope to stay in and they will be hoping to con- the league. tinue this good form against Mesaimeer are already rel- struggling Mesaimeer. egated from the QSL with only Stanislav Moravec, Assistant fi ve points from twenty-three coach of Al Ahli is happy with games. However, they have the his team’s recent form and his Emir Cup to look forward to after hoping to get the three points the domestic season ends. against Mesaimeer. “We are hap- Rodion Gacanin, the head py we got 6 points from our last coach of Mesaimeer is pleased 2 games but it’s not over yet and to have Brazilian striker Erivelto we will hope our players can give Da Silva back in the side, “Next the maximum in the remaining match Erivelto da Silva will come games. I hope we beat Mesaimeer back and I’m happy for that. For to improve our chances of stay- us these last three matches are ing in the fi rst division.” preparation for the Emir Cup.” After the two wins the atmos- Gacanin also noted that their phere in the Al Ahli changing rivals are drawn in the same draw room has improved according to as them, for the end of season Moravec. “Atmosphere is bet- domestic competition. “We play ter in the changing room. We are Al Ahli and Al Wakrah in the cup breathing better now. The play- as well so we need to be pre- ers are happy in training and I pared. Al Ahli performed well in am happy for them. The game their last couple of games so we against Mesaimeer will not be are looking forward to a tough easy as these kinds of games can game,” added the Croatian tacti- be tricky. We have good play- cian. ers and we hope we can achieve “Our motive was to ensure a good result,” added the Slovak the development of the players. deputy.

Finishing in top 4 is diff icult but we’ll File picture of Al Sailiya coach Sami Trabelsi (L) and Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira directing their respective teams during Qatar Stars League matches. play to win, says Arabi’s Ali al-Sulaiti

By Sports Reporter “Our last game against Qatar we They are in high spirits after a pulsating QSL online caught up with Al Al-Sulaiti renewed his confi- Doha talked about the positive outcomes victory against Lekhwiya. Arabi’s Head of Football Ali dence in all the players before with our team. We know that Umm Jesualdo Ferreira, head coach of Al al-Sulaiti ahead of the round the Umm Salal confrontation. Salal and Al Sadd are ahead of us Sadd is aiming for a second place fi n- 24 match of the week against He said: “The players did their id table Al Sailiya take on so we are hoping to improve our ish and stressed the importance of the Umm Salal, to get his thoughts best and they have strong third-placed Al Sadd at the position in the table. We are ready upcoming game. “Our target now is the on the Dream Team and their desire to compensate for the Al Ahli Stadium today. This is for this game and to play against Al second place fi nish and everyone knows progress this season. “Both missing points and especially an important match for both Sadd is not easy,” said the Deputy that the next game is very important for teams are looking forward to the recent defeat to Al Ahli in Mteams as the Qatar Stars League is ap- us. I hope the team does their job as they Coach, Farikh Mussad finish the league campaign the previous round.” proaching its fi nal three matches. did in the previous two games,” said the in the 5th position. Currently Al Arabi will be eager to get Al Sailiya currently sit in seventh posi- games the Deputy coach had this to say, experienced sixty-nine-year-old. there is one point diff erence back to winning ways follow- tion with thirty-two points from twen- “Only Dragos Grigore went to play for “We can’t aff ord to lose points in the between both teams with ing their 3-1 defeat to Ahli in ty-three games. After a draw against the Romanian national team but now the last three games because we won’t have Umm Salal 35 points and Al round 23. Al-Sulaiti was eager Qatar SC in their last game Al Sailiya will whole team is back together. So we will chance to make up for it later on,” added Arabi 34 points” he noted. to stress the side is ready for be hoping to get the three points in this put our best team forward.” the Portuguese tactician. Al-Sulaiti did admit that the the game. “We are ready for a game to improve their position in the “The upcoming game against Al Sadd Al Sadd have had many players play- task of getting into the Top 4 battle on Friday. We have had league. is not very easy but what we are focused ing in the Qatari national team over the would be hard for Arabi with a good week training hard, the “Our last game against Qatar we talked on is to fi nd the right balance in the international break and this eff ected the three QSL games left to play. team is fully prepared.” about the positive outcomes with our team. We are not the strongest team but training according to Ferreira. “Today “To finish in the top 4 will Speaking about rival Umm team. We know that Umm Salal and Al we all play as one and that is our biggest they have returned from national duty require us to win the coming Salal, al-Sulaiti reflected: Sadd are ahead of us so we are hoping to strength,” noted Mussad. and that’s why most of our training was three games as well as await- “Umm Salal is a tough team. improve our position in the table. We are The deputy coach was very clear about Al Sailiya Assistant Coach Farikh Mussad fi tness training. We did not have our ing the results of the other They have quality local and ready for this game and to play against Al the motivation of his team, “Every match during the pre-match press conference. main players so we didn’t focus on tacti- teams. The mission is diff icult foreign players. I expect the Sadd is not easy,” said the Deputy Coach, we play we are playing to win the match. cal training as much because of this we but Al Arabi will be playing to match to be exciting. No one Farikh Mussad. But each match is a diff erent situation ing the press conference on Thursday. were lacking team unity but this gives win as usual.” can tell which team will win.” Speaking about his team line up for the and we need to fi nd balance,” he said dur- Al Sadd are currently third in the table. young players a chance to shine.”

BOTTOMLINE Inconsistent Arabi face confi dent Umm Salal

By Sports Reporter Talk turned to his match of the week “If Umm Salal fi nish in fift h place Doha opponents, who have endured similar this is good for the whole club. fortunes this season. “It’s a team that We will push the quality overall is similar to us in the league. They are and lead us to better things in the rabi head coach Gianfranco a physical side and ahead of us in the future” Zola has endured a frustrat- table. It’s a game that we want to win ing season with the Dream and overtake them. Umm Salal are very We will push the quality overall and lead team, with the Italian coach strong side in the air so we will have to us to better things in the future.” admittingA he doesn’t know what side be careful defensively” noted the Ital- The Turkish tactician had a word will turn up for the Umm Salal match; ian tactician. about his two attackers Sanzhar Tur- “I’m optimistic for the match, we have Zola ended his press conference con- sunov & Mounir El Hamdaoui who he trained well. I am curious to see what fi rming that his side will not let up in belives has the quality to defeat Arabi. performance my side will produce.” the fi nal games of the season. “For us “Sanzhar and Mounir are international Despite the inconstancy, Zola has con- the championship is not over we have players they add something for the fi rmed he is doing all he can to change three games left and we are targeting group. I hope we can keep hold of them the fortunes of his side. “We played well three wins, so we can fi nish as high as in the summer.” against El Jaish then we played Al Ahli possible in the league.” Defender Rami Fayz who will join long and gave a diff erent performance. This Umm Salal come into the tie on the term absentees Mohammed al-Malki & has cost us plenty of points, the big teams back of a victory over Al Wakrah, and Nassar Khalfan on the sidelines. preform week in week out. I am a stub- know that a victory can eff ectily end born man; I will fi nd a solution to this Al Arabi’s slim chances of getting into Today’s Fixtures mental issue in our squad.” the Qatar Cup. Head coach Bülent Uy- gun was eager to praise his opponent. Al Sailiya vs Al Sadd “It’s a team that is similar to us in “Firstly I would like to say that Zola is Al Ahli Stadium, 6:15pm the league. They are a physical a great manager, and has a great side” side and ahead of us in the table. noted Uygen on the Thursday morning Al Arabi vs Umm Salal It’s a game that we want to win and press conference. Al Arabi Stadium, 6:15pm overtake them. Umm Salal are Talking about the side’s progress this very strong side in the air so we year, Bülent Uygun is proud of the eff orts Mesaimeer vs Al Ahli will have to be careful defensively” of his side so far. “If Umm Salal fi nish in Al Arabi Stadium, 8:30pm noted the Italian tactician Al Arabi coach Gianfranco Zola (L) and Umm Salal coach Bulent Uygun during a pre-match press conference. fi fth place this is good for the whole club. Gulf Times Saturday, April 2, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

EL CLASICO PREVIEW RELAXED Coach Zidane out to enjoy Clasico debut Barcelona honour AFP Madrid

eal Madrid boss Zin- edine Zidane intends to enjoy his fi rst expe- rience of coaching in Cruyff as Madrid ElR Clasico as his side travel to Barcelona today faced with the daunting task of ending the Eu- ropean champions 39-game un- beaten run. Barca lead third-placed Ma- drid by 10 points in La Liga with Madrid’s coach Zinedine Zidane. just eight games remaining, seek redemption but Zidane believes his side can “The players know what hap- emerge victorious at the Camp pened. It is a diff erent game to Nou if they continue they same the fi rst one. It is one we have to We expect a diff icult, close game which will be decided by small details. We have all form they showed in winning win and want to win. fi ve consecutive matches before “I have seen it and analysed it, the respect in the world for the team we will face because they deserve it’ a two-week international break. but I haven’t spoken to the play- “The fans want to see good ers about it.” football and I want to see my Madrid’s realistic hopes of team as it has been recently,” said landing a trophy this season ap- Zidane yesterday. pear to be in the Champions “Clasicos are the most beauti- League, where they face Wolfs- ful thing in football for a player. burg in the fi rst leg of their quar- Now I am going to live it as a ter-fi nal tie on Wednesday. coach. It is the fi rst, but I am very Zidane insisted he won’t re- happy and will enjoy it.” serve any players with the trip to The only previous meeting Germany in mind. between the sides this season “The important thing is to wasn’t enjoyable at all for those win. I know because I was a play- of a Madrid persuasion as Barca er at this club,” he added. took the Santiago Bernabeu by “I am not thinking about the storm with a 4-0 thrashing of end of the season, the impor- Rafael Benitez’s Real side. tant thing is to do things as we However, Zidane insisted have done recently. If we con- he hasn’t spoken to his players tinue like this something posi- about that match. tive will happen.”

COPING Suarez tells of battle to adapt to Messi game

AFP Barcelona

ruguayan star Luis Sua- rez believes his success in turning around Bar- celona’s fortunes in the Upast two seasons has been thanks to adapting his game to partners Real Madrid’s coach Zinedine Zidane (C) walks beside players during training session prior to ‘Clasico’ against Barcelona which will take place today. Lionel Messi and Neymar. Heading into today’s Clasico AFP management since Zinedine Zidane re- La Liga fixtures However, tiredness could play an im- game against Real Madrid, Suarez Madrid placed Rafael Benitez in January and with portant factor with two of Barca’s deadly is Barca’s top scorer with 43 goals File picture of Barca’s Luis the front three of Cristiano Ronaldo, (Qatar Time) front three, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, in as many games this season. Suarez (R) with Lionel Messi. and Karim Benzema fi t and only having arrived back in the Catalan “La Liga is very diff erent to the arcelona will honour legendary in scoring form, Iniesta expects a much Today capital on Thursday after playing World ,” said the former Turan has yet to taste defeat in former player and coach Johan tougher task today. Atletico Madrid vs Real Betis (5pm), Cup qualifi ers for Argentina and Uruguay Liverpool star who moved to Spain a Barca jersey as he was only Cruyff as they look to infl ict “These games are diff erent, it doesn’t Las Palmas vs Valencia (7:15pm), respectively in the past week. in 2014 in an 82 million euro deal cleared to play in January after more misery upon eternal rivals matter how the teams are playing before Barcelona vs Real Madrid (9:30pm), Five-time World Player of the Year on the back of Barca’s fi rst trophy- Barca had served a 12-month ban RealB Madrid in the Clasico today. because we all like to beat your biggest Messi could also register his 500th career less season for six years. on registering new players. Celta Vigo vs Deportivo la Coruna The most watched game in world foot- rivals,” added the Spanish international. (10:05pm) goal having taken his tally to 499 with his “Everyone knows that it’s And Turan has no doubt that ball is Barca’s fi rst since Cruyff passed “We expect a diffi cult, close game 50th goal for Argentina in a 2-0 win over completely diff erent and what Barca will wrap up a sixth La Liga away at the age of 68 after a short battle which will be decided by small details. Tomorrow Bolivia on Tuesday. you need to do is always be your- title in eight seasons in the com- with cancer last week. We have all the respect in the world for Athletic Bilbao vs Granada (1pm), “It would be nice to score my 500th self, don’t change, just adapt ing weeks. A pre-match display involving over the team we will face because they de- Malaga vs Espanyol (5pm), Eibar vs goal against Real Madrid in the Clasico, your movements and a few “We feel great. We believe we’ll 90,000 fans will read “thank you Johan” serve it.” Villarreal (7:15pm), Sevilla vs Real but it would be even nicer to win the things FC Barcelona dictate, but be the champions so we work with the same message carried on the Bale in particular will be well-rested as Sociedad (9:30pm) game,” said Messi. the thing I cared about was being harder every day; we fi ght more! Barca players’ shirts. he was given time off by Wales boss Chris Atletico Madrid can close to within a good teammate,” he added. I believe we’ll be the champions. “In what is a special match, it is with- Coleman during the two-week interna- six points of Barcelona at the top before “I think this is something I We are the best team.” out doubt extra motivation for us to try tional break preceding the game. “I believe anything is possible in foot- kick-off at the Camp Nou as they host achieved from the beginning and The Clasico, the most and win the game,” said Barca captain And he is confi dent that Madrid could ball. We know we are 10 points behind Real Betis earlier today. one can see all the things we’ve watched game in world foot- Andres Iniesta. drag themselves back into the title race if but we will keep fi ghting until the league However, Atletico coach Diego Sime- achieved so far,” he declared at ball, is Barca’s first since leg- Indeed, the emotion surrounding the they can snap Barca’s 39-game unbeaten is impossible. one could keep a number of players in the launch of playful animations endary former player and coach occasion supersedes its importance in run stretching back to October. “At the moment it’s very possible. If we reserve as they travel to face Barca in the of Barcelona players, includ- Johan Cruyff passed away at the title race in La Liga with Barca 10 “They are playing very well at the win on Saturday we are seven points be- fi rst leg of their Champions League quar- ing himself, as part of an offi cial the age of 68 after a short battle points clear of third-placed Madrid with moment so we have to take the game to hind and you never know what happens.” ter-fi nal on Tuesday. partnership with the appliances with cancer last week. just eight games remaining. them,” said Bale. Both coaches should be able to name Meanwhile, Valencia visit Las Palmas company Beko. A pre-match display involv- A 4-0 thrashing of Real when the sides “We have to attack them, we have to their strongest starting line-ups with hoping to distance themselves from the Barca head into El Clasico on a ing over 90,000 fans will read last met in November put Barca well on exploit their weaknesses, we have a game Barca only missing Jeremy Mathieu and relegation zone with Pako Ayestaran in 39-game unbeaten run stretch- “thank you Johan” with the same course to retain the title. plan and if we perform to our maximum Sandro Ramirez, while Madrid have a charge for the fi rst time following Gary ing back to October. message carried on the Barca However, with Madrid now under new I’m very confi dent we can get the win. clean bill of health. Neville’s sacking on Wednesday. Turkish international Arda players’ shirts.

BOTTOMLINE Messi, Ronaldo & Co. battle to be top striker

AFP pass a penalty into Suarez’s path against His best run came in Messi’s absence Madrid Celta Vigo in February and allow him to earlier in the campaign with nine in six take spot-kicks against Sporting Gijon La Liga games in October and Novem- and Rayo Vallecano were with the in- ber, culminating in a sensational per- oday’s meeting between Bar- tention of aiding his challenge to Ron- formance as Barca infl icted a humiliat- celona and Real Madrid pits the aldo to top the scoring charts. ing 4-0 thrashing on Madrid. two most expensive strike forces Yet, the penalty spot is the one place in history against one another. from which the Uruguayan hasn’t been KARIM BENZEMA (20 GOALS) TBarca hold a big 10-point advantage deadly as his eff orts against Sporting The Frenchman has signifi cantly the over Madrid in the La Liga title race, and Rayo were both saved. best minutes per goal ratio in La Liga but the battle to be the league’s top with one every 78 minutes he’s on the scorer between Barca’s Lionel Messi, LIONEL MESSI (22 GOALS) pitch. Luis Suarez and Neymar and Madrid’s Despite missing two-months of the Staying there has been Benzema’s Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and season due to knee ligament dam- trouble in a season disrupted by injury Gareth Bale is a lot tighter. age and playing a greater role as crea- and off -fi eld scandals, but he is already Here, AFP sports looks at the num- tor since Suarez’s arrival last season, a just one off his best ever tally in a Liga bers behind the six men hoping to land surge of 24 goals since the turn of the campaign. Spain’s Pichichi prize for La Liga’s top year, 16 in La Liga, have Messi in the marksmen. hunt for a fourth Pichichi. GARETH BALE (15 GOALS) The fi ve-time World Player of the Injuries have also ravaged Bale’s sea- CRISTIANO RONALDO (28 GOALS) Year is also tantalisingly close to an- son, but the Welshman’s impressive Much criticised for not reaching his other signifi cant milestone as he needs of 15 in just 16 league starts usual heights this season, Ronaldo is just one more to reach 500 career goals also has him on course for his best goal- still La Liga’s top scorer thanks in large File picture of Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrating a goal. after registering his 50th for Argentina scoring season since arriving in Spain part to having played every minute of as they saw off Bolivia in midweek. three years ago. the league season so far. with Raul as the third highest scorer in has become Barca’s top scorer this sea- Bale has just one El Clasico goal to his Ronaldo hasn’t scored against in four Clasico history with 15 against Barca. son with 43 in 43 games in all competi- NEYMAR (21 GOALS) name, but it was his most spectacular games against opponents in La Liga’s tions, 26 of which in La Liga. After a brief mid-season dip the Bra- one in a Madrid shirt as he ran half the top four, but has looked back close to LUIS SUAREZ (26 GOALS) Such is the ease with which Barca zilian has come back into goalscoring length of the fi eld before slotting home his best in recent weeks with seven Finally free from suspension and con- have been winning, suspicions in Ma- form with four in three games before to win the Copa del Rey fi nal in 2014. goals in his last fi ve games and is tied troversy to play a full season, Suarez drid have arisen that Messi’s decision to File picture of Barcelona’s Lionel Messi. the recent international break. Now to see what happens. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, April 2, 2016 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE BUNDESLIGA Bayern feel pressure Arsenal have from Dortmund messed up: Ozil ‘We did not play to our potential in the games against the so-called smaller teams. You immediately get punished for that in the Premier League’

File picture of Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola.

AFP Fixtures Munich (4:30pm Qatar Time unless stated) ayern Munich midfi elder Today Sebastian Rode says Pep Bayern Munich vs E. Frankfurt, Guardiola’s side can ill Hanover 96 vs Hamburg, aff ord any slip-ups in Mainz vs Augsburg, Ingolstadt theB Bundesliga title race against vs Schalke, Darmstadt vs his former club Eintracht Frank- Stuttgart, Borussia Dortmund furt today. vs Werder Bremen (7:30pm) Bayern host relegation- threatened Frankfurt and Rode insists the Bavarians have not It remains to be seen whether given a second’s thought to play- Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer ing Benfi ca at home four days is fi t after he missed Germany’s later in the Champions League 4-1 thumping of Italy on Tuesday quarter-fi nal, fi rst leg. with an upset stomach. Bayern are fi ve points ahead of Second-placed Dort- Borussia Dortmund with seven mund tomorrow host Werder games left, but second-from- Bremen, who have picked up bottom Frankfurt are desperate eight points from their last for points. five games to move out of the “We have Dortmund breathing relegation zone. down our necks and there has not Thomas Tuchel’s Dortmund been one second to think about are unbeaten in their 15 competi- Benfi ca,” said Rode, who joined tive games in 2016, winning 13 Bayern from Frankfurt in 2014. and drawing two. “First of all we have to take Gabonese striker Pierre- care of things against Eintracht Emerick Aubameyang has not Frankfurt.” scored in his last three league Rode may well face his former outings, but did score three goals club as Guardiola looks to rest over the two legs of the Europa some of his midfi eld stars ahead League last-16 clash with Tot- of their European match. tenham Hotspur. Bayern were held to a goalless He is looking to add to his tally draw at Frankfurt in October and of 22 Bundesliga goals this season a similar result could be enough as he battles with Bayern’s Rob- File picture of Arsenal players including midfielder Mesut Ozil (2R) reacting during their English Premier League match against Swansea. to take Niko Kovac’s side out of ert Lewandowski, who has net- the bottom three. ted 25 times, to be the league’s AFP the games against the so-called smaller Fixtures Flores’ team infl icted a shock when Bayern have not conceded top scorer. teams. You immediately get punished for they dumped holders Arsenal out of the against Frankfurt in their last Dortmund want a win in their that in the Premier League. Today FA Cup at the quarter fi nal stage last seven meetings. fi nal game before ex-coach Ju- “But we still have a chance of winning (Qatar Time) month. No Bundesliga team have ever rgen Klopp brings his Liverpool esut Ozil has delivered a the title. We have to hope Leicester and The 2-1 win at the Emirates came as gone eight straight games with- team to Signal Iduna Park for damning assessment of Ar- Tottenham slip up and then make the Aston Villa v Chelsea (2:45pm) a surprise given Watford’s poor league out conceding to the same op- their Europa League quarter- senal’s season by admitting most of it.” At 5pm form after winning just twice this year. ponents. fi nal, fi rst leg. Arsene Wenger’s side have Ozil also admits he would like to pull AFC Bournemouth v Manchester City “This is a completely diff erent compe- M“messed up” in their Premier League ti- off an unlikely triumph to reward his tition, scenario and match. But they will Arsenal v Watford tle challenge. manager. Norwich City v Newcastle United want revenge,” Flores said. SERIE A Wenger’s team go into their game with “I would be delighted for Wenger if we Stoke City v Swansea City “We will fi nd a very good team and Watford at the Emirates Stadium on Sat- win the title. He played a major role in my Sunderland v West Bromwich Albion players and we will need to be at our best urday 11 points adrift of Leicester with a decision to join Arsenal. He was desper- West Ham United v Crystal Palace to win. game in hand on the leaders. ate to sign me,” he added. “It’s a harder game now than we faced Totti facing fan The chances of them closing that gap, “Everybody knows he is an extraordi- Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup. We are expecting a tough and overhauling second placed Totten- nary manager. He is always hungry for (7:30pm) opponent and match.” ham as well, are slim, adding to Arsenal’s success, has a lot of experience and al- Mid-table Watford are all but safe but boycott on what sense of regret after being regarded as fa- ways takes his time for the players. He Tomorrow are in danger of allowing their Premier vourites to be champions for long periods helps players develop.” Leicester City v Southampton League season drift to a close. in the campaign. (3:30pm) Flores insists he won’t let his side go could be fi nal derby Ozil believes the Gunners are DRAMATIC UPTURN Manchester United v Everton (6pm) through the motions in the run-in and of the title race, but his claim the club Arsenal’s victory at Everton immediately focus solely on their Wembley semi-fi nal should have challenged more strongly before the international break was only date with Crystal Palace. refl ects the views of many of the club’s their second success in nine games in all outside chance of returning but Aaron “We need to recuperate our en- supporters, some of whom have voiced competitions and they will have to pro- Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini will defi nite- ergy that we usually play in during their frustration at Wenger’s manage- duce a dramatic upturn in form if they are ly miss out, although Wenger is hopeful the matches,” he said. “We have to forget ment in recent weeks. to increase the pressure on the top two. pair will return next weekend. what happens in the future with the “Looking at our season so far, we have Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosicky have Quique Sanchez Flores believes his FA Cup. to be honest and admit that we messed returned to full training but neither mid- Watford side will have to contend with “The league is our objective and it’s up ourselves,” Ozil said. fi elder will be available to face Watford. a fi red up Arsenal side hell-bent on re- dangerous to focus on one match to play “We did not play to our potential in Gunners goalkeeper Petr Cech has an venge. in three weeks.”

LIGUE 1

File picture of AS Roma’s Francesco Totti. Nice provide warm-up for PSG AFP Fixtures Rome Today Carpi v Sassuolo (7pm), Ju- oma icon Francesco ventus v Empoli (9:45pm) Totti faces the ignominy Tomorrow Champions League hopefuls of playing possibly his Udinese v Napoli (1:30pm), fi nal derby in a virtually Atalanta v AC Milan, Chievo v must be considered as a member emptyR stadium following a call AFP Fixtures Palermo, Fiorentina v Samp- Paris of the squad, nothing more and by fans to boycott tomorrow’s doria, Genoa v Frosinone, nothing less,” Blanc told France Paris Saint-Germain v Nice fi xture against Lazio. Lazio v Roma (all 4pm), Inter Info on Thursday, before insisting (6pm), Rennes v Reims, Totti is in his 23rd season with Milan v Torino (9:45pm) aris Saint-Germain will that the matter was now closed. Troyes v Angers, Guingamp the ‘Giallorossi’ and many expect warm up for their Cham- “I wasn’t shocked. Nothing v Montpellier, Toulouse v it to be his last as club bosses stall pions League date with shocks me anymore, but I was Caen, Gazelec Ajaccio v Saint- on off ering the 39-year-old a line Roma ‘ultras’. Manchester City by en- mad. Honestly, I think the boy Etienne (9pm) new deal in the hope he accepts Thousands have deserted the Ptertaining high-fl ying Nice at the didn’t think about what he was a director’s role. club’s home games in protest at Parc des Princes in Ligue 1 today. saying. I have said what I had to As the ‘golden boy’ of Ital- added security measures, in- PSG wrapped up a fourth con- say to him.” While Nice look to stay ahead ian football and the ‘Re di Roma’ cluding barriers which separate secutive French title in record Nice will provide a stern test, of the chasing pack in the bat- (King of Rome), many of Totti’s the ultras’ territory of the ‘Cur- time last month, leaving them with Claude Puel’s side third in tle to fi nish on the podium, most brilliant moments have va’, and on Thursday several ban- to focus all their energy on their the table and targeting an un- their Cote d’Azur rivals Monaco come at the Stadio Olimpico. ners were seen around the city other objectives, in particular likely Champions League place threaten to run away with sec- In the fi nal derby of last sea- calling for fans to stay away. their quest for European glory. for next season. ond spot and automatic qualifi - son, the pain of defeat was felt “The Olimpico unites people, They were beaten 2-0 by Mo- They have been propelled this cation for next season’s Cham- more acutely by Lazio and their barriers divide feelings,” said one naco two weeks ago in their fi rst season by the spectacular tal- pions League group stage. fans when Totti was held aloft banner, while another called for match since securing the title, ent of Hatem Ben Arfa, who has The principality club are fi ve wearing a T-shirt emblazoned fans to watch the game on a big the result ending an unbeaten promised to off er his own tribute points ahead of Nice before host- with the words ‘Game Over’. screen: “3-4-16, everyone get to home league record going back to the late Johan Cruyff by pull- ing Bordeaux at the Stade Louis II Months earlier, Totti — who Testaccio!” almost two years, and coach Paris Saint-Germain players listen to their coach Laurent Blanc (C) ing off the legendary Cruyff turn on Friday, with coach Leonardo helped steer Roma to a rare title But Roma city Prefect, Franco Laurent Blanc will be eager to during a training session yesterday. against the champions. Jardim batting away criticism of triumph in 2001 — celebrated his Gabrielli, said: “Until those who avoid another setback. “I think I can’t do anything his team’s playing style. 40th ‘Derby della Capitale’ ap- are responsible for health and English outfi t City arrive in away on international duty. However, Ivory Coast right- other than try it in our next “The quality of our game? pearance by taking a selfi e of him- safety say it is fi ne to remove them the French capital for the fi rst Former Manchester United back could feature match,” Ben Arfa told France That always depends on the self with jubilant fans in the back- (barriers), they will remain.” leg of their Champions League man Angel Di Maria, for one, for the fi rst time since being Football. “I have always had a people watching,” said Jardim ground after hitting a second-half It means one of the most quarter-fi nal next Wednesday, could be rested after picking up banished to the reserves in Feb- weakness for those who dare, this week, and the Portuguese double to rescue a 2-2 draw. fi ercely contested derbies in Ital- so Blanc has a decision to make a knock playing for Argentina, ruary after insulting Blanc in a create, invent. That’s what Cru- coach’s results speak for them- Images of Totti’s selfi e went ian football could be an under- over whether to rest some of his while Marco Verratti remains on video on social media. yff did. He invented the idea of selves, with Monaco unbeaten in viral but a repeat could be un- whelming aff air that could leave many players who have been the sidelines with a groin injury. “He is back with the squad. He freedom out on the pitch.” eight league games. likely if fans heed calls by hard- Totti with bitter memories. Gulf Times Saturday, April 2, 2016 5 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT Let down by teammates, Kohli’s golden World T20 run ends Not just drummers New Delhi: As the full toss taking him over the ropes, he left ’s blade and lobbed the ball inside for Kohli settled deep into the stands, to grab. TV replays, however, dropping a deathly silence confirmed Jadeja’s foot had across the Wankhede Stadium, touched the boundary and it Virat Kohli stood dazed, gazing was declared a six. at the trajectory of the ball and Simmons and Russell set in the Windies band, perhaps wondering what else alight a hot and humid night he could have done. with batting pyrotechnics that For the umpteenth time left the 2012 champions need- in the World Twenty20, the ing only eight runs off the last 27-year-old had papered over over. Once again, Dhoni handed the cracks in India’s top order, the ball to Kohli, hoping the his unbeaten 89 accounting golden arm of the man who says Simmons for almost half of his country’s could do no wrong would pull 192 in the semi-final against off a miracle. It was not to be. West Indies. In between the Kohli conceded a single off 11 boundaries and single six the first and followed it ‘I think England will certainly be aware that it’s not a one-man show in this team’ that flowed from his bat, the up with a dot ball to raise Indian supreme athlete ran himself hopes of an improbable victory. Reuters threatened to send a second ragged, regularly converting Russell hit the following ball Mumbai string side to the tournament singles into twos and occasion- for four, though, and deposited in India unless the squad ac- ally two into threes. the next over deep mid- cepted their off er. Kohli the bowler also resur- and into the stands to break 1.2 ggressive open- Since Gayle’s blistering start faced when it mattered. billion Indian hearts. ing batsman Chris to the tournament, others have The evening dew had eff ec- As Russell and Simmons Gayle usually hogs assumed the mantle of trying tively defanged the Indian spin- were mobbed by their team the headlines but to chase down the totals they ners, while their pacers bled mates, Kohli stood alone WestA Indies’ advance to the have been set in all fi ve games. boundaries, leaving Mahendra with his thoughts. India’s Test World Twenty20 fi nal against scored 84 not Singh Dhoni in an unenviable captain finished the World England has shown they are out in their seven-wicket win position. The India captain, as Twenty20 with 273 runs from by no means a one-man band, over Sri Lanka, while Johnson is his wont, sprang a surprise five innings with a staggering according to batsman Lendl Charles (32) and Marlon Samu- by tossing the ball to Kohli and 136-plus average and a strike Simmons. Gayle scored an els (43) saw them to a three- the part-time dibbly-dobbler rate of almost 147. unbeaten century in the Car- wicket win over South Africa. struck immediately, dismissing Only Bangladesh opener ibbean side’s fi rst pool match “Every one of our players are the dangerous Johnson Charles Tamim Iqbal (295) scored more against England, which set up match winners in our team,” (52) with his first delivery and and he had the advantage of their successful run chase of Simmons added. “We have a ending a 97-run partnership. playing extra matches in the 183, reaching the target with 11 lot of batting power and I think Kohli was in the thick of qualifying stage of the tourna- balls to spare in Mumbai. Since we can chase any run total, we things again in the 18th over, ment. His prodigious scoring then, he has scored nine fur- always back ourselves to chase collaborating with Ravindra means Kohli will remain in the ther runs. totals.” Jadeja to almost send back mix for the player-of-the-tour- He was dismissed for fi ve in That confi dence has also West Indies hero Lendl Sim- nament award but for a proud the semi-fi nal against India been evident in Morgan’s side mons. Jadeja took a running team man, it would probably before Simmons smashed 82 after they comfortably ac- catch but as momentum was mean very little. from 51 balls, while Andre Rus- counted for New Zealand in the sell scored 43 from 20 to guide other semi-fi nal, with man of their side into showdown with the match Jason Roy epitomis- ’s team in Kolkata ing the aggressive attitude that tomorrow. “I think England has fi ltered through the team. will certainly be aware that it’s That aggression, and confi - Lendl Simmons smashed 82 not a one-man show in this dence, made them a better out- from 51 balls in West Indies win team,” Simmons told report- fi t than the England team that over Indian in the World T20 ers. “Chris Gayle didn’t get off won the World Twenty20 in semi-final in Mumbai. (AFP) but we still managed to get over 2010, according to the captain the line and it was a big total. of that side, Paul Collingwood. Even when he didn’t perform, “In the past our line-up proba- we were still able to get up and bly had one or two players that fi ght and that shows a lot of were real match-winners, this India’s Virat Kohli character from our players.” team is full of match-winners,” finished the World The team have needed to rely Collingwood said. T20 with 273 runs on their character and collec- “These guys are mentally with a staggering tive will after a turbulent few diff erent to what we used to 136-plus average months in which they have be. ‘Who dares wins’ is pretty and a strike rate of been pilloried for their per- much the motto. We prob- almost 147. formances in test matches and ably would think, ‘this is a big one day internationals. game’ and pull back a little They have also been gal- bit. It seems to be the other vanised by yet another bitter way round for these guys, they pay dispute with their board, seem to thrive on the excite- who less than two months ago ment of the big stage.”

West Indies players celebrate after their victory over India. (AFP)

CONFIDENT FOCUS Sticking to our beliefs made us Stunning victory helps better, says England’s Root West Indies smile again

IANS into the fi nal,” said the 25-year-old from AFP “We came here on a mission. The West Indies dominated Kolkata Dore. Mumbai We were inspired by the U-19 cricket in the 1970s and 1980s, Root also heaped praises on his coach boys earlier this year, the ladies winning the 50-over World Cup Trevor Bayliss and captain Eoin Morgan for won earlier today, now we have in 1975 and 1979, but they have ngland’s top-order batsman Joe the turnaround in their fortunes after the est Indies captain two West Indies team in the fi - since fallen on hard times. Root yesterday said sticking to their 50-over World Cup last year where England Darren Sammy nal,” said an emotional Sammy A bitter pay dispute with the beliefs have made them a force to were ousted in the group stages. said he hopes to at the post-match presentation. West Indies Cricket Board on reckon with in the ongoing World “Eoin Morgan’s captaincy has been fan- help Caribbean “We feel this is this West Indies the eve of the tournament did Twenty20E cricket tournament. England tastic across ODI and T20I formats . We’ve Wfans smile again by completing team against everyone else.” not raise optimism about their were not the favourites when they came into chosen this way and approach probably it is a unique hat-trick at the World Chasing 193, the West Indies chances of making an impres- the competition. But now they will take on a shift for us and we stuck to our guns and Twenty20 after stunning India were struggling at 19 for two sion in the tournament. the West Indies in the summit clash here at when we went wrong we have not taken a to reach the fi nal. after losing star batsman Chris But the former Test power- the Eden Gardens tomorrow. step back. We have looked forward all the An emotional Sammy said the Gayle for fi ve, when Lendl Sim- house defi ed their doubters to “I don’t think there’s been an attitude time,” Root said. West Indies had their backs to mons rose to the occasion to be- beat England, Sri Lanka and swing or the way we approach practice or “We still have got a very inexperienced the wall before shocking India by come their unlikely hero. South Africa in the group stage anything like that. We went into the tourna- side but a keen bunch of players who are seven wickets to emulate their Fighting jetlag after fl ying in and then make India eat humble ment and stayed true to what we believe in willing to learn and improve. women’s team, who also won as a late replacement for the in- pie in Thursday’s semi-fi nal. as a side and the way we play our cricket. I “It will only make us better in the long their semi-fi nal hours earlier. jured Andre Fletcher, Simmons, The women’s victory ear- think that’s probably been the most impor- run. That’s a massive factor how we got to After the West Indies won the who survived two no-ball catch- lier also came as a surprise and tant thing,” Root told reporters here. here. Obviously, the management has been Under-19 World Cup in Febru- es, hit an unbeaten 82 to silence captain Stafanie Taylor hoped The right-hander struck a swashbuck- calm and positive. Guys have stuck to their ary, a double victory in Kolkata a raucous crowd. “Great great the win would act as a catalyst ling 83 from 44 balls in a group game against game plans. Everyone has gone about their tomorrow would seal an un- great!!! Well done Windies!!! for women’s cricket in the Car- South Africa to help his side chase down a businesses. precedented treble and hint at a #silence #wankhede #Westin- ibbean. “I don’t think it’s that target of 231. And from there on the team has Speaking about their opponents West In- cricketing revival for the islands diesvsEngland #ICCWT20 #fi - popular,” said the destructive improved by leaps and bounds. dies, the batsman said, “We’ve just got to do after years of decline. nals proud to be West Indian,” opening batswoman. “If you “It’s about making sure that we did not England batsman Joe Root. (AFP) our business like we want to do -- a style of Sammy’s team, champions in tweeted Caribbean legend Brian look at Australia, they have that go away. It was about how we wanted to cricket that is positive. Plan to do that on 2012, will face England in tomor- Lara. Before the match, Sammy foundation which we’re trying play and the way we wanted to approach our we could get to win against South Africa and Sunday as well. We know how strong West row’s men’s title match while the had said the semi-fi nal was a to build in the West Indies. After cricket (what they showed against South Af- build our confi dence from that point on- Indies are as a side. We have to play well to West Indies women will play “David and Goliath” encounter, being in the fi nal, and I hope that rica),” Root said. wards. Everyone contributed in some way, beat them, make sure we look at our own their fi rst World Twenty20 fi nal with more than a billion Indians we win, it might change every- “Having that self-belief in each other and shape or form which is always nice getting game.” against Australia. willing their team to win. thing in the West Indies.” Gulf Times 6 Saturday, April 2, 2016 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT West Indies present England with a dangerous T20 fi nal Sammy retains the knack of galvanising some magnificent white-ball cricketers buzzing at the prospect of becoming World Twenty20 champions

By Vic Marks in Kolkata The Guardian

his is not the fi nal the World Twenty20 hosts craved or expected: it may be the one preferred by England, who had the luxury of getting comfortable in Kolk- Tata while India and West Indies were deliver- ing yet another mini-epic in a tournament that has been producing more heart-stopping close shaves than Sweeney Todd. Playing India in front of 66,000 adoring fans at Eden Gardens might have been a daunting prospect even for Eoin Morgan’s eager side. Then again the astonishing power-hitting in Mumbai of Johnson Charles, Andre Russell and Lendl Simmons, who can now be regarded as a super sub of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer proportions, may have prompted England to think again about their preferences. Here was a vivid reminder there is much more to West Indies than Chris Gayle peppering the leg-side boundaries before leading the dancing celebrations. They are dangerously unpredict- able with the bat, capable of losing to Afghani- stan and beating India in the same week. In the fi eld they are canny, calling on their vast experi- ence in the . Now they are buzzing at the prospect of a white-ball Caribbean revival; their under-19s won the 50-over World Cup in Bangladesh this winter; their women, against the odds, contest the T20 fi nal in Kolkota against Australia to- morrow and the men are recapturing the spirit of 2012 when they beat Sri Lanka in the T20 fi nal in Colombo. England’s captain Eoin Morgan (left), (second left), Moeen Ali and (right) play football during a training session at the Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata yesterday. (AFP) Eight of their team played in that game while Simmons was watching from the bench. This overs (one for 17). But somehow he seems worth there should have been the obvious follow-up tion that Trevor Bayliss has worked here for the Throughout the tournament England’s bats- time the West Indies coach, Uncle Phil, is sure to his place at Eden Gardens. If nothing else, he ap- question, which is: “Why not start the matches ; therefore he should have men have prospered on non-turning wickets. retain young Lendl in the fi nal XI since he deliv- pears to be a lucky captain; he has won the toss in the afternoon when the outcome of the toss a better idea than most of what to expect. By the same token West Indies are at their most ered that match-winning innings 48 hours after in all West Indies’ fi ve games and at the Wankh- will not have a signifi cant bearing on the re- The likelihood is that dew will not be such a dangerous on true, batsmen-friendly surfaces. arriving in Mumbai from the Caribbean. ede Stadium against India that was crucial. sult?” We all know the answer. Fairness is a signifi cant factor here. In three out of the four They kept smashing the ball into the stands in Their captain, Darren Sammy, keeps smiling In Mumbai especially bowling fi rst in night long way from being the highest priority in the matches played at Eden Gardens in the tourna- Mumbai but they were unable to do that in Nag- and cajoling and retains the knack of galvanis- matches has been a huge advantage in this World scheduling of an ICC tournament. ment the captain winning the toss has chosen to pur on a much slower surface. It may be Morgan ing some magnifi cent colour-blind cricketers T20. West Indies (twice) and England won their Maximising income is so much more impor- bat fi rst. can revert to bowling eight overs of spin here. – they seldom see red. No doubt if Sammy was games chasing there; South Africa beat Af- tant. Sometimes it is worth posing a question The exception was MS Dhoni but there had Sourav Ganguly, who is now the president of English there would be keyboard wiseacres call- ghanistan batting fi rst but that match began in even when we know the answer can be taken for been constant rain throughout the day and the Cricket Association of Bengal, has promised a ing for him to be dropped because of his limited the afternoon. After Thursday’s semi-fi nal the granted. It is a bit depressing when no one even covers had been on the pitch throughout. That surface worthy of the occasion. Now India are contributions to the team – I haven’t quite man- pundits – and not only the Indian ones – were bothers to ask it lest the fl ow of cash to all par- informed Dhoni’s decision rather than the pos- out any temptation to contrive a turner for the aged to avoid those demanding Morgan should focusing constantly on the impact of the dew in ties concerned is disturbed. sible onset of dew. Both captains like chasing home side, which Ganguly and his grounds- be removed from the England team because of the second innings. And they were right to do Hopefully the toss in Kolkata will not be so but the wise captain usually takes notice of the man said they would have resisted anyway, has his lack of runs at a time when his side are on the so. Ravi Ashwin and Ravi Jadeja, the India spin- signifi cant on Sunday. Before the match there conditions rather than recent history. been removed. Two days before the game some brink of a remarkable triumph. ners, could not grip the ball properly and were will be much perusal of a pitch that is likely to Sometimes the ball turns here – it certainly patchy grass was visible. Usually the pitch at Just for the record Sammy has scored six runs neutered. Thus winning the toss was probably possess less grass and produce less bounce than did when India played Pakistan – and this would Eden Gardens plays better than it looks, not in two innings at a strike rate of 54 in this tour- worth around 25 runs to West Indies. those in Mumbai (obviously) and Delhi (more not alarm England as much now they are playing an observation that can be applied to either of nament; in the fi eld he has given himself two However there was a deafening silence when surprisingly). It may help England’s prepara- West Indies rather than India. these photogenic sides.

FOCUS NZ’s Elliott calls time on one-day cricket

Auckland: A year after he created what “But there is three formats. I won’t be two years out of the side prior to that. Khawaja, Burns and Voges has been considered New Zealand’s most considered for , I haven’t seen The right-hander’s composure was most memorable cricketing moment, all-rounder my Test clothing for a few years. There’s evident during the tournament as New Grant Elliott has retired from one-day inter- still T20 cricket and my body feels good. Zealand went through pool play unbeaten national cricket. I’m going to reassess and let the dust settle. and his 84 not out against South Africa in earn Australia contracts The 37-year-old Elliott hit a six from the As long as I’m enjoying my cricket, I haven’t the semi-final typified his influence on the penultimate ball off South Africa’s Dale made a call on anything yet. So I’ll just get team. Elliott also top-scored with 83 in the Reuters Steyn in the World Cup semi-final last year home and assess it.” final against Australia, who won the game Melbourne . to propel New Zealand to their first World Originally from South Africa, Elliott at the by seven Cup final. The shot was voted by the New moved to New Zealand to play internation- wickets. Zealand public as the sporting moment of al cricket, making his Test debut against His last one-day international was in atsmen Usman Khawaja, Adam Voges and 2015. England in 2008 but only competed in five February against Australia at Seddon Park Joe Burns have been rewarded for their “I have played my last one day game,” matches in almost two years. in Hamilton, when he scored his 11th half strong form over the past 12 months by be- Elliott told Newshub at Auckland Airport He developed into a successful limited- century. He finished with 1,976 runs at ing awarded central contracts by Cricket yesterday after the New Zealand team overs player but was a surprise selection in 34.06 with two centuries. Elliott was also a AustraliaB yesterday. returned home from the World Twenty20 New Zealand’s World Cup squad last year, handy slow-medium bowler, who finished The trio became regulars in the side in the last tournament in India following a semi-final having not appeared for the team in more with 39 wickets at 30.23 in his 83 one-day year and have moved onto the centrally contracted exit. than 14 months. He also spent more than internationals. list after the retirements of six players following last years’ unsuccessful Ashes series in England. They were not on the original list but were up- graded throughout the season with the more matches they played. Khawaja scored 713 runs QATAR BEAT SINGAPORE IN T20 in six tests at an average of 101.85 in the last 12 months, while he was also consistent in the small number of one-day and matches he played. Voges, who only made his test debut last June, posted a Donald Bradman-esque average, scoring 1,337 runs at an average of 95.59, with fi ve centuries and four half centuries. Burns scored three test centuries and 692 runs in his eight matches in the last 12 months at an average of 53.23. Cricket Australia typically award between 17 and 20 central contracts each year. Centrally contracted chance of maintaining our number-one rankings in players earn a minimum of A$270,000 ($206,577) test and ODI cricket, as well as improving our per- for the year, with match payments on top of that. formances in the T20 format.” Bowlers Nathan Coulter-Nile, John Hastings and Australia were knocked out of the World Twen- Peter Siddle, who is battling stress fractures in his ty20 in India in the pool phase earlier this week, back, were all given central contracts, as was test with their next tour a triangular one-day series wicketkeeper Peter Nevill. against West Indies and South Africa in the Carib- “We believe the players chosen in this group are bean in June. those that are right in contention to represent the CENTRALLY CONTRACTED PLAYERS country over the next 12 months,” chairman of se- George Bailey, Joe Burns, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Patrick lectors Rod Marsh said in a statement. Cummins, James Faulkner, , John Hastings, “Following a number of high-profi le retire- Josh Hazlewood, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitch- Qatar beat Singapore by 11 runs in a T20 cricket match in Singapore. Man of the match Faisal Khan made 64 as Qatar, batting first, ments, we believe this group of players gives us a ell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, , Peter Nevill, piled up 177 for 6 in 20 overs. Rizlan supported Faisal at the other end, contributing 50. In reply, Singapore finished with 166, healthy blend of youth and experience to represent James Pattinson, Adam Voges, Peter Siddle, Steve with Chetan’s 73 going in vain. For Qatar, Mujeeb took three wickets, while Nadeem picked up two. Australia at the highest level, allowing us the best Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner Gulf Times Saturday, April 2, 2016 7 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT Russell will evolve aft er Young incident , Durant drives City says Bryant

By Mike Bresnahan “If we’re being honest with Los Angeles Times ourselves and we’re sincerely self-assessing, I think we’ll real- ize that we’ve all made mistakes he diplomacy has begun and we’ve all made massive ones to win over Clippers in the Los Angeles Lak- at times,” Bryant said. “I think ers’ locker room, with the important thing is to show players publicly say- compassion and empathy and ‘It was a weird game to play in. I’m glad we got the win’ Ting they won’t take sides in the help him grow and help us grow D’Angelo Russell-Nick Young as a team, as a unit.” ordeal. Bryant, for his part, is falling “Both these guys have my apart rapidly. support,” forward Julius Randle It’s somewhat impressive to said. “That’s their personal situ- think he’s on track to play 66 ation.” games after his previous three If winning creates healing, seasons were cut short by in- the Lakers are off to a good start juries. But the 37-year-old is with a 102-100 overtime vic- barely getting to the April 13 fi n- tory Wednesday against playoff - ish line. bound Miami. It was only one “Mucho dolor,” he said when night, though, with many more asked by a Spanish-speaking re- unpredictable days awaiting porter how he felt. A lot of pain, Russell. indeed. The rookie has faced searing He looked like the Michelin public criticism since the video Man while sitting on the bench he secretly taped of teammate wrapped in bandages after leav- Young was leaked earlier this ing Wednesday’s game for good week. In it, Young was talking late in the fi rst quarter. He ex- about women who were not his ited after not being able to get fi ancee, rapper Iggy Azalea. back on defense for a fastbreak, Kobe Bryant, serving as the he said. voice of reason in his 20th NBA “There was no hope tonight,” season, sounded like an older he said, labelling what pained brother, cognizant of his own him the most. “Everything. My past mistakes with teammates. shoulder, my knees, my an- “It’s just unfortunate, man. kles.” In his last two games, he’s It’s tough,” Bryant said. “I’m totalled seven points on two- sure he’ll evolve. I’m sure he will for-18 shooting. grow and I’m sure he’ll be better Bryant was more optimistic, if from it. not refl ective, while talking about “I don’t think there’s much former teammate Lamar Odom, he can do about it outside of the whom he invited to watch the countless apologies. There’s not game from a courtside seat. They really anything else to do but just spent several minutes afterward continue to perform, continue to in the Lakers’ training room. win the trust of his teammates “It was just like old times,” and peers, and onward he goes.” Bryant said. “It was great to Russell, 20, said he couldn’t talk basketball, talk trash. It was show his face anywhere in L.A. great. Unbelievable.” because everyone hated him so Bryant spoke glowingly of much. He was only partly jok- Odom’s physical condition fi ve ing. He was booed by Lakers fans months after he was found un- Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford during pregame introductions responsive in a Nevada brothel (R) attempts to steal the ball from Oklahoma and when he touched the ball after taking cocaine and several City Thunder forward Kevin Durant during the early in Wednesday’s game. By doses of a Viagra-type medi- second quarter. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports the end of it, fans cheered when cation, according to a Nevada he hit two key shots in overtime sheriff . to salvage an otherwise ragged “It’s a miracle, honestly. In DPA 23), which moved 5-and-a-half Rivers and Westbrook traded (21-53), who rested top scorer mas had 22 points to pace the shooting night. Vegas he was ... “ Bryant said, Los Angeles games ahead of the Clippers for baskets before Adams tipped in Brook Lopez. Celtics (43-32), who got forward Russell talked to teammates his voice trailing off . “To see him the third seed in the West Con- Westbrook’s missed jumper for •Chicago Bulls 103, Hou- Jae Crowder back after missing Wednesday night, said Bryant, walking around now as if noth- ference play-off race. the eventual winning score. ston Rockets 100: Montene- the last eight games with an an- who called them “understand- ing even happened. It’s really a A Clippers coach Doc Rivers and Crawford poured “Just got lucky, mate,” said gro’s Nikola Mirotic dropped in kle sprain. Orlando Magic 114, ing” of his predicament. miracle.” Rivers gave three of his in 32 points apiece and com- Adams, who fi nished with 13 28 points, Jimmy Butler added Indiana Pacers 94: Frenchman starters the night off , bined for 12 triples but it wasn’t points on 6-of-7 shooting. 21, and the visiting Bulls beat Evan Fournier scored 25 points, but the Oklahoma City enough as the Clippers’ (47-28) With a shot to tie, Rivers the Rockets when Trevor Ari- Nikola Vucevic had helping the D’Angelo Russell (R) LThunder weren’t able to rest four-game winning run came to received the ball out of time- za’s potential game-tying tri- Magic (32-43) snap a seven- with Nick Young. until the fi nal buzzer. an end. out and drove the lane but his ple rimmed out at the buzzer. game slide to the host Pacers Kevin Durant scored 31 “I told the guys before the layup attempt was too strong The Bulls (38-37) wiped out a with their third straight win. points, Steven Adams had the game we were resting those off the glass. Westbrook 14-point second half defi cit to Paul George scored 27 points for go-ahead tip-in with 26.9 sec- guys (Paul, Jordan and Redick), grabbed the rebound with 2.7 move within a game of Indiana Indiana (39-36), which dropped onds remaining, and the host not the whole team,” Clippers ticks left and the Thunder for the fi nal play-off spot in the to the eighth and fi nal spot in Thunder escaped with a 119-117 coach Doc Rivers said. “We’re survived. East. the Eastern Conference play- victory over the depleted Clip- coming to win the game and we “Steven made a huge play,” The Rockets (37-39), mean- off chase. pers on Thursday. expect to win the game. Durant said. “We struggled all while, fell a half game behind •New Orleans Pelicans The feisty Clippers played “I thought our guys did a night to get stops but we got Utah and Dallas, tied for the 101, Denver Nuggets 95: Luke without stars Chris Paul, J.J. great job of competing. I was them when we needed them.” seventh and eighth seeds in Babbitt scored 22 points, Toney Redick and DeAndre Jordan happy but no moral victories.” Elsewhere: the West. James Harden had Douglas had 20 with 10 assists, but backups Austin Rivers and Crawford gave his team- •Cleveland Cavaliers 24 points and Patrick Bever- leading the injury-riddled Peli- Jamal Crawford gave the Thun- mates a pep talk before the 107, Brooklyn Nets 87: LeB- ley added a career-high 22 for cans (28-47) past the visiting der all they could handle be- game and it almost worked. ron James scored 24 points to Houston, which received 20 Nuggets in a game without any fore OKC came away with their “I told the guys before we went move past Dominique Wilkins and 11 rebounds from backup play-off implications. Darrell ninth win in the last 10 games. out there, nobody in the world is for 12th on the NBA’s all-time Michael Beasley. Arthur topped Denver (32-45), “It’s hard to play those guys giving us a chance, we’re not go- scoring list and the Cavaliers •Portland Trail Blazers 116, with a career-high-tying 24 because they have nothing to ing to be shocked,” he said. “Let’s sent the lowly Nets to their Boston Celtics 109: Al-Farouq points off the bench. lose and they’re loose and free,” do it, let’s go for it.” eighth straight road loss. James Aminu fi red in six triples en said Durant, who was rested the In an entertaining shoot- has 26,689 points and is likely route to 28 points - both career- RESULTS previous game. “Rivers made out, the Clippers led 115-110 to pass Oscar Robertson, who highs - and Trail Blazers ran seven threes and Crawford on back-to-back 3-pointers by ranks 11th with 26,710. Kevin their season-high home win- Cleveland ...... 107 Brooklyn ...... 87 couldn’t miss. Wesley Johnson and Jeff Green Love added 19 points for the ning streak to six after bouncing Orlando ...... 114 Indiana ...... 94 “It was a weird game to play with 4:20 remaining. Cavs (53-22), who moved 2 ½ the Celtics. CJ McCollum added Chicago ...... 103 Houston ...... 100 in. I’m glad we got the win.” The Thunder squared it on games ahead of idle Toronto 17 points for Portland (40-31), New Orleans 101 Denver ...... 95 Russell Westbrook had 26 two Durant free throws and a for the top seed in the Eastern which holds down the sixth Oklahoma ...... 119 LA Clippers ..117 points, 11 assists and eight re- Westbrook triple to ignite a 9-2 Conference. Thaddeus Young seed in the Western Conference Portland ...... 116 Boston ...... 109 bounds for the Thunder (53- closing run. netted 18 points for the Nets play-off scramble. Isaiah Tho-

NHL Los Angeles Kings blank Calgary Flames 3-0

By Helene Elliott The Kings have fi ve regular- 42nd career shutout and fi fth of penalty box for goaltender in- of the second period on the ba- Los Angeles Times season games left, including one the season. Center Anze Kopitar terference after clipping Quick, sis of goaltender interference, a against the Anaheim Ducks next had two assists, on the Kings’ Kopitar got the puck to Doughty, ruling that was made on the ice Thursday. The Ducks have six fi rst and third goals.“There’s a who blasted a shot toward Cal- and was upheld upon review, very hockey season has games left. lot at stake,” left wing Milan Lu- gary goalie Joni Ortio. The puck after Flames Coach Bob Hartley its own narrative. Indi- Center Jeff Carter scored cic said. “We’re in a tight race was defl ected by Carter en route challenged the call. According vidual games become twice in the second period _ he here to win the Pacifi c Division, to the net and eluded Ortio 46 to the NHL, “the positioning of woven into the longer has four goals in his last three so we can’t take anything for seconds into the period. Calgary’s Joe Colborne in the threadsE of weeks and months, games after enduring an eight- granted and we’ve got to try to do The point was Doughty’s crease prevented Los Angeles and the season takes on a theme game goal drought _ and set up what we can to get those wins.” 316th as a King, the second- goaltender Jonathan Quick from that refl ects the team’s person- Andy Andreoff ’s third-period Although the Flames have highest total by a Kings defense- doing his job.” ality. goal as goaltender Jonathan long been eliminated from play- man. Rob Blake tops the list with Carter said the Kings are in- For the Los Angeles Kings, Quick stopped 21 shots and led off contention and were playing 494 points with the club, but it tent on cleaning up their de- the threads had become a little the Kings to only their second less than 24 hours after absorb- wouldn’t be surprising to see fensive play as the playoff s ap- strained. After winning seven of victory in their last six games. ing an 8-3 thrashing at the hands Doughty top that in a few years. proach. “We want to fi nish fi rst. their fi rst nine games in March But no one was outwardly jubi- Los Angeles Kings center Jeff Carter (R) celebrates with left wing of the Ducks, they played well in An even-strength goal gave We want home ice,” he said. their trademark staunch de- lant in the locker room afterward Milan Lucic after scoring his second goal against the Calgary Flames the early stages Thursday and the Kings a 2-0 lead at 6:14. RESULTS fense began to wilt late in games, because their saw their imper- in the second period at Staples Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports showed some pride. The Kings Brayden McNabb made the play Buff alo...... 4 Toronto ...... 1 and their longstanding scoring fections more clearly than their pulled away thanks to the feats possible with a fi ne lead pass up NY Islanders.....4 Columbus...... 3 problems cropped up again. On accomplishments. it a step in the right direction.” 2009-10. “You want to get used of Carter, Drew Doughty, Kopi- the left side, to Lucic. The burly Pittsburgh ...... 5 Nashville ...... 2 Thursday they reinforced those “Obviously, it’s a good win Quick shared that pragmatic to fi nding ways to win games.” tar and Lucic, core players whose winger used his strength to hold Carolina ...... 4 NY Rangers ...... 3 threads with a 3-0 victory over for us. We need to get some approach.“It’s a win, you know. They had lost their way in re- competitiveness has driven the off a defender and slide a back- Montreal ...... 3 Tampa Bay ...... 0 the Calgary Flames at Staples wins here and get some points. Whatever we have to do to win cent weeks, and had been out- team for much of this season. hand pass in front of the net, Florida ...... 3 New Jersey ...... 2 Center, which vaulted them back But I think we still have a long games, that’s all you want,” scored, 8-1, in the third period of After a scoreless fi rst period, where Carter had an easy tap-in Ottawa ...... 3 Minnesota ...... 2 into fi rst place in the Pacifi c Di- ways to go,” Carter said. “There Quick said after earning his 39th their three previous games. But the Kings got a power play early for his 22nd goal of the season. Dallas ...... 4 Arizona ...... 1 vision with a one-point lead over were some breakdowns and victory this season and tie the on Thursday they stayed strong in the second period and capital- An apparent Calgary goal was Los Angeles .....3 Calgary ...... 0 the Ducks. whatnot, but I guess you’d call franchise record he had set in in the third to support Quick’s ised on it. With Josh Jooris in the waved off at the 16-minute mark Vancouver ...... 4 San Jose ...... 2 Gulf Times 8 Saturday, April 2, 2016 SPORT

BASEBALL ‘Cursed’ Cubs tipped to end drought as season begins ‘Complacency is not an issue with these guys. They have a chance to make history, and they want to take advantage of it’

AFP Mets last year. “We didn’t end will mark the halfway stage with Chicago the way we wanted it to end and the All-Star Game in San Diego, Chicago Cubs’ Jake Arrieta pitches this year we’re going to do all we California, on July 12 and con- against the Cleveland Indians at Sloan can to go even further,” he said. clude on October 2. Park on March 9, 2016 (AFP) he Chicago Cubs have The Kansas City Royals would The Mets romped to the NL Major League Baseball seem to have nothing to prove East title last year as the pre- buzzing at the prospect after beating the Mets in fi ve season favorite Washington Na- of seeing the game’s games to win last year’s World tionals imploded. They boast Tlong-time loveable losers end Series. the game’s best starting pitching their century-plus World Series Their title run followed a sev- rotation with Matt Harvey, Jacob title drought in 2016. en-game loss to the San Fran- deGrom, Syndergaard, Steven The Cubs were a group of cisco Giants in the 2014 World Matz and Zack Wheeler. over-achieving youngsters when Series, and the Royals don’t Count on perennial National they powered to the National mind admitting they are irked League contenders San Francis- League Championship Series by doubters who say their reign co and St. Louis to be in the hunt last season, only to have their will end. again. hearts broken by the New York “The players talk about it,” St. Louis, with pitcher Adam Mets. said Royals hitting coach Dale Wainwright back from a torn They are still one of the Sveum. “It was the fi rst thing Achilles, will be trying to main- youngest teams in the National brought up in the (batting) cage. tain supremacy in an NL Central League, but boast the playoff “Anytime the so-called gurus that also includes the Cubs and a experience of last year as well talk about stupid stuff like that, Pittsburgh Pirates team eager to as the additions of outfi elder it’s a good building block and translate recent regular-season Jason Heyward and pitcher John locker room material to prove success to a solid playoff run. Lackey—signed away from NL people wrong.” The Giants boosted their ro- Central rivals St. Louis. Most of the title winning team tation and fi eld a balanced team Heyward and Lackey join a is back, including three-time trying to continue their recent team that already includes NL Cy All-Star catcher Salvador Perez, trend of winning the World Se- Young Award-winning pitcher the World Series Most Valuable ries in alternate years -- 2010, Jake Arrieta, NL Rookie of the Player. 2012 and 2014. Year Kris Bryant, two-time All- Third baseman Mike Mousta- San Francisco will be pursued Star fi rst baseman Anthony Riz- kas, four-time Gold Glove win- in the NL West by the Los Ange- zo and big-hitting rookie Kyle ning leftfi elder Alex Gordon, les Dodgers, whose new manager Schwarber. slugging centerfi elder Lorenzo Dave Roberts will be counting on With that talent at his com- Cain and fi rst baseman Eric left-handed ace Clayton Ker- mand, it’s a good bet that mana- Hosmer, who drove in 97 runs shaw and the rest of his rotation gerial mastermind Joe Maddon last season, are among those re- to fi ll the void left by the depar- can take these Cubs deep—per- turning. ture of Zack Greinke. haps to a fi rst World Series title “Complacency is not an issue The Royals will have plenty in 108 years. with these guys,” Royals man- of competition in their bid for a Maddon is all for “embracing ager Ned Yost said. “They have a third straight American League the target” as the 2016 season chance to make history, and they pennant. gets underway on Sunday. want to take advantage of it.” The Houston Astros, led by But Bryant said he’ll be taking 2015 Cy Young Award-winner the lengthy campaign one game Opening Day Series rematch Dallas Keuchel, 2015 AL Rook- at a time. The Royals launch their bid for ie of the Year Carlos Correa “I don’t even focus on it,” Bry- a title repeat tomorrow, hosting and 2014 major league batting ant said of the team’s chances of the Mets in a World Series re- champion Jose Altuve are solid ending the curse. “On paper it match that is one of three games World Series contenders from a looks good.” on the fi rst day of the season, tough AL West division whose And, Bryant added, the Cubs with a full slate of games to fol- 2015 winners, the Texas Rangers, have something to prove after low on Monday. bring back almost everyone from being swept in the NLCS by the It opens a regular season that last season.

SPOTLIGHT NHL Blackhawks prepare to move Marlins’ Yelich ‘excited’ forward without Keith

By Chris Kuc the right way and we feel going forward we have Chicago Tribune to be smart about how we play on the ice, how we react to diff erent situations and we don’t hurt the about starting fresh in 2016 team.” ome of the characteristics that make With Keith expected to be out of the lineup By Andre C Fernandez marked a notable turnaround Duncan Keith a two-time Norris Tro- for at least the fi nal fi ve regular-season games, Miami Herald following a dismal start. phy winner and three-time Stanley Cup the Hawks prepared to move forward without Yelich spent 18 days on the champion are the passion and emotion him. During Thursday’s practice, the defensive disabled list with a herniated withS which the Blackhawks defenseman plays pairings were Trevor van Riemsdyk with Niklas he Marlins banned facial disc in April and was hitting only the game. Hjlamarsson, Viktor Svedberg skated with Brent hair this spring, inspir- .178 by May 22. That playing-on-an-edge mentality has also Seabrook and Erik Gustafsson was paired with ing some social media Once healthy, he began to turn meant taking the bad with the good and Keith’s Michal Rozsival. wisecracks from at least it around and posted a .342 bat- latest outburst after being dumped to the ice by “We’ve got seven D that are ready to play,” Tone former player. ting average with a .392 on-base the Wild’s Charlie Coyle on Tuesday night could Quenneville said. “We’ve been moving some “I saw the Marlins banned percentage during the second impact the Hawks’ bid to repeat as Stanley Cup guys in and out recently on the back end and pairs facial hair,” former pitcher Dan half of the season. champions. have been changing in games. So it will be a good Haren tweeted at left fi elder “It doesn’t mean a whole lot The NHL’s Department of Player Safety sus- chance for some guys to get more ice time and Christian Yelich on February now,” Yelich said. “Last season pended Keith indefi nitely after he swung his stick more quality.” 21. “Good thing you can’t grow really means nothing. It’s time striking Coyle in the face and has off ered the vet- Rozsival and van Riemsdyk in particular any yet. Ha.” to go out there and do it all over eran an in-person hearing in New York, meaning should see their minutes increase during Keith’s Yelich, 24, has often been again. It’s a whole new season.” any suspension could be longer than fi ve games absence. teased by his teammates about Despite his early hitting woes, and result in Keith missing a portion of the play- “Obviously it will be a big loss,” Rozsival said. his baby-face looks. Yelich’s defensive skills didn’t off s. An announcement on when a hearing will be “(Keith) is a guy that plays lots of minutes for us On a trip to face the Mets last diminish. He fi nished with a rat- held was expected Thursday but the league was in all situations. Somebody else has to step in and September, the team arranged ing of plus-11 in total zone total still working with the Hawks on logistics, ac- play those minutes. It’s some big shoes to fi ll, but a surprise visit from Saturday fi elding runs average for the sec- cording to a source. hopefully we’ll be able to do that. Night Live comedian Pete Dav- ond consecutive season _ a rank- “Every player is diff erent (with) their roles, “As a hockey player, you always want to play,” idson, who, like Yelich, doesn’t ing that was second in the majors their expectations, (and) the way they play that Rozsival added. “I always felt the more minutes I really grow facial hair. to Yoenis Cespedes’ plus-17. makes them successful and what drives them,” play, the better I feel. Maybe I’ll get more minutes While Yelich’s boyish appear- Yelich has also been reliable in Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said following on the ice this time around when ‘Duncs’ is out.” ance hasn’t changed over the getting on base consistently and Thursday’s practice at Johnny’s IceHouse West. Said van Riemsdyk: “We’re just ready for past few months, the second- spreading the ball to all fi elds. “I think the way (Keith) is, his competitiveness whatever and ... it will be a group of us kind of youngest player on the Marlins’ Last season, Yelich fi nished is part of what makes him a great player. I just stepping up - it won’t be just one guy fi lling in roster enters his third full season 13th overall in on-base per- think that being smart and knowing the limit is for Duncan. He does too many special things and in the majors ready to show eve- centage in the National League, what we have to deal with.” he’s too great of a player for one guy to come in ryone he’s all grown up. home runs and 54 RBIs, in- The Marlins are hoping to get which was even higher than Keith was neither smart nor apparently knew and fi ll his void. However long or short it may be, “Whether it’s a good year or trigues many in particular as to more run production out of him Gordon.His range and glove in the limit when he swung his stick and as for how we’ll be ready to go.” bad year, 2016 is a fresh start for what kind of hitter and player this season. While he hasn’t been the outfi eld is also something the long the Hawks will have to deal without Keith in Keith declined to speak with reporters Thurs- me,” Yelich said. “My fi nish [to he will become. Yelich is set to a power hitter so far in his career, Marlins are counting on. the lineup remains to be determined. Tuesday’s day. last season] was fun, but it has hit third in the lineup after Dee managing only seven home runs Yelich’s 20 home runs in his incident marked the third time in his career that no bearing on this coming sea- Gordon and Ozuna and in front last season, his RBI total of 44 fi rst three seasons _ 17 of which Keith reacted with short fuse after a run-in with son. I think we’re all excited for of Stanton - likely a prime RBI- was seventh-fewest among all have come away from Marlins an opponent. He threw an elbow to the face of a fresh start.” producing spot. major-league outfi elders with at Park - is also a facet of his game Daniel Sedin in 2012 after the Canucks winger Touted for a couple of years Yelich hit .298 while batting least 440 at-bats. that Mattingly thinks will come appeared to elbow Keith along the boards and now as part of what could be the third in 43 games last season and Yelich also hit just .243 with with experience. Keith drew a fi ve-game suspension, he high- most dynamic young outfi eld had three home runs and 15 RBIs. runners in scoring position last “I feel like he’s going to hit sticked the Kings’ Jeff Carter during the 2013 in baseball, Yelich, along with He hit .340 while in the second season, which ranked sixth on for power some day; I just don’t playoff s after Carter slashed Keith’s bare hand his outfi eld mates, 25-year-old spot in 50 games last year with the team among players with at know when that day will be,” while the blue liner was picking up a lost glove to centre fi elder Marcell Ozuna only one home run and 19 RBIs least 77 such at-bats. Mattingly said. “Is it going to earn a one-game suspension and then Tuesday’s and 26-year-old All-Star right and walked 27 times. But he did hit .300 overall for be fi ve years from now, or two or incident. fi elder Giancarlo Stanton, are “Christian has had success the fi rst time in his career last three years from now? Our bat- Keith also exploded emotionally and pum- each aiming for bounce-back already,” Marlins manager Don season and was one of 11 players tle with that is just continue to melled then-teammate during train- seasons. Mattingly said. “I think it’s a in the National League who av- hit, continue to improve and not ing camp prior to the 2013 season, though after- Yelich, who signed a seven- matter of how much better is he eraged .300 or higher, including force trying to hit home runs be- ward neither player would reveal the reason for year, $49.57 million contract going to get and is he going to Gordon, who won the league’s cause that’s gotten a lot of guys the altercation. extension last year following continue to grow and develop as batting title. in trouble. “It can happen for “As players we always talk about discipline his Gold Glove 2014 campaign far as strength and power at the Yelich isn’t dwelling on that him quickly, but it just has to de- as a team,” Quenneville said Thursday. “We feel in which he hit .284 with nine plate.” achievement even though it velop over time.” we’re pretty strong in that area. We deal with it Gulf Times Saturday, April 2, 2016 9 SPORT

OLYMPICS Brands seek Rio gold in new advertising playing fi eld The applications underline how the Rio Games are set to herald a radical change for advertisers

Reuters motional relationships with brands, and helps to New York curtail ambush of our partners.” Baird added, “It’s a new process, but a process we believe is fair to all parties.” ozens of major companies and speci- Offi cial sponsorship deals with the US Olym- ality brands that are not offi cial Olym- pic team can cost a sponsor about $40 million pics sponsors have applied to run ad- for a summer Games, according to sources who vertising campaigns featuring athletes declined to be identifi ed because terms of spon- aheadD of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, taking sor deals are not made public. Much of that goes advantage of new rules that are shaking up the to buying ad time from U.S. Olympic broad- business of marketing surrounding the event. caster NBC, a unit of Comcast . NBC declined U.S. multinationals including Mondelez In- to comment on the matter. In addition, the IOC ternational Inc , General Mills, Under Armour, has agreements with a set of about dozen spon- Adidas AG and Gatorade, a unit of PepsiCo Inc, sors - including Procter & Gamble and Samsung told Reuters they have applied to the U.S. Olym- Electronics Co Ltd - that pay even more for glo- pic Committee (USOC), seeking a waiver that bal sponsorship rights. Seventeen offi cial USOC will allow them to compete with offi cial Games sponsors have their sponsorship agreements up sponsors during the Olympics in August and the for renewal after Rio, according to the USOC. Paralympics in September. The criteria to receive approval from the Others that have applied include Austrian USOC under the new advertising rules are strict. energy drink maker Red Bull, camera maker Go- Non-offi cial advertisers are allowed to men- Pro Inc, footwear brands Asics Corp, Skechers tion that their athletes are Olympians because USA Inc, Brooks Running, swimsuit company the information is biographic, according to doc- Speedo, and Johnson & Johnson for a charitable uments posted on the USOC’s website. But the campaign, the companies told Reuters. USOC says the applications are more likely to be The applications underline how the Rio approved if the Olympic reference “is balanced Games are set to herald a radical change for ad- with non-Olympic achievements.” vertisers, even if viewers may not notice much Brands had to submit a schedule for their me- diff erence as U.S. household names such as dia campaigns with the rule that the advertising two-time gold medallist gymnast Gabby Doug- had to be up and running by March 27. That gives las appear in commercials for everything from the USOC enough time to approve, refuse or ask banks to cereal. for changes on the submitted advertising be- Thanks to a rule change by the International fore the Olympics start. Brant Feldman, a sports Olympic Committee (IOC) after years of lob- agent with American Group Management who bying by athletes, offi cial Olympic sponsors works with Olympians, estimates that hundreds will have to share the big names with brands of brands have applied for the waivers. that have paid nothing to the IOC or a National NBC is already seeing a boost in ad spend- Olympic Committee such as the USOC. Com- ing from non-offi cial sponsors thanks to the panies running these campaigns will have to US wrestler Helen Maroulis poses for a portrait at the US Olympic Committee Media Summit in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. (Reuters) rule change, according to Seth Winter, execu- operate under detailed restrictions aimed at tive vice president of advertising sales at NBC retaining some exclusivity for offi cial sponsors from offi cial sponsors could feature Olympic ympic medallist, who has 18 golds. breaches. For companies without waivers or Sports Group. Wheaties, a General Mills brand such as Coca-Cola, Visa and McDonald’s Corp. athletes during the games. Athletes would face In March, Under Armour released a commer- which end up breaking the rules, it says its law- that competes with offi cial U.S. sponsor Kel- Still, the change to the IOC’s “Rule 40” could sanctions for any violations. cial showing Phelps swimming to a song called yers will be armed with letters threatening legal logg’s Co, said swimmer Missy Franklin and have a big impact on the multi-billion-dollar Under the new rules, the USOC is banning “The Last Goodbye” and then facing a fl ash of action. It can also bar athletes from competing. sprinter Allyson Felix, two former gold medal- marketing engine that drives the Games, said unoffi cial sponsors from using words such as cameras—images that evoke his Olympic suc- But even though brands have to submit their ists expected to compete in Rio, would be part of Frank Ryan, head of intellectual property at DLA Olympics, and even “summer”, “victory”, and cesses. Phelps is aiming to qualify for Rio in plans to advertise on social media in advance, it “Team Wheaties.” A General Mills spokesman Piper, a law fi rm that has worked on sponsorship “eff ort” in some contexts. But the average con- what would be his fi fth and potentially fi nal could be diffi cult to keep tabs on all the activity said it had received approval from the USOC for deals with the IOC and the USOC. sumer still might not notice much diff erence Games. Under Armour will follow the new rules in real time during the Games. “Social media is its campaign. “If ‘Rule 40’ isn’t policed properly, top spon- between offi cial and unoffi cial ads, said David carefully and expects other non-offi cial brands the spot where there’s the most opportunity for Offi cial sponsors are sure to be vigilant to sors will use it to argue for better pricing for top Abrutyn, executive vice president at Bruin to do the same, Peter Murray, vice president of ambush marketing and commercialization that prevent non-offi cial brands from “ambush- sponsorship deals,” Ryan said. Sports Capital, an international sports market- global sports marketing for the fi rm, said in an would be an irritant to a top sponsor,” Ryan, the ing” them. Tina Davis, head of corporate spon- Athletes had long argued that the old rule ing fi rm. “When you see Michael Phelps’ face in interview. He added that Under Armour will be DLA Piper attorney, said. sorships at Citigroup Inc , said she is counting deprived them of commercial attention and in- an ad, you automatically think of the Olympics, sponsoring 250 Olympic hopefuls. Lisa Baird, chief marketing offi cer for the on the USOC to make sure the new rules don’t come during their most marketable moments. even if there’s no mention of it or any rings,” The USOC says a team of marketing staff USOC, said in a statement that the new rule al- erode the rights of offi cial Olympic partners like Whether on TV, online or on billboards, only ads Abrutyn said, referring to the 22-time US Ol- will closely monitor commercials for any rule lows athletes “to continue their long-term pro- her company.

Agnel may SPOTLIGHT FOCUS get chance Liberia might not send athletes to defend Kenya in ‘danger’ of to Rio over cost and Zika

Olympic Reuters experience with Ebola, it will be public health risk missing Olympics to send (athletes) to that part of the world,” it con- Monrovia title: FFN tinued. Philipbert Brown, president of Liberia’s AFP Olympic committee, said he had not yet seen the Paris: Yannick Agnel could Nairobi iberia might not send athletes to the Rio letter. still qualify for the Olympics Olympics because of lack of cash and fears “But it would be disappointing if we do not after the 200 metres free- about the Zika virus, according to a letter attend the Olympics,” he said. “Our people have style champion missed out enya’s Olympic chief warned yesterday from the fi nance ministry. been training for four years, and you come to say the east African track giants were in LLiberia, which is itself struggling to end a dead- that you would not sponsor them?” following a possible touch- pad blunder on Wednesday, danger of missing Rio after politicians ly two-year-old outbreak of the Ebola virus, has The Zika virus is believed to be linked to an ex- the French swimming federa- failed to pass a law criminalising sports never won an Olympic medal. It had planned to plosion in cases of microcephaly among infants Kdoping ahead of a key deadline. send around 20 people to the games, about half of in Brazil. The government says 1.5 million people tion (FFN) said yesterday. Agnel was ruled to have The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) gave them athletes. If Liberia does indeed decide not to may have been infected nationwide. finished third at the French Kenya until April 5 to tighten its anti-doping law go to Rio, it would be the fi rst country to decline The United States-based Centers for Disease championships, which and provide funding for a proposed Anti-Doping to attend on the grounds of the Zika outbreak in Control and Prevention has advised pregnant served as the Olympic trials, Agency of Kenya (ADAK), after Nairobi missed an Brazil. The fi nance ministry letter, dated March 21 women against travel to the summer games but after he failed to touch the earlier February 14 deadline. and addressed to Liberia’s deputy sports minister, the World Health Organization said the outbreak pad correctly in the final. Kenyan lawmakers on Wednesday held the also refers to a request for the approval of $151,882 should neither aff ect international travel nor bar a Only the first two finishers preliminary reading of a bill criminalising sports to send Liberian athletes to the games. successful Olympics. could qualify for the Rio doping, but then went on recess, making it im- “Given the current fi scal position of the Gov- More than 11,300 people have died in Liberia, Games and Jeremy Stravius possible to pass the bill into law by the Tuesday ernment ... we are (unable) to grant this request at Guinea and Sierra Leone in the past two years won the race ahead of deadline. this time,” read the letter, obtained by Reuters and in the world’s worst Ebola epidemic. Liberia re- Jordan Pothain. Stravius is The bill is intended to save Kenyan athletes authenticated by a sports ministry offi cial. ported a third fl are-up of the disease since the almost guaranteed a place from an Olympics ban threatened by IAAF presi- “It is important to note that Brazil is currently outbreak was fi rst declared over in May. The epi- despite missing the FFN’s dent Sebastian Coe. Kip Keino, the National Ol- battling the Zika epidemic ... and given our recent demic has also crippled the Liberian economy. mark of 1:46.06 but his time ympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) chairman, 1:46.18 should be enough for said he will appeal to WADA to give Kenya more the federation to include him time to complete the process. BOTTOMLINE in the preliminary selection it “Kenya is in danger of being locked out of the will unveil on Wednesday. Olympics,” Keino, himself a two-time Olympic Pothain is unlikely to be 1,500 metre gold medallist, told AFP. “I am very included. Agnel thought disappointed with the attitude taken by the lead- beIN Sports to exclusively he had finished second in ers. They don’t get the magnitude of all this - they Montpellier but the event’s have badly let down the youth of this country.” jury rejected his appeal The proposed Anti-Doping Bill establishes telecast El Clasico today because it is not allowed to the anti-doping agency and proposes a $1,000 watch TV footage. The FFN, (100,000 Kenyan shillings, 872 euros) fi ne, and/ Doha: Today’s El Clasico will be available with however, is hoping he will be or a year in jail for athletes caught doping. English commentary across the Mena region on able to defend his title. Those caught smuggling or administering beIN SPORTS 12HD. The live studio coverage will “We will try to find some- banned substances face a $30,000 (3 million Ken- Kip Keino, the National Olympic Committee of get underway at 20:30 local time one hour before thing for him to post a good ya shillings, 26,200 euros) fi ne or a three-year jail Kenya chairman, says he will appeal to WADA to kick-off at 21:30. time. We have to do it,” FFN term. But it will require two further parliamen- give Kenya more time to complete the process. The studio will be hosted by beIN SPORTS An- technical director Jacques tary hearings, possible committee hearings and gus Scott who will be joined by two footballing Favre told L’Equipe. Accord- presidential assent before becoming law, a proc- top-class runners, who have been the source of giants the World Cup winner and AC Milan leg- ing to the FFN regulations, ess that can take months. enormous national pride. end Marcel Desailly and ex Barcelona and Holland Agnel could still take part in When Kenya missed the February deadline to In parliament, Keino has the strong backing of striker Patrick Kluivert. the 200 metres freestyle if prove it was doing enough to combat drug-tak- lawmaker Wesley Korir - a former Boston 2012 Also in the studio will be an audience compris- he beats Pothain -- and the ing, Coe said he would severely punish any coun- marathon champion turned politician. ing of Barcelona and Real Madrid fans who will be time his team mate clocked try guilty of attempting to cover up doping. “It is a shame that we have to go and beg WADA in full voice throughout the evening. on Wednesday—before the Keino said he had been pushing lawmakers to now, and yet we had a chance to make things At the Nou Camp will be beIN SPORTS analyst Olympics. One competition pass a law for years. “I brought up the idea in 2013 right,” said Korir, who has led eff orts in parlia- and ex World Footballer of the Year, Ruud Gullitt beIN SPORTS 3HD as an alternative to Arabic where Agnel could do it is in South Africa, when Kenya, Jamaica and USA ment to push the bill through. for reaction from the stadium. commentary for those who do not yet have the at the May 16-22 European was under discussion, and again in 2014,” he add- “The country’s future, whether to participate in The English studio coverage will be broad- beIN SPORTS language channels. championships in London, ed. “Jamaica and the US were able to resolve their the Olympics is now under the mercy of WADA,” cast live and exclusive across 23 countries in the In addition to English coverage on beIN where he won the Olympic own cases, leaving Kenya alone in this thing. It said Korir, the fi rst person to call for doping to be Middle East and North Africa and also live across SPORTS 12HD there is also live and exclusive cov- gold medal four years ago. has taken us three years to get our house in order.” criminalised in Kenya, after many athletes were Australia on beIN SPORTS Australian platform. erage available in French on beIN SPORTS 15 HD Many in Kenya fear doping is rife among their suspended for drug-related off ences. English commentary will also be available on and in Spanish on beIN SPORTS 17 HD. Gulf Times 10 Saturday, April 2, 2016 GOLF

SPOTLIGHT HOUSTON OPEN Hoff man shoots nine birdies to seize Day, Spieth, Scott, fi rst-round lead McIlroy set for Masters battle ‘It’s one tournament that I’ve always wanted to win. I’ve always wanted to put the jacket on and go back every year. So the motivation and the want, there’s no problem’

AFP so many that I’d be surprised if some or Augusta all of these guys aren’t there come Sun- day, from Bubba to Jason to Jordan to Rory.” orld number one Jason Day, Spieth, excited for the Texas barbecue defending champion Jordan at his champions dinner, is playing at AFP Johnson was tied for second Spieth, form-fi nding Rory Houston the week before Augusta to peak Houston with fellow Americans Roberto McIlroy and a host of past his form. Castro, Scott Brown and Morgan Wwinners are converging on Augusta Na- “I feel much more confi dent than I did Hoff mann. tional with sights set on a champion’s about Augusta,” Spieth said at the WGC harley Hoff man fi red Another four Americans were green jacket. Match Play. I played very, very solid and nine birdies in an eight- tied on 66: Johnson Wagner, Jus- The 80th Masters tournament begins most importantly I made a lot of birdies under par 64 on Thurs- tin Hicks, Chez Reavie and Scott Thursday with Australia’s Day, fresh off and that’s something I haven’t been do- day to grab a one-shot Pinckney. triumphs at the World Golf Champion- ing.” leadC after the fi rst round of the “Overall, it was a great day,” ships Match Play and Arnold Palmer In- McIlroy hasn’t managed a triumph in Houston Open over a quartet Johnson said after a round that vitational, trying to win his second major the Masters run-up, but likes his chanc- of players that included Dustin included seven birdies total. in a row after taking his fi rst at last year’s es. Johnson. “I made just two bogeys and PGA Championship. “Seeing the guys that have won, with Hoff man’s 64 was one stroke one of them was a mud ball on “It’s one tournament that I’ve always Bubba in LA, Adam in those two starts in shy of the Tournament Course fi ve.” wanted to win,” Day said. “I’ve always Florida, Charl in Tampa and Jason, eve- record at the Golf Club of Hou- “Then I had a penalty shot wanted to put the jacket on and go back ryone is running in good form,” McIlroy ston held by fi ve players. on the par-fi ve 13th. Other than every year. So the motivation and the said. “Everyone is playing well and that’s He opened with a birdie at that, I felt like I played really want, there’s no problem. really what you want, your game round- the 10th, and added birdies at 13 solid today and holed some nice “It has been good for me confi dence- ing into form and playing to the best of and 14 -- adding a burst of four putts,” he said. wise over the last two weeks. But it is go- your abilities. straight birdies from the fi rst World number two Jordan Spi- ing to be a tough one. It’s great to go there “I feel like I’m close. I’m probably not through fourth holes. eth, trying to build momentum as number one. It’s something I’m defi - quite where they are and I haven’t had the “Hit it great,” said Hoff man, heading into his Masters title de- nitely going to be embracing. It will be confi dence of getting a win this year, but I who won the most recent of his fence next week, carded a 67 that fun to walk through the gates as number feel like it’s close. Very confi dent going to three PGA Tour titles in 2014. left him tied for 10th. one in the world.” Augusta knowing where my game is and “Hit a lot of fairways, hit a ton Five-time major winner Phil Day, who shared second at the Mas- knowing that I’m right where I need to of greens, gave myself a bunch of Mickelson opened with a 69. ters in 2011 and took third in 2013, leads be. My game feels in really good shape.” chances and luckily enough a few Defending champion JB Hol- a wide open fi eld including 22-year-old Schwartzel, who birdied the last four went in today.” mes, who won last year in a Spieth, a wire-to-wire winner last year holes on Sunday to win his Masters title, Johnson, a nine-time winner playoff with Spieth and Wagner, who matched Tiger Woods’ 72-hole snuck in some practice at Augusta ahead on the PGA Tour, powered into withdrew from the tournament tournament record, and McIlroy, who of his playing in Houston and liked what contention with a 10-footer for on Wednesday with a shoul- would complete a career Grand Slam he saw of the legendary layout. eagle at his penultimate hole, the der injury. He was replaced in with a Masters triumph. “The course is in good shape and it just par-fi ve eighth and a birdie at the Thursday’s group with Spieth “I’ve got to understand there’s going made me excited again,” he said. “You get last, where he holed a long one and Patrick Reed by Luke List, to be a lot of hype around Jordan. There’s a good feel for it, just to familiarize your- from the fringe. who carded a 68. going to be a lot of hype around Rory, self again, hit some shots.” because he could fi nish his career Grand And he has the confi dence of a PGA Slam. There’s going to be a lot of hype victory just a month before the Masters. LPGA around myself. Embrace it. Understand “Innisbrook was big for me because I there’s going to be some hype.” knew my game was good enough to win,” Australia’s Adam Scott, the 2013 win- Schwartzel said. “It’s one thing to sort of ner, is fresh off back- know that but to know it’s good enough is Munoz and to-back wins a diff erent thing and just having that win at the Honda makes you believe more. Jordan Spieth will be Classic and “I couldn’t have asked for a better Miyazato ahead at looking to win his second Doral. South timely one going into Augusta. I always straight Masters. African Charl believe I can win again at Au- Schwartzel, the gusta but you start doubt- Mission Hills 2011 cham- ing yourself, ‘Will you ac- pion, won in tually win?’ Getting a win March at In- reassured me it’s defi nitely nisbrook and way up on the radar.” Bubba Watson, And don’t count out the 2012 and 2014 left-hander Mickelson, a champion, cap- fi ve-time major champion tured the Riviera at 45 who knows Augusta crown in February. well. Add three-time “I’m playing well and winner Phil Mick- I’m playing a golf course elson playing well and that I play extremely the stage is set for another well at,” Mickelson dramatic showdown for said. “And I would golfi ng glory among the Geor- be very surprised gia pines. if I didn’t have “It’s an exciting lead up to the a very good Masters with a lot of top players in chance on the great form,” Scott said. “There are weekend.” Azahara Munoz Allenby ‘terribly sad’ at Aussie Masters axe Reuters rankings before fi nishing third Rancho Mirage, California last week at the Kia Classic. AFP, Houston: Australian ‘Triple Crown’ Ogilvy, who won the US Open in 2006, The 30-year-old opened with winner Robert Allenby lamented the said he vividly remembers being a four birdies in her opening six demise of the Australian Masters after marshal at the 1990 Australian Masters zahara Munoz burst holes and then tacked another this year’s edition was axed, leaving the in Melbourne when he was just 13. out of a form slump at onto her tally on the 18th to prove tournament facing an uncertain future. “So it’s a big shame we’re losing the an opportune time and her improvement in form was Allenby, and fellow Australians Geoff event but it’s been kind of dying a Ai Miyazato’s renais- not a false dawn. sanceA continued at the ANA In- “I was really happy to play my Ogilvy and Stuart Appleby said it was slow death the last five or six years shame for a prestigious event whose when they took the event away from spiration on Thursday as the pair game again. I was kind of strug- past champions include Tiger Woods Huntingdale (golf club) and started shared the opening round lead gling the last few years but I got and Greg Norman. bouncing it around other courses in in the fi rst women’s major of the through,” Miyazata said. Allenby won the Australian Masters Melbourne and that really was the turn- year. “I am still in the process but I in 2003 and again in 2005, when ing point,” he said. Spain’s Munoz and Japanese know I am moving forward and I he became the only player to clinch “Every year they were grinding to Miyazato each carded rounds of feel good.” Australia’s Triple Crown of the Masters, find a sponsor but would always an- fi ve-under-67 at Mission Hills Ryann O’Toole, Gerina Pill- Australian Open and Australian PGA. nounce one very late, and the event Country Club in Rancho Mi- er and 2014 champion Lexi “Of course, I was fortunate to win it just seemed like it was simply treading rage, California to share top spot, Thompson shared top American twice and while I am delighted that water trying to stay afloat.” one clear of Scotland’s Catriona honours with three-under-69s probably no one else will be able to Appleby, who won the Australian Mas- Matthew, South African Lee- to be tied for sixth, while world say they’ve won Australia’s ‘Big Three’, ters in 2010, also said the writing has Anne Pace and Japan’s Shiho number one Lydia Ko rode a roll- another part of me is terribly sad to see been on the wall for several years. Oyama. ercoaster with four birdies and it go,” he said at the Houston Open. “I’m not surprised any tournament Munoz, who has failed to fi nish two bogeys in a round of 70. “So it’s just a real shame that Austral- could find it’s way onto the chopping higher than 33rd this season and “I was striking my irons and ian golf will not see ‘The Big Three’ block in Australia and I guess every- has not recorded an LPGA top 10 everything pretty good but I anymore and that’s what is going to thing has to go through cycles and since August last year, carded six didn’t hit my driver very well hurt so much.” that’s the case with the Australian birdies but dropped back with a especially on the back nine so Organisers IMG announced on Wednes- Masters,” said Appleby. bogey on her fi nal hole. I think that’s where my bogeys day that the Masters would not be “The good aspect is that for some 85 “Obviously one round is not kind of came from,” Ko admitted played this year, and added that “new to 95 percent of its life the Australian going to completely change after taking a share of 14th. plans” for the event would be unveiled Masters has been a banging tourna- my confi dence but I am feeling “I gave myself quite a few in the coming months. ment but for the last five years or so it’s good,” Munoz told reporters. looks up the hill for birdie but I Allenby said: “It’s been known IMG, who simply struggled. “I have actually been playing just wasn’t able to commit to my have been backing the event, have “But as a kid growing up in Australia really well and my scores haven’t speed and I left quite a few out being doing so at a loss for many years going to Huntingdale, and the same golf shown it at all. I think it was just there that were on line but short. and if you are running any business at a course, year after year to see some of a matter of time until things That’s the last thing you want to loss you eventually are going to have to the best players in the world compete started happening and it did to- be doing. pull the pin.” was pretty cool.” day. Hopefully it stays like that.” “But a two under start to the Miyazato, world number one fi rst major of the year I am pretty back in 2010, sat 157th in the pleased with that.” Gulf Times Saturday, April 2, 2016 11 SPORT

TENNIS FOCUS Djokovic downs Kuznetsova says equal Goffi n to reach fi nal pay is a Azarenka avenges Kerber loss to reach Miami Open final family aff air

Novak Djokovic plays a backhand Victoria Azarenka celebrates AFP percent. We give our life. I think against David Goffi n in their her win over Angelique Miami we’re owed that.” semifi nal during the Miami Open in Kerber during the semi-fi nals British world number two Key Biscayne, Florida. (AFP) of the Miami Open in Key Andy Murray, 28, became a fa- Biscayne, Florida. (AFP) omen athletes who ther in February, his wife Kim sacrifi ce having giving birth to daughter Sophia. children and rais- And 28-year-old Djokovic, ing families during who walked back his comments Wthe peak years of their playing to support equal pay in Miami, careers should earn what men became a father in October 2014 do, says two-time Grand Slam when son Stefan was born. champion Svetlana Kuznetsova. Roger Federer, 34, has a record The 30-year-old Russian 17 Grand Slam titles and four weighed in Wednesday on the children, two sets of twins, one gender pay equity issue raised born in 2014 and the other in last week when the former In- 2009, a year when he won two dian Wells tournament director Grand Slam titles and was twice and top-ranked Novak Djokovic a Slam runner-up. made comments knocking level “Many guys say, ‘We’ve got prize money for men and women to earn more than women,’” at tennis events. Kuznetsova said. “We’re not tak- It came on the same day the ing their money. We just want to US women’s national football earn the same. team, reigning Women’s World “I’m just saying in some part Cup and three-time defending we give more than they do. Yeah, Olympic champions, went to the they play more matches. They government to seek equal pay to are physically stronger, which their male counterparts. men are, which is normal. But Kuznetsova, who advanced to we give up much more personal the ATP and WTA Miami Open space being on the tour, not be- fi nal Thursday by downing Swiss ing able to have a normal decent 19th seed Timea Bacsinszky, says family. men can have children and start “That’s why we’re equal. I families in their 20s without sur- think it’s fair.” rendering a year or more of their Kuznetsova also notes the ex- careers. pensive nature of the tour life, “Some of the men say we paying for personal coaches and shouldn’t get the same prize trainers in order to maximise po- money. The guys that travel on the tential and extend careers. road, they say they give more than “Nobody ever counts what we do. But they can have kids. expenses players pay,” she said. They can have a family, right? We “You can only aff ord a team like cannot,” Kuznetsova said. good fi tness coach and physio. “I play since I am 14. Since 16, Pay a few travelling, rooms, it AFP 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) victory over Series semi-fi nal but must face really confi dent, taking all her ic said. “And that’s what it came I am professional. I was playing will cost you a lot. You can only Miami the French 16th seed. a veteran in Nishikori, who won chances.” down to.” eight months a year every year. be top 10 to pay that. Nishikori denied Monfi ls four their only prior meeting last Monfi ls had three early match I didn’t have anything. I gave up “I’m an investment. And it’s times in the 10th game of the year in Shanghai. “It’s exciting points in the 10th game, only to Azarenka seeks US double everything. Friends. Home. huge pressure. After you do not orld number one fi nal set and again in the 12th to play one of the best players in fi re errant backhands each time, Azarenka, ranked eighth, im- “I think we do deserve (equal do so well, you cannot cover your and defending before taking the last three tie- the world,” Kyrgios said. and Nishikori rescued a fourth proved to 7-1 against Kerber, the pay). We give more than 100 own team.” champion Novak breaker points to end a tension- “He has got an unbelievable with a forehand winner then only loss coming in this year’s Djokovic advanced packed thriller after two hours return of serve, moves unbe- saved a fi fth in the 12th game Australian Open quarter-fi nals, Wto the fi nal of the ATP and WTA and 29 minutes. lievably fast. It’s going to be a with a forehand winner, setting by breaking the second seed Miami Open yesterday by de- “I thought, ‘That’s it. It’s go- tough match.” up the tie-breaker. three times in the fi rst set and feating Belgian 15th seed David ing to be tough to come back,’” Azarenka, the 2012 and 2013 Trailing 4-3 in the tie-break- four in the second. Goffi n 7-6 (7/5), 6-4. Nishikori said. Australian Open champion er, Monfi ls netted a forehand “I kept pounding and trying The 28-year-old Serbian will “But I tried to play one good from Belarus, defeated reigning volley and sent another fore- to break her rhythm,” Azarenka try to match the career record of point at a time. I had to focus to Australian Open champion An- hand long before Nishikori end- said. “I’m glad I stayed really six Miami crowns won by Andre come back and I did it.” gelique Kerber of Germany 6-2, ed it with a forehand winner. strong.” Agassi by capturing his third Nishikori, the 2014 US Open 7-5, while Russian 30-year-old “I had the opportunity to Azarenka, the 2009 and 2011 consecutive title at the hard- runner-up, will play Friday for Kuznetsova, the 2004 US Open close it out but Kei played Miami champion, will crack court event tomorrow against a berth in Sunday’s fi nal against and 2009 French Open champi- strong,” Monfi ls said. “He the world top fi ve for the fi rst the winner of a later match be- 24th seed Kyrgios, who ousted on, beat Swiss 19th seed Timea fought well. In the breaker, he time since May 2014 and could tween Japanese Kei Nishikori Canadian 12th seed Milos Raon- Bacsinszky 7-5, 6-3. was just better than me.” become only the third woman and Australian 24th seed Nick ic 6-4, 7-6 (7/4). “It’s a fi nal so anything can Kyrgios took the only break of to win Miami and Indian Wells Kyrgios. “I have to return well when- happen. It’s a match where you his match in the opening game back-to-back after Steffi Graf Earlier Nishikori saved fi ve ever possible to get on his serve,” give it all,” Azarenka said. “She when Raonic hit a forehand in 1994 and 1996 and Kim Cli- match points to down Gael Nishikori said. “That’s going to is such a talented player. It’s wide. jsters in 2005. Monfi ls on Thursday and ad- be the key for sure.” going to be a challenge but I’m “I came out energetic and got Kuznetsova, the 2006 Mi- vance into a semi-fi nal show- Kyrgios, at 20, will become ready for it.” the break,” Kyrgios said. “That ami winner, ousted top-ranked down with Australian Nick Kyr- the youngest player in the world Kuznetsova and Azarenka got me more relaxed. I played Serena Williams in the fourth gios at the ATP and WTA Miami top 20 since 2009 on Monday. have split eight career meetings, really well.” round while Azarenka downed Open. “It’s pretty cool. I’m happy but Azarenka has won the past Kyrgios held serve through Williams in the Indian Wells fi - Two-time Grand Slam cham- with that,” Kyrgios said. three without dropping a set, the fi rst set and won the tie- nal. Kuznetsova, at 19th, is the pions Victoria Azarenka and “But there’s 19 guys in front most recently in the 2013 Aus- breaker when Raonic net- lowest-ranked Miami fi nalist Svetlana Kuznetsova reached of me.” tralian Open semis. ted forehands on the last two since 2005, but she would jump the women’s fi nal with straight- Coming off his fi rst ATP title “Vika, she is doing amaz- points. into the world top 10 for the fi rst set triumphs, but the top drama in February at Marseille, Kyr- ing,” Kuznetsova said. “She is “He came up with big shots in time since May 2010 by taking Svetlana Kuznetsova celebrates winning the semi-final against Timea came in sixth seed Nishikori’s gios is into his fi rst ATP Masters extremely prepared, playing the important moments,” Raon- the title. Bacsinszky during the Miami Open in Key Biscayne, Florida. (AFP)

RUGBY Late Emery try gives Highlanders win over Force

Reuters Despite some of the inten- Grant and Parker again slotted Christchurch on Saturday, the last year. “I know it will take a lot this point and are particularly sity of the collisions, the Force penalties before Osborne set up Press newspaper said. of hard work because there is so excited with our fi nal choice,” again failed to sustain their per- Emery’s try in the fi nal fi ve min- Dagg has been hounded by in- much competition in New Zea- Hoskins said in a statement. formance for the entire match, utes after the Highlanders had jury in the past 12 months, play- land Rugby.” “Today’s ratifi cation trig- eplacement Jason Em- though at least they did not suc- pounced on a loose ball at half- ing just fi ve games for the Cru- He had held out hopes of be- gers the fi nal part of the process. ery scored a late try to cumb like they had in their three way, which replacement fl yhalf saders last season. He appeared ing a possible late call-up if any- We’re looking forward to being give an error-ridden previous games. Marty Banks converted. in only three tests for the All one got injured in New Zealand’s able to confi rm our choice pub- Otago Highlanders a They have proved competitive Blacks, against Samoa, Argen- triumphant campaign in Eng- licly.” 32-20R victory in a bruising en- in the fi rst half of their previous Dagg to make long-awaited tina and South Africa. land but dislocated his shoulder Coetzee, who has just com- counter against the Western three matches, before getting return after shoulder injury An elusive runner when at against Auckland on Sept. 24, pleted a season leading Kobelco Force in Dunedin yesterday. taken apart in the second, losing All Blacks fullback Israel his best with a prodigious kick- the same day the All Blacks beat Steelers in Japan, had six years Both sides suff ered serious 31-14 to the ACT Brumbies, 41-6 Dagg will take his fi rst tentative ing game, Dagg was supplanted Namibia in pool play. in charge of the Stormers Super injuries with Highlanders’ prop to the Wellington steps towards a return to Super by Ben Smith as the fi rst choice Rugby franchise and was assist- Brendon Edmonds replaced in and then 53-10 to the Waikato Rugby, and ultimately a possible fullback for the All Blacks due to South Africa to name new ant coach to Jake White when the third minute following an Chiefs last week. recall to the national side, this inconsistent performances over coach on April 12 the Boks won the 2007 Rugby ankle injury, while Force fl anker The Perth-based side raced weekend during a club match in the last two years but was still a The South African Ruby Un- World Cup. Angus Cottrell was carried off on out to a 14-0 lead after 11 min- Christchurch. valuable squad member. ion (SARU) will announce the The 52-year-old also led a stretcher in the 61st. utes with tries to fullback Dane The 27-year-old has not The 49-cap Dagg was not new Springbok head coach on Western Province to four do- Force locks Ross Haylett-Pet- Haylett-Petty and number eight played since he dislocated his named in the All Blacks squad April 12 and Allister Coetzee is mestic Currie Cup fi nals, lifting ty and Adam Coleman also had Ben McCalman, which were shoulder in a provincial match for the 2015 World Cup with strong favourite to get the job, the trophy in 2012 and 2014. concussion checks after a sick- both converted by Peter Grant. for Hawke’s Bay last Septem- coach Steve Hansen saying he South African media reported. The Boks are looking for a new ening head clash when they were The home side were sloppy for ber. felt the fullback had not had SARU president Oregan coach after Heyneke Meyer de- attempting to tackle All Blacks much of the game with the ball in sweeping movements in the fi rst He needed surgery on the enough game time to play him- Hoskins confi rmed on Friday cided not to seek an extension of centre Malakai Fekitoa. hand as they attempted to play at half to leave the score locked at injury during the off -season self into form. that the organisation’s General his contract following the World Highlanders captain Ben a fast tempo and keep it alive at 14-14 at halftime. and the Canterbury Dagg, who said he was “gut- Council had approved a candi- Cup in England last year. Smith also failed a concussion all costs. Grant and Hayden Parker selected him under a medical ted” to have missed the World date, without revealing his iden- South Africa fi nished third af- test, while Edmonds’ replace- It was their ability to coun- traded early second half penalties exemption for the 2016 Super Cup squad, vowed to earn a re- tity, and the ruling body will now ter suff ering a humiliating pool ment Daniel Lienert-Brown ter-attack from deep, however, before Matt Faddes fi nished off Rugby season. call this year. complete the process of con- stage loss to Japan. was checked in the fi rst half, that allowed them to sneak to a scintillating break from Aaron The rangy fullback will make “I’m 27 years old and hope- tracting the coach and his man- South Africa begin their inter- which resulted in non-contested victory with winger Patrick Os- Smith to give the Highlanders a a rare appearance for the Uni- fully I can get back into that agement team. national season with three home scrums until he returned. borne and Dan Prior fi nishing off lead they never relinquished. versity club against Shirley in (black) jersey,” he told reporters “We are happy to have reached tests against Ireland in June.

Saturday, April 2, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

FORMULA ONE FOCUS No more paddock Rosberg sets the fi lms from Hamilton pace in Bahrain

DPA Hamilton said that his fi lms are Sakhir, Bahrain “not doing any harm” and good free practice for the sport as they provide the fans with insight from the drivers orld champion much more than a broadcast can The German, who is chasing his fifth victory in a row after winning Formula Lewis Hamilton do. had his smartphone “If a TV camera was here and One’s season-opener in Australia and the last three races of 2015, led both in his hand as usual they put it on the news there is no Wwhen he arrived at the Bahrain connection,” he told reporters on sessions with triple champion teammate Lewis Hamilton second Grand Prix paddock for Friday Thursday. practice but fi lming there is now “They (the fans) won’t know off -limits even for a Formula One what we are doing right now, they world champion. won’t know that we have these Hamilton likes to provide his kind of sit-down groups every millions of fans with short vid- Thursday. Here, this is my in- eos on his various activities off terview, this is what we do every the track on race weekends on Thursday.” social media platforms such as But Hamilton acknowledged Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and that drivers have diff erent ap- Snapchat. proaches when it comes to social But he has now been told that media. While he shares plenty of fi lms are prohibited and only stills information and insight, others allowed. The move has to do with like four-time world champion broadcast rights as TV networks Sebastian Vettel connect much pay big money for rights. less with fans in this way

BADMINTON India’s Nehwal storms into home turf semi

Ferrari’s Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen drives during the second practice session at the Sakhir circuit in Manama yesterday.

AFP patriot Wang Shixian 22-20, 12- Reuters after a great weekend in Melbourne and home of their major shareholders. and stopped late in the second session New Delhi 21, 21-17 in the quarters. Sakhir, Bahrain I felt really good out there,” said Rosberg. Button said the pace was genuine, for with a loose rear-left wheel. Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon “It’s been an encouraging fi rst day for a team who battled with backmarkers for “The nut is not on, that was the prob- defeated Taiwan’s eighth seeded the team. We were very quick on one lap most of last season, with a real hope of a lem,” the four-times world champion efending champion Tai Tzu Ying 12-21 21-14 22-20 in hampionship leader Nico Ros- and also on the longer runs, so I’m re- top 10 grid position. said over the team radio. Saina Nehwal stormed another closely contested quar- berg lapped more than a second ally looking forward to qualifying and the “It was only practice but it was a lot Belgian Stoff el Vandoorne got to grips into a home turf semi- ter fi nal match, while India’s quicker than last year’s pole po- race.” more fun than normal,” he said. “Relia- with the McLaren ahead of his Formula fi nal at the India Open Pusarla Sindhu lost to South sition time as Mercedes domi- Hamilton, winner for the past two bility-wise everything was good and it One race debut as stand-in for the injured yesterday,D with Japan’s number Korean Bae Yeon Ju 15-21, 21-15, natedC Bahrain Grand Prix practice yes- years in Bahrain, was the only other driv- was fun to have a car that was enjoyable Fernando Alonso and was 18th on the two seed Kento Momota booking 21-15. terday. er to lap below the 1:32 mark with a best to drive.” 22-driver timesheet in the fi rst session. his place in men’s event. On men’s side, Japan’s Kento The German, who is chasing his fi fth eff ort of 1:31.242 and he agreed the Mer- Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen had been The rookie moved up to 11th after an- Second seed Nehwal had a Momota thrashed Denmark’s victory in a row after winning Formula cedes was performing impressively. third fastest in the afternoon practice, other 30 laps in the second practice. tough fi ght to down fi fth seed unseeded Hans-Kristian Vittin- One’s season-opener in Australia and the “There were no surprises or issues to a hefty 1.834 off Rosberg’s pace on the Vandoorne, who fl ew in from Japan South Korean Sung Ji Hyun in 83 ghus in straight sets 21-8, 21-9 to last three races of 2015, led both sessions report throughout both practice sessions, same soft tyres as the Mercedes pair. where he is racing in the Super Formula minutes. qualify for the next round today. with triple champion teammate Lewis which is always a good sign,” said the The Red Bulls of Australian Daniel Ric- series this season, had not previously The 26-year-old dropped the Fifth seed Dane Viktor Ax- Hamilton second. Briton. “There’s some work to do tonight ciardo and Russian Daniil Kvyat were driven the 2016 McLaren. fi rst set but battled hard to win elsen beat Wei Nan of Hong Kong Rosberg’s best lap of one minute 31.001 in terms of fi nding a few improvements fourth and fi fth in that same session but Spaniard Alonso was ruled out on 19-21, 21-14, 21-19 in front of a 21-17, 21-12. seconds, in the fl oodlit evening session from the car and also my driving style.” Toro Rosso’s Max Verstappen and Raik- Thursday, after failing to pass a medi- cheering home crowd. On Thursday star shuttlers Lin at the Sakhir circuit compared to Hamil- Jenson Button produced a third best konen fi lled those places in the evening. cal following his big crash in Australia, The Olympic bronze medallist Dan of China and Malaysia’s Lee ton’s 2015 pole of 1.32.671. time of 1:32.281 on the super-soft tyres, Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, third in Aus- and could also miss the following race in will next meet world number 2 Li Chong Wei crashed out of the “I couldn’t wait to get back in the car his lap just what McLaren wanted in the tralia, was sixth but pulled off the track China on April 17. Xuerui of China, who beat com- tournament.

MOTORCYCLING Rossi hopes to celebrate 20 years in saddle with second straight win in Argentina

AFP snatched a third world title instead. Victory at Argentina’s Rio Rio Hondo, Argentina “Last year, we had an excellent race,” Hondo track 12 months ago set said Rossi, who fought wheel to wheel Rossi on his way to what looked with bitter Honda rival Marc Marquez increasingly like it would be a 10th ine-time world champion in an intriguing duel which ended with title until his season imploded in Valentino Rossi hopes to cel- the Spaniard falling off his bike before the closing stages and Yamaha ebrate 20 years as a world coming home in second. “It will be dif- teammate Jorge Lorenzo championship rider with a fi cult to repeat the same result this year snatched a third world title instead secondN successive Grand Prix of Argen- but we are going to try. tina victory tomorrow. “I couldn’t get onto the podium in races held in Argentina—he was fi fth in The 37-year-old Italian made his de- Qatar (last month’s season-opener 2015 and third in 2014. but in the lower 125cc class in Malaysia where he fi nished fourth) but I still had “I want to race at a circuit where in in 1996 before winning his fi rst world a good race anyway. We worked well the past we struggled a bit. On the oth- title the following year. throughout the weekend. er hand, we need to keep our feet on the A 250cc world crown followed two “In Argentina we will have to do the ground,” said Lorenzo. seasons later with seven in the elite same thing, but we’ll have to do better “We started the championship in class of the sport placing him comfort- in the race, and try to get on the po- a perfect manner but we still need to ably amongst the greats. dium. I really like the Termas track and understand what the behaviour of the Into his third decade, Rossi has we will try to do our best.” bike is like for diff erent track layouts.” claimed 112 victories, 211 podiums, 61 In Qatar, 28-year-old Lorenzo start- Marquez, the 2014 winner in Argen- pole positions as well as 92 fastest laps. ed on pole and won the fl oodlit race in tina, remains optimistic of another tri- Victory at Argentina’s Rio Hondo the Gulf for a third time, with Andrea umph tomorrow. track 12 months ago set Rossi on his Dovizioso on a Ducati taking second “It’s a circuit that I like,” said Mar- way to what looked increasingly like and Marquez in third. For Lorenzo, it quez, who revealed he had taken 60 it would be a 10th title until his sea- was a 62nd career win and 41st in the hours to reach the venue from his son imploded in the closing stages elite class. Spanish base. “We are always quick Italy’s Valentino Rossi rides his Yamaha during free practice at Termas de Rio Hondo circuit in Santiago del Estero yesterday. and Yamaha teammate Jorge Lorenzo However, he has struggled in the two here.”