SPORT

Thursday 23 March 2017

PAGE | 25 PAGE | 26 PAGE | 27 Hamilton eyes Spieth just Ageless Rossi fast start to wants Masters ready to give it new season to be over another shot Experience will be key for in 2022 FIFA Qatar eye home win World Cup: Ali Asad Armstrong Vas Qatar national team players taking part The Peninsula The Peninsula in a training session under the watchful eyes of coach Jorge Fossati in , oach Jorge Fossati on the eve of their FIFA 2018 World atar midfielder Ali has made a rally- Asad (pictured) Cup qualifying match against Group A ing call to Qatar Q believes that leaders . fans to come in experience and an large numbers inventory of skills will C and back their team in the be his assets as he crucial FIFA 2018 World Cup Iran coach . Qatar coach Jorge Fossati. aspires to be an ‘Al qualifying match against Anabi’ mainstay during Group A leaders Iran at the the 2022 FIFA World Al Sadd Stadium here today. Cup on home soil. Carlos Queiroz’s side, Speaking to www.sc.qa ahead their 2018 FIFA favourites to book a place for World Cup qualifier against Iran today, the 24-year- the show piece event in Rus- old Al Sadd player called the game at the home of sia, enjoy a slender his club “one of the most important in my career” one-point lead over second and added that he is prepared for even bigger occa- placed Korea Republic going sions that will beckon in the future. into today’s match, while the “The 2018 FIFA World Cup could be the last for hosts are in a do-or-die some of my teammates if we qualify, but I have age situation. on my side and can play in front of my country- The Al Anabi have to win men in the dream-come-true tournament in 2022,” all their reaming five said Asad, who has scored 10 international goals matches in the third phase, in 40 appearances. including the match against “Everyone in the QFA and Aspire Academy are Iran, to keep their qualify- doing their best to prepare a good team for 2022 ing hopes alive for next task and the very very Qatar Squad Iran Squad the qualifying campaign – which should contain a mixture of youth and year’s World Cup in Russia. important task ahead,” he with eight goals. experience. I will be 28 then, which is when mid- “I call upon the Qatar added. Hassan Al Haydos, Saad Abdullah Al , Mohammad- However, the experience fielders peak. As one of the experienced players in team fans to come in large Asked as to how difficult Sheeb, Ibrahim Abdul Magid, Pedro reza Akhbari, Rashid Mazaheri, of the squad, I will take on more responsibility and numbers and fill up the it will be to break into the Miguel, Hamid Ismail, Ali Asad, Mo- , Vouria Ghafouri, can't be understated consid- guide the youngsters.” entire Al Sadd Stadium, and rival defense which are yet hammed Kasola, Karim Boudiaf, , , ering his major contribution “Iran might be the highest-ranked team in Asia, cheer for the team. This is to concede a goal in the third Ahmed Yasser, Asim Umar, Moham- , Ezatollah in firing Team Melli to Bra- but this bunch is not as good as their side that came the time to rally behind the phase of qualifying Fossati med Musa, Luis Martin, Ali Hassan Pourghaz, , Mo- zil 2014. here for the 2014 qualifiers and drew. Iran and players and support the said: “Iran has a compact Afif, Ali Zainabuddin, Khizar Kamal, hammad Ansari, , Despite starting on the have more experience playing in these team,” said the 64 year- old, defense and it is quite an bench, the 29-year-old for- big-match situations, but we can surprise them.” Abdul Matal, Sebastian Soria, Rod- Saeid Ezatollahi, Ali Karimi, Omid who took over from Jose achievement not to concede ward showed a glimpse of The attacking midfielder shed some light on rigo Tabata, Umar Bari, Mishal Ab- Ebrahimi, , Sardar Daniel Carreno, who was in a goal.” his genius by coming on and Qatar’s tactics ahead of the game. “We will attack, charge of the team during The Iranians currently dullah, Ahmed Mohammed, Yasser Azmoun, Reza Ghoochannejhad, breaking the deadlock as we need at least four points from the next two the 2-0 loss in . lead Group A by a solitary Abubakr, Khalifa Abubakr, Al Hadi , , against Qatar with an injury- games to remain in contention for World Cup qual- Qatar lost the away point (11 points) from sec- Ali, Yusuf Hussain, Bualem Khoukhi, , , time strike, which set them ification. A win at home is easier to achieve, even match on September 1 in ond-placed Korea Republic Akram Ali Afif and Fahad Ali. Sasan Ansari on the road to a 2-0 win. if the opponents are Iran, than claiming three points Tehran, with both goals while Uzbekistan remain hot Coach: Jorge Fossati Coach: Carlos Queiroz After the Iran match, in Tashkent,” he said. coming in second-half stop- on their heels in third place Qatar travel to Tashkent to “I am happy to have contributed significantly page time. in the group with 9 points. move which will lift the pro- Syria 1-0 and claiming a take on Uzbekistan on March in the win against Syria in October,” said the man Qatar are currently at Fossati’s opposite file of the game in the point in China. 28. Qatar next three who is equally comfortable manning the central the fifth spot with four points number, Queiroz on the country and in the region,” On the other hand, Que- matches are on June 13 midfield and the left wing. from five matches in the other hand wish his oppo- he said. iroz’s side are the only against Korea Republic, “Even more satisfying was that the perform- group which includes also nents luck ahead of the Syria lead the chasing unbeaten team in Group A Syria on August 31 while they ance came after I had not started against Uzbekistan includes South Korea, qualifier and is hoping they pack but sit four points adrift and are yet to concede a goal conclude their engagements in Doha in September, and then I missed out totally Uzbekistan, China, and Syria. join his team in the World of the Central Asians, while The home side will be with a match against China against South Korea, both due to tactical reasons. “We have big trust we Cup in Russia. Qatar and China urgently without four players through on September 5. External circumstances affected our performance can do it. We are confident “Hope Qatar qualifies for require victories if they are suspension with Khalid Muf- The winner and runner- during the draw in China in November, but I am of achieving the target. We the World Cup in Russia but to stand any chance of tah, Ahmed Yasser, up of each group (four teams now focused for the immediate challenges ahead.” have planned well and not at the expense of Iran,” securing a top-three Abdelkarim Hassan and in total) will qualify for the The bigger challenge, Asad recognises, lies in hopefully it will come off on the Portuguese said. position. Meshaal Abdulla all unavail- 2018 FIFA World Cup, while surprising the world’s best teams in five years’ time the pitch,” said the Uruguay “The Qatar authorities Qatar got off to the worst able for selection. the third-placed teams of in Qatar. And he says he has given some thought tactician on the eve of the have been doing a good job possible start on the Road to For Iranians fans in each group (two teams in to the nature of his preparations. match. in prompting football in the Russia by suffering three Qatar, the cynosure of all total) will head to the play- “I would like to play in the English Premier “All my players are con- region and bringing the 2022 defeats on the bounce but eyes will be young Sardar off round of the 2018 FIFA League after 2018,” said the man noted for his ball fident and ready for the big World Cup to Qatar is a good responded well by defeating Azmoun, Iran's top-scorer in World Cup qualifiers. control and passing. FIG Artistic World Cup: Berki, Chusovitina cruise into finals

Fawad Hussain However, it was a tough day Qualification results The Peninsula for the hosts as Qatar’s Ahmed (Top 3) Al Dayani failed to qualify for the op stars including Krisztian final after finishing 23rd with Berki, 11,600 points. POMMEL HORSE Tand Emily Little got off to Al Dayani, though may be Berki Krisztian (Hungary) 14,833 a flying start as they entered the seen in action in the final as a Jingyuan Zou (China) 14, 433 points finals of their respective compe- wild card entrant with a decision Filipe UDE (Croatia) 13,800 points titions on the opening day of the expected after qualification WOMEN’S 10th FIG Artistic World Cup round, according to an Yan Wang (China) 14,566 points which got under way at the organiser. Oksana Chusovitina (Uzbekistan) 14,249 Aspire Dome in Doha Meanwhile, as expected, an Emily Little (Australia) 14, 100 points yesterday. intriguing action was witnessed Qatari gymnast Ahmed Al Dayani MEN’S EXERCISE The 2012 London Games gold in the women’s vault qualifica- in action during the men's Pommel Pablo Braegger (Switzerland) 14,133 medalist Berki topped qualifica- tion which saw star-studded Horse competition of the 10th points tion round for the men’s pommel line-up in action. World Cup at the Chia-Hung Tang (China) 14,000 horse final as the Hungarian col- It was Rio bronze medalist Aspire Dome yesterday. Romanian Marian Dragulescu 14,000 lected 14,833 points with China’s Yan Wang of China who topped Picture: Abdul Basit/The Peninsula Jingyuan Zou finishing second the contest with a tally of 14,566 with 14,433 points. Croatia’s points. Filipe UDE was third with a card Uzbek veteran Chusovitina (Hungary), Yuliya Inshina 24-year-old Swiss outsmarted (Kazakhstan), Kilchi Takenaka qualification also includes wom- of 13,800 points. took the second spot as the (Azerbaijan), Chaimaa Zemzami Chia-Hung Tang of China (Japan) Artur Davtyan (Armenia) en’s events of and China’s Ruoteng Xiao, Artur 41-year-old earned 14.249 points (Mauritania) also qualified for the (14,000) Romanian Marian and Oskar Kirmes (Finland). floor. The entry for fans willing Davtyan (Armenia), Robert Tvo- to finish ahead of Aussie Olym- final in the discipline. Dragulescu (14,000) to finish on The qualification round will to catch live action will remain rogal (Lithuania), Kilchi pian Emily who finished third Pablo Braegger of Switzer- top. continue today, with the male free. Takenaka (Japan), Ferhat Arican after registering 14, 100 points. land finished the men’s floor Also qualified for the final in gymnasts to compete for finals Qatar's Ahmed Mosa and (Turkey) also qualified for the Teja Belak (Slovenia), Tjasa exercise qualification on top by the event include Ferhat Arican of vault, parallel bars and hori- Jana Elkeky will also be seen in final. Kysselef (Slovenia), Zsofia Kov accumulating 14, 133 points. The (Turkey), Milad Karimi zontal bar. Today’s final day of action today. SPORT THURSDAY 25 23 MARCH 2017 Hamilton eys fast F1: Mercedes look to make start to new season early statement in Australia Melbourne Hamilton will be a heavy testing in the leadup but Reuters favourite to win at Albert neither driver won a race Melbourne Melbourne Park, although the Briton all season. Mar 24-26 Distance: 58 laps – 307.574km Lap: 5.303km AFP eefier cars and has deflected the hype Red Bull are the other 4 150 7 270 7 290 6 235 7 290 bulked-up driv- onto Ferrari and four- team seen snapping at ewis Hamilton will look to put ers will hit times F1 champion Mercedes' heels if they can Lauda Marina 8 3 120 his stamp on the new Formula Albert Park cir- Sebastian Vettel. avoid reliability problems 6 One season at this week's Aus- cuit on Sunday "I think Ferrari are of the past and drivers 7 L 9 Clark tralian Grand Prix, as he seeks to Bfor Formula One's season- bluffing and that they are Daniel Ricciardo and teen- 1 10 regain the world title following the opening Australian Grand a lot quicker than they are ager Max Verstappen, seen 8 300 2 Hill 8 305 shock retirement of reigning cham- Prix where many fans will showing," Hamilton said at as a champion-in-waiting, 12 pion Nico Rosberg. be hoping at least one team testing in Barcelona. can keep their growing Ascari 5 6 235 11 Ten years after his F1 debut at can strike an early blow German Vettel has rivalry from spoiling their Waite Albert Park, Hamilton arrives at the against dominant been busy playing down racing. 4 150 13 ALBERT PARK CIRCUIT downtown circuit as the leading light Mercedes. expectations of a Ferrari "We’ve been on six 4 5 190 Whiteford Jones Pit Senna of a sport now under new manage- Revised aerodynamics renaissance and has dinners already this 3 2 15 ment and featuring wider and faster and fatter tyres are among become a master of it since week. He brought me Chicane Lane Prost 14 cars. a raft of technical changes crossing to the 'Scuderia' breakfast yesterday 4 140 16 1 Hamilton, 32, was beaten to last that pundits feel could from Red Bull in 2015. morning. We don’t share 5 190 year's title by Mercedes team-mate bring the Silver Arrows Great expectations fol- a room ... not yet," Aus- 3 100 Rosberg, who quit the sport five days back to earth after they lowed he and team mate tralian Ricciardo joked to 8 310 4 160 8 325 3 4 160 2 90 later citing the intense pressures of swept the drivers and con- Kimi Raikkonen to Mel- reporters on Wednesday 1 Gear111 Km/h1 Timing sector DRS detection DRS activation zone competing. structors' championships bourne last year after a when asked about their Source: FIA DRS = Drag Reduction System © GRAPHIC NEWS This year, Hamilton will be face for the last three years similarly promising relationship. renewed competition from Ferrari and running. Red Bull, who are expected to close Ferrari's strong per- the gap on dominant Mercedes, as well formance during winter STATISTICS FOR THE his new team-mate Valtteri Bottas of testing has added to expec- AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX Finland. Hamilton is revelling in the tations that the sport is in new generation of quicker cars, which for a shake-up, even as F1's RACE LAP RECORD: Michael Schumacher coincides with American group Lib- new American managers (Germany) 1:24.125 (Ferrari, 2004) erty Media's takeover and the exit of seek to rejuvenate a series 2016 POLE: Lewis Hamilton (Britain) Mercedes long-time ringmaster Bernie plagued by inertia. 1:23.837 Ecclestone. And yet Mercedes, 2016 WINNER: Nico Rosberg (Germany) "I'm finding the car is much more once again, appear primed Mercedes physical to drive than in the past," said to ride roughshod over START TIME: 0500 GMT (1600 local) Hamilton, who is seeking his fourth new-season hopes for a world title after victories in 2008, 2014 changing of the guard. WINS and 2015. Nico Rosberg vacated Mercedes won 19 of 21 races last season. The "Having spoken to the drivers, his Mercedes seat in a champions have won 51 of 59 races since the these machines are violent -- just like shock retirement from the introduction of the 1.6 litre V6 turbo hybrid power Formula One cars should be," said sport shortly after winning units in 2014. Mercedes chief Toto Wolff. the drivers' world cham- Red Bull, with Australian Daniel Ricciardo and While the Silver Arrows have pionship but his old team Dutch teenager Max Verstappen, were the only dominated F1, winning the drivers and mate and three-times non-Mercedes winners last season. constructors titles over the last three champion Lewis Hamilton Triple world champion Hamilton has won at least years, pre-season testing pointed to stands poised to take the 10 races in each of the last three seasons. He won other teams pushing hard. title back. 11 in 2014 and 10 in 2015 and 2016. He is the Ferrari topped the timesheets at German Rosberg only driver to have won 10 races in a season and testing in Barcelona, with Kimi Raik- thwarted Hamilton's bid not taken the championship that year. konen fastest ahead of team-mate for a third successive title Hamilton has 53 career victories, putting him Sebastien Vettel. and the pair's heated second in the all-time list behind Schumacher rivalry took its toll on both (91). Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel has 42, McLaren's drivers. Fernando Alonso is on 32 and Ferrari's Kimi Rosberg's Finnish Raikkonen 20. replacement, Valtteri Bot- Ferrari have won 224 races, McLaren 182, tas, is not seen as someone Williams 114, Mercedes 64 and Red Bull 52. who will create as many McLaren have not won for 78 races, a run that headaches for Hamilton, dates back to Brazil 2012. who will be going for his POLE POSITION third victory in Melbourne Hamilton was on pole 12 times last season and and 54th overall after win- now has 61, four short of the late Ayrton Senna's ning the last four races of career total and seven behind Schumacher's 2016. record 68. "I think he's one of Mercedes were on pole in 20 races last year and those guys who is not have been on pole in 56 of the last 59. going to be that difficult to manage, especially in the ROOKIES battle with Lewis," Rosberg There is only one complete newcomer this season said of former Williams - Canadian Lance Stroll at Williams. driver Bottas in a video McLaren's Belgian rookie Stoffel Vandoorne did posting for Formula One one race last year and scored on his debut, sponsor UBS. finishing 10th. "I don't know if he will MILESTONE be able to challenge Lewis Formula One has no reigning champion on the or even beat Lewis. That Mercedes British driver Lewis Hamilton motoring through the pits at the Formula grid for the first time since 1994, the season after remains to be seen." One Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne in this March 18, 2016 file photo. French great Alain Prost retired. Bookmakers predict Runs will come, says Warner Anderson concerned about

New Delhi experienced a similar downturn in myself, 'Am I actually doing the future of Test cricket Reuters fortunes during the last Australian work at training?' You always ques- summer and he started the second tion yourself, are you doing the right avid Warner has never suf- test againstg Pakistan on Boxing Day things at training and are you pre- London told yesterday. fered fromm a lack of without a Test centuryce to his paring as well as you can? Reuters "Obviously, it's great to Dconfidencee andand hishis name fforor aalmostlmos a year. Warner's track record means his see Twenty20 the way it is, experience of bbattlingattling He respondedrespon with a position at the top of the order is in ngland fast bowler drawing crowds and getting through previousus run match-turningmatch-turning 144 in Mel- no way under threat for the fourth James Anderson (pic- young kids into the sport, but droughts has the Aus- bournebourne andand followedfo that and decisive Test at Dharamsala, but Etured) is worried that there are still a lot of players tralian openerener up with an astonishingasto cen- the old questions about his ability to Test cricket is losing popu- out there who want to play convinced he will sosoonon turytury in a sisingleng session in score runs away from home have larity as attendances for the test cricket and see it as the be getting big scoreses on thethe tthirdhir Test in been raised yet again. longer format are declining, pinnacle. the board again. Sydney.Sydney. "Everyone in world cricket, with younger crowds prefer- "In the future, it's some- The 30-year-oldold "You've"You'v got to keep greats and legends of the game, have ring to watch Twenty20. thing that has got to be left hander has beenn telling yourselfyou you've had stints overseas or at home Anderson, England's all- "There is a concern. I looked at," he added. an almost singularar donedone thethe hard yards, where they've had some form time leading test think if you look at attend- Anderson, recovering disappointment foror you just ddon't lose it slumps, and that's just the game of wicket-taker, said the ances around the world, in from a shoulder injury, is set the tourists so far in overnight,"overnight," he said. cricket. I feel fantastic, I couldn't be launch of Twenty20 - the Test cricket they're on the to join Lancashire on the their enthralling TestTest "There"Th were hitting the ball any better but it's just first international was in decline and it's probably county circuit for the next series in India, hhavingaving toughtough periods that the runs aren't coming for me 2005 - and its growing only in England that we sell three months before England scored just 131 runsns in sisixx wherewher I kept on at the moment. That will come, it young fan-base had hit out most days for test host the first test against innings. Warneraearner David Warner tththinkingin to will turn around." crowds for test matches. matches," the 34-year-old South Africa in July. 26 SPORT THURSDAY 23 MARCH 2017 Doha Diamond League: Star-studded line-up unveiled

The Peninsula

world-class field of Olym- pic and World Champions A will kick off their outdoor seasons in Doha with an action- packed evening of exhilarating athletics expected in Doha on May 5. Tickets are on sale now at www.q-tickets.com to witness athletics’ biggest stars go head to head in the Doha 2017 IAAF Diamond League at Qatar Sports Club in this unmissable fixture on the Doha sporting calendar. Qatar’s most successful- ever athlete, Mutaz Barshim, will ensure an electric atmos- phere as he returns to compete in front of a home crowd for Qatar’s Mutaz Barshim will compete in front of a home crowd for the first time the first time since winning sil- since winning silver at last year’s Olympic Games at the Doha 2017 IAAF Diamond ver at last year’s Olympic League at Qatar Sports Club on May 5. Games. The 2014 World Indoor Champion cleared the second 200m where 100m and 200m final are the other stars who 400m and is one of only four in the Women’s Pole Vault “We are very excited to highest jump in history in the Olympic Champion, Elaine will compete in the 200m. men in history to have broken event. The 2016 Diamond Race welcome so many world-class 2014 Diamond League season Thompson of Jamaica, will face The Men’s 400m also 20 seconds for the 200m and winner will face tough compe- athletes to Doha once again this before claiming the 2014 and a showdown against last year’s promises to set Qatar Sports 44 seconds for the 400m. The tition from Rio 2016 silver year, including freshly crowned 2015 Diamond Race titles. He Diamond Race winner, 2015 Club alive with a thrilling head- Doha Diamond League will medallist Sandi Morris of the Olympic Champions. There will lost the title to Erik Kynard of World Champion and 200m Rio to-head between London 2012 provide an early opportunity USA and 2015 World Champion, be some enthralling rivalries the USA in 2016 and the two will 2016 silver medallist, Dafne Olympic Champion and 2011 to see the form of both sprint Yarisley Silva of Cuba in what ensuring a thrilling evening of go head to head once again in Schippers of The Netherlands. World Champion, Kirani James, sensations at the beginning of promises to be one of the most memorable athletics. With so Doha this year in a bid to get Multiple World Champion- and Beijing 2008 Olympic a World Championship riveting events of the evening. many nationalities represented, their 2017 seasons off to a suc- ships medallist, Veronica Champion and 2009 and 2013 season. Speaking ahead of the Doha Doha’s diverse community will cessful start. Campbell-Brown of Jamaica, World Champion, LaShawn Doha’s large Greek commu- 2017 IAAF Diamond League all have athletes to cheer on One of the most highly- and Marie-Josee Ta Lou of the Merritt. Merritt, winner of last nity will be able to cheer on meeting, President of the Qatar creating which promises to cre- anticipated events of the Ivory Coast, who finished year’s Diamond Race, is the their Olympic hero, Rio 2016 Athletics Federation, Dr Thani ate a phenomenal atmosphere evening will be the Women’s fourth in the Rio 2016 200m sixth fastest man in history over Champion Katerina Stefanidi Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, said: for people of all ages to enjoy. Crunch time for Argentina in World Cup qualifiers

Montevideo finish the day further down the problems, notably the suspen- injured. Jesus proved to be the AFP pecking order, outside of the sion of Arturo Vidal and a fitness catalyst for Brazil's resurgence fifth-place playoff berth they concern surrounding Arsenal last year, scoring five goals in six he unthinkable pros- currently occupy. star Alexis Sanchez. games. pect of a World Cup With a trip to face Bolivia in Sanchez trained with the Though there is no obvious without Argentina or the thin air of La Paz awaiting team in Santiago this week like-for-like replacement, Tite Lionel Messi could them next Tuesday -- where despite suffering an ankle injury still has plenty of attacking Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland practises on the move a step closer to Argentina have rarely performed while on Arsenal duty last options with a strike force led by Tbecoming reality today as the well -- it means the two-time weekend. Neymar. driving range prior to the first round of the World Golf South American giants prepare World Cup-winners can ill afford Today's other showpiece Liverpool duo Roberto Championships Dell Technologies Match Play at the Austin to face arch-rivals Chile in a cru- to slip up against the Chileans. game in South America sees Bra- Firmino and Philippe Coutinho Country Club in Austin, Texas on Tuesday. cial battle on the road to Russia Argentina defeated Chile in zil take on Uruguay in could also provide attacking 2018. Santiago earlier in the qualifi- Montevideo. thrust. Argentina, who last failed to ers, winning 2-1 in March last Brazil have transformed Uruguay coach Oscar Taba- qualify for the World Cup in year. their qualifying campaign with rez admitted he would have his Spieth just wants 1970, saw their progress towards However since then Chile six straight victories since new hands full dealing with next year's finals go awry in 2016 inflicted another soul-destroy- coach Tite took over last year Neymar. when back-to-back draws with ing defeat on the Argentines in following the Copa America Asked how he planned to Venezuela and Peru were fol- a major final, winning the Copa Centenario debacle, where the shackle the Brazil star, Tabarez Masters to be over lowed by defeats against America Centenario final on five-time World Cup winners replied: "If I had a formula I cer- Paraguay and Brazil. penalties last June, a year after were eliminated in the group tainly wouldn't share it." Although they bounced back an identical outcome in the 2015 stage. Uruguay also have a prob- Miami year. It brings a non-golf audi- to beat Colombia 3-0 in a home tournament. The Brazilians are now lem in attack with Barcelona star AFP ence into golf. And it will be qualifier last November, they The Copa America Cente- motoring towards qualification Luis Suarez suspended. nice once this year's finished to remain outside the automatic nario defeat prompted the for Russia, four points clear at That is likely to mean that ormer world number one be brutally honest. qualifying places in fifth place, departure of Gerardo "Tata" the top of the standings from Edinson Cavani will shoulder the Jordan Spieth says he can't "It would be best if I could with 19 points from 12 games. Martino as Argentina coach in second-placed Uruguay. goalscoring threat for Uruguay Fwait to get next month's reclaim the jacket but I believe A defeat against fourth- July, triggering the slump in form A seventh straight victory with support from Diego Rolan. Masters out of the way -- I'll be back up there sooner or placed Chile on Thursday in which has left their World Cup today will all but guarantee Bra- Elsewhere Thursday, Ecua- because he's fed up with being later because of the way I play Buenos Aires would leave qualifying campaign in the zil's place at the finals in dor will attempt to maintain asked about his nightmare col- the golf course, the success I've Argentina further adrift of the balance. Russia. their place in the automatic lapse at Augusta in 2016. had and the comfort level I have automatic qualifying spots. The only consolation for new Tite's biggest headache will qualifying spots as they travel to Spieth appeared to be cruis- there. "Whether it happens this And if Colombia beat lowly Argentina coach Edgardo Bauza be attempting to find an ade- Asuncion to face Paraguay. ing to back-to-back Masters year or not it will just be nice Bolivia in their home game, as is that opponents Chile are grap- quate back-up to Manchester Bottom team Venezuela host titles 12 months ago after open- when it's over, because that expected, Argentina could even pling with their own set of City starlet Gabriel Jesus, who is Peru. ing up a five-shot lead with nine tournament, it's a 365 day thing. holes to play on the final Sun- There's no other Masters. day in Georgia. "I won in Colonial three But Spieth's bid for history starts later. So as far as affect- went up in flames with consec- ing me when I'm in a China seek to lift utive bogeys followed by a tournament, I think that answer quadruple bogey on Augusta's is clear, it doesn't do that. 12th, allowing England's Danny "But as far as just having all fading campaign Willett to grab the famous green the questions be done, I'm jacket. pretty sure they will be." Spieth's meltdown has been Spieth faces Ryan Moore China against Uli Stielike's side in described as the biggest col- and Japan's Yuta Ikeda and Reuters Changsha's Helong Stadium lapse in Masters history, and a Hideto Tanihara in his first would all but end any hope of year later the 23-year-old round group this week. The hina coach Marcello a top-three spot for Lippi's Texan is looking forward to the American admitted Ikeda and Lippi has sought to bol- side. "Tomorrow's game is the time when he is no longer asked Tanihara represented some- Cster player confidence most important and our men- about his implosion. thing of an unknown quantity. ahead of a do-or-die World tality is crucial," the "No matter what happens "I've got a tough group. I don't Cup qualifying clash with 68-year-old former at this year's Masters, whether know much about two of my South Korea today as the Ital- Guangzhou Evergrande coach, I can grab the jacket back or I players, which is somewhat of ian attempts to encourage his who took over the job after miss the cut or I finish 30th, it a disadvantage to not know squad to display more Gao Hongbo stepped down in will be nice having this Masters much about their games," Spi- self-belief. October, told reporters. go by," he said ahead of this eth said. China have picked up just "I have repeated that very week's World Golf Champion- World number three Jason two points in five games to sit often to the players since day South Korean players gather for a training session on the eve ship-Dell Match Play Day meanwhile is backing Spi- bottom of Group A in AFC third one and they have to forget of their World Cup football qualifying match against China in tournament in Austin, Texas. eth not to be unduly affected by round qualifying and defeat about all the pressure and fear." Changsha, China's central Hunan province. "The Masters lives on for a last year's Augusta collapse. THURSDAY 23 MARCH 2017 SPORT 27

MotoGP riders pose for a photograph during a press conference held at Losail International Circuit yesterday. The riders will begin their hunt for the title when the Ageless Rossi ready to new MotoGP season starts on Sunday at Qatar's iconic Losail International Circuit. BOTTOM: Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi (left) speaks during the press conference while MotoGP World champion Marc Marquez of Repsol Honda give it another shot Team looks on.

Rizwan Rehmat best set-up possible. I‘m confi- The Peninsula dent that together with the team we will be ready for Sunday," taliantatalil an starstaar ValentinoVVaalentino RossiR Rossi said. hheheadsads intoinintto hishiis 18th18th yearye of MotoGP World champion bikebbikke racingraacing withwwith thethee inten-in Marc Marquez - the Repsol tiontioon ooff ddodominatingomminnating tthehe new Honda Team star - yesterday MotoGPMMootooGGPP seasonseeason whichw said he was happy with his bike Istartssts arrts onon SundaySuunnddaay atat Qatar'sQatar's iconicic settings. LosailLoL saill IInternationalnnternnaationnal CCircuit.ircuit "This pre-season was bet- Rossi,Rosssi, ridingriidding forfor MovistarMov ter than last year. I am happy YamahaYYammaahaa MMotoGP,ottoGoGP,, wwillill lalaunchunc the where we are. My team feels 201720117 seasonseeaason wwiwithth newneww team-te more comfortable at the start matemmatte MMaverickaaveerick ViViñalesñalñ at of the new season. We will see thethe nightniigghht racerace inin four how things are. We want to do days'daayys' titime.me. a good job. I feel good with the “I'm“I'm veryv bike," Marquez, the youngest- happyhappy thattha the ever rider to win three seasonseason ffinallyi premier-class World Champi- starts.starts. It‘s onship titles, said. headwind and therefore you beenbeen a He added: "This winter, we need a strong engine. It’s diffi- busybub had some changes o the engine cult to make any predictions for winterwi side, We are working hard to the race as the level of competi- andan it find the best set-up. We will tion is very high, but we’re about was know more in a few races.The to start the weekend with good first race of the season is always confidence and the desire to do a special one because you’re a our best," the 31-year-old Span- challeng-challe bit more nervous than usual! iard said. ing,ing, aandndn now The Qatar track is also one of Rossi's new team-mate I reallyreally needn the most special circuits on the Vinales - who impressed at to rrace,"ace," RRossi calendar and one of the main Valencia, Sepang, Phillip Island said.said. "You" things to consider is the sand, and Qatar during ore-season kknownow I start which can make the surface testing - feels happy with his new eeveryvery race quite slippery as soon as you get start in the Yamaha camp. withwith tthehhe iinten-n off the best line. The limit is very Vinales said he is ready to mount tiontion of narrow." a strong challenge in 2017 winning.winning. I feel Former world champion “I'm really happy to start the thethe samesamem way Dani Pedrosa, who finished in first Grand Prix, especially after now."now." top 5 of every pre-season test the tests during the winter were "Our"Our bike session this year, said there were so positive for us. We are really hashas iimprovedmpr improvements to be made. motivated to start this new era," a llotot dduringurin the “We worked well with the Vinales said. winterwinter and, team during the entire pre-sea- "After the amazing pre-sea- althoughaalthough wwee are son, including the last test here son, we can‘t wait to finally start notnoot yetyet OOK,OK we in Qatar, and little by little we racing and work hard over the willwwill wworkork hahardard dur- improved our bike and our per- next 18 rounds. I'm very curious inging ththee nextnext fewfew days formance," Pedrosa said to see how the Yamaha will inn QQatarata ar ttoo bbee rreadyead for yesterday. respond at the track during a thethe startstara t of thethe firstfirst racera of "There are still things we race and to see if we are going thethe seseason,"easasonon," thetheh 20152015 GrandGrand Prix want to improve here and there to be as strong during the race ofo QQatarattarar cchampionhaammpion sasaid.id. but they never stop working in as during the test. I'm so excited Rossi,Roossi, 338,8, aandnd VVinales,inales 22, Japan, and we’ll also do our best to start,” he added. willwwilll hhaveaavve fofoururur ppracticeractice ssessions,ess to continue in a good direction. British rider Cal Cutchlow thethhe ququalifyingalalifi yingng ssessionession aandnd the The track is very dusty and the (Team LCR) said: "We are quite warmwaarmr uupp rurrunn bebbeforeffore tthehe llightsigh go place is quite windy, so the grip pleased in the direction we are outouut ono SSunday.uunndayy. is generally not very good," the going. We have to find the right Valentino Rossi in action during the 2016 "We"We willwiwilll seesee whatwhhat the Repsol Honda Team rider added. balance. I guess that goes for all MotoGP Grand Prix of Qatar in this file photo. weatherwweatthher conditionscoonddittioons willwill be like "There’s a long long straight the riders. We look forward andanand thenthhene wwee willwwiillll trytry toto findf the where we typically have a starting the new season."

Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Rossi takes on skeet shooting rider Valentino Rossi and Qatar's multi-talented hero Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah pose for a photograph with Qatari star Al Attiyah following a shooting session at Losail yesterday. The Peninsula Al Attiyah, who won the race of the year at Losail Inter- Dakar in 2011 and 2015, is national Circuit, showing the nine-time motorcycle also an Olympic medalist in Italian the ropes and both men racing World Champion skeet shooting – taking the doing some shooting under the Aand a two-time Dakar Bronze at London 2012, and desert sun. Rally winner go skeet shooting? competing for his country Italian star Rossi heads Yes! That was the pre-event since 1996. into his 18th year of bike rac- ahead of the QatarGP, as Qatar's So the impressive Qatari ing with the intention of multi-talented hero Nasser athlete joined up with another dominating the new MotoGP Saleh Al Attiyah met the ‘Doc- multi-talented sportsman - season which starts on Sun- tor’, Valentino Rossi ahead of Movistar Yamaha MotoGP day at Qatar's iconic Losail the first race of the year. rider Rossi - ahead of the first International Circuit.