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VOLLEYBALL FINAL: 6:30 PM CRICKET India’s Manohar Al Arabi stand is elected ICC between El Jaish chairman

AFP Ayaz Memon said that Manohar should New Delhi now be freer to push for reforms with- out having to look over his shoulder. “It’s a positive move in a way that ndia’s Shashank Manohar (pic- now the chairman will not be linked to and fi rst Emir Cup tured) was elected International a particular board, therefore that nexus Cricket Council (ICC) chairman is not seen as something which is un- yesterday after championing re- healthy,” Memon told AFP. ‘Qatar Cup defeat against Jaish left a bitter test in the mouth’ Iforms to ensure the governing body “Having an independent chair- is not run simply for the benefi t of its man is a better situation than when a most powerful nations. chairman is president of a board. With Days after quitting India’s board, an independent chairman, you get an Manohar was unanimously chosen as independent point of view and inde- the fi rst “independent” ICC chairman pendent perspective.” following reforms designed to ensure Since India’s emergence as the most the incumbent no longer feels obliged powerful country in world cricket, the to promote his own country’s interests. ICC has often been accused of failing to “It is an honour to be elected as the exert its independence on key issues of chairman of the International Cricket governance. Council and for that I am thankful to Many of the game’s smaller Test- all the ICC directors who have put their playing nations have been accused faith and trust in my abilities,” Mano- of bending to India’s demands in the har said in a statement after the elec- ICC, desperate to attract tours by India tion at a meeting in Dubai. which can ensure their fi nancial secu- “I look forward to working with all rity by selling TV rights. stakeholders to shape the future of Some commentators have criticised cricket, which has a proud history and the ICC for not doing more to protect rich tradition.” Test cricket as players opt instead to Manohar had been serving as head of play in lucrative domestic Twenty20 the ICC in his role as president of the competitions, in particular the Indian Board of Control for Cricket in India Premier League (IPL). (BCCI) in line with the organisation’s IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla was previous system of rotating chairman- among the fi rst administrators to off er ships. Manohar his best wishes. But under reforms that he himself “We are all proud of the fact that an helped draw up and implement, the Indian is now holding the fi rst inde- ICC has amended its constitution to pendent position in the world govern- bring in direct elections for the posi- ing body,” Shukla told AFP. tion which will now be offi cially an in- In its statement, the ICC said Mano- dependent post. har had been the sole nominee for the The 58-year-old Manohar had re- position and was “unanimously elect- signed as BCCI president on Tuesday ed” for a two-year term. in a move that freed him up to run for Under the new reforms, the largely the ICC chairmanship, and his election ceremonial position of ICC president had been widely predicted. has now been scrapped. In an interview published after his “Mr. Shashank Manohar’s unani- Qatar Volleyball Association technical director Hussein Imam Ali, Al Arabi coach Maaouia Lajnef, El Jaish coach Zohair Belhadj, players and off icials pose with the Emir resignation from the BCCI, Manohar mous, unopposed election is a matter Cup trophy after a press conference ahead of their Emir Cup volleyball final yesterday. PICTURES: Jayaram said it was important to avoid “a con- of pride for India,” BCCI secretary An- fl ict of interest”. urag Thakur said in a statement. By Yash Mudgal “As BCCI’s nominee, am I not duty- “With his vast administrative ex- Doha bound to fi ght for our cause? On the perience he will provide leadership to other hand, as ICC chairman, I am ex- the ICC to strengthen the position of pected to protect its interests,” he told cricket at the global level. fter Al Rayyan’s failure, this The Times of India. “The BCCI looks forward to work- weekend it is Al Arabi’s turn “That’s why I have proposed that ing closely with the ICC for developing to try and stop the El Jaish the post of the ICC chairman should cricket.” juggernaut in the fi nal of the be made independent and it has been Manohar, who is a successful lawyer, AEmir Cup volleyball. accepted unanimously,” he added in an had only taken over as BCCI president Victory for Maaouia Lajnef’s side interview published Wednesday. in October 2015 when he returned for at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena a second stint in the position after the would give the Tunisian his second ti- THREE ‘BULLIES’ death of veteran administrator Jagmo- tle of the year and deny the Armymen Manohar has been critical of recent ICC han Dalmiya. their fi rst major domestic title. rule changes designed to give greater But he became frustrated after com- League champions Arabi entered the power to India, England and Australia, ing under pressure to introduce re- fi nal defeating Police 2-0 in the best- saying the game’s three most power- forms to the BCCI’s governance rec- of-there semifi nal playoff , while Jaish ful countries appeared to be “bullying” ommended by a panel convened by the overcame a stiff challenge from the 11- the organisation. Supreme Court, including age limits time champions Al Rayyan 2-1 for their The veteran Indian sports journalist for the organisation’s offi ce-holders. maiden Emir Cup appearance. “We are confi dent after winning the league and beating Police comfortably in the playoff s and we are mentally all set for the fi nal,” Arabi’s professional player Ivan Zaytsev told Gulf Times yesterday. For Arabi, the match also assumes importance as they will look to avenge their semifi nal loss to the Armymen in the Qatar Cup. “The Qatar Cup defeat against Jaish Al Arabi players celebrate a point during the semi-final playoff against Police earlier this month. left a bitter test in the mouth. I think we played a good level of volleyball and opposite player said. “For us the key of Belhadj. Simon played for the Cuban In 2009, the Cuban was adjudged now we have a chance to beat them in the match will be our service. We have national team for fi ve years and was the best blocker and spiker in the the prestigious Emir Cup fi nal,” the to serve strong.” a silver medallist in the 2010 World World League. Next year, he won the 27-year-old star said. Jaish and Arabi are clashing for a ti- Championships. He also bagged the best blocker honours in the World A bronze medallist of the London tle second time in the current season. bronze medal in the 2005 World Championships too. Olympics in 2012, Zaytse also praised Earlier, they were pitted in the season- League. The winners will receive Jaish’s game but said his team has be- opening QVA Cup fi nal and the army The 28-year-old Simon also wore QR500,000, while the runners-up will lief in their game to win the title. team emerged as champions 3-1, after Al Rayyan colours and helped them get QR250,000. The player of the tour- “Jaish is playing very good volley- rallying from one set down. fi nish runners-up in the FIVB Clubs nament will be richer by QR10,000. ball but we are also a strong side and Led by Cuban stars Simon and Oreol World Championship in 2014 in Belo The fi nal will be followed by the we have belief in our game and think Camejo, Jaish’s performances have Horizonte, Brazil. He was declared Inter-Community Volleyball Chal- we can do it,” the Italian player of Rus- been very good this season. Though the best middle blocker as well in that lenge Cup, a Qatar Volleyball Associa- sian origin said. they are in the fi nal for the fi rst time, championship. tion (QVA) popular initiative, which “Their game plan is very good. coach Zohair Belhadj says they are not “We have played some very good commenced on Wednesday with the Their receiving is of top quality and I getting carried away. games as a team and I hope we will live participation of four teams — the Phil- think their attack revolve around Si- “We must try to play the same, with up to our potential tomorrow against ippines, Sri Lanka, India (KMCC Indi- mon (Robertlandy),” the 202-cm tall the same intensity and spirit,” said Arabi,” Simon said. ans) and Nepal. Gulf Times 2 Friday, May 13, 2016 CRICKET

SRI LANKA'S TOUR OF ENGLAND ENGLAND TEAM SELECTION Sanga hopes Perera gets recall aft er doping U-turn Uncapped Vince, AFP and playing for English county side Sur- very successful career from here on in.” London rey. Speaking in Colombo earlier yesterday, “I’m extremely confused as to what’s Perera said he had gone through “tre- Ball in squad for happened. The labs came back with an mendous mental stress” and indicated ri Lanka great Kumar Sangakarra adverse fi nding in one of his urine sam- that returning for Sri Lanka’s home se- yesterday backed calls for Kusal ples and they named him, with the ster- ries with Australia in July was probably a Perera (pictured) to be called oid that was found. Suddenly, over the more realistic goal. Sri Lanka opener up to the current squad after the last two days, they’ve withdrawn that Sangakarra, one of the outstanding talentedS batsman was cleared to play fol- and said ‘we might have made a mistake’. batsmen of his generation, retired from AFP lowing an admission by offi cials that he “The poor boy has been out for quite a the international game last year with a London had been suspended over a botched drug long time. He’s very young, 25, one of the superb record of 12,400 runs at an aver- test. most exciting talents we have.” age of more than 57 with 38 hundreds. Perera was suspended during Sri Lan- Asked if Sri Lanka should fl y Perera, Last month, he scored 171 for Sur- ncapped duo James ka’s tour of New Zealand last Decem- whose three Tests have already yielded rey against Somerset at The Oval in the Vince and Josh Ball ber, after World Anti-Doping Agency two fi fties, to England, Sangakkara re- County Championship. were both named yes- (WADA) accredited laboratory said he plied: “I hope they do, because I think But the 38-year-old left-hander, ap- terday in England’s 12- had produced a positive result in an out- ahead of the start of next week’s Eng- when you’ve gone through something pearing on a platform with England Uman squad for next week’s fi rst of-competition test. land-Sri Lanka Test series, said he was like that, the best thing you can do is to be pacemen Stuart Broad and Steven Finn, Test against Sri Lanka at Head- But the International Cricket Council “extremely confused” by recent events allowed to play cricket again. said he had no regrets. ingley. (ICC) lifted the suspension with immedi- and added he hoped Perera would have a “But the sad fact is that, I think, when “I think I’ve had my time facing Stuart Hampshire batsman Vince ate eff ect late on Wednesday when it de- successful career from now on. you are provisionally banned, you can’t (Broad) and Jimmy (Anderson) and fast could well make his Test debut scribed the test as “an atypical fi nding” “Before this tour he would have been even train or use the facilities that inter- bowlers at international level,” said San- in Leeds, given there is now a va- that could not be construed as evidence in the T20 World Cup, opening up with national teams use.” gakkara. cancy following the retirement of doping. (Tillakaratne) Dilshan, which would have Sangakkara added: “Unfortunately, Sri “I thought I might miss it more, but I through illness of James Taylor. Alastair Cook needs 36 runs to Sangakkara, speaking at an event in been a huge advantage,” said Sangakkara, Lanka have lost a remarkable player for quite am quite at peace with the decision I’ve Nottinghamshire paceman become the first Englishman to London staged by sponsors Investec now retired from international cricket a long time now and hopefully he’ll have a made.” Ball, meanwhile, looks set to score 10,000 in Tests. (Reuters) compete with Steven Finn for the third seamer role in an attack set the middle. INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE to be led by James Anderson and “But this is going to be a dif- Australian Stuart Broad. ferent feeling...It’s something Vince, 25, already has fi ve Eng- I’ve been aiming for since I was Tait replaces land limited-overs caps. His bat- a little kid really. Defi nitely when ting style has been compared to I was growing up, playing for Hastings in that of former England captain England in a Test was still the Kolkata in IPL Michael Vaughan. number one.” Daredevils thrash The Hampshire captain has England will again be cap- Australian fast bowler made a sound start to the sea- tained by Alastair Cook, with Shaun Tait (pictured) son, including scoring a hundred the Essex left-hander needing has joined Indian Premier against county champions York- just 36 more runs to become the League side Kolkata Knight shire at Headingley in Leeds, fi rst Englishman to score 10,000 Riders for the rest of the sea- northern England. in Tests. Sunrisers at home son, replacing compatriot Ball, also 25, has made his case Alex Hales looks set to keep John Hastings who returned with 19 Championship wickets his place as Cook’s opening part- Hyderabad continue to top IPL table despite loss home with an ankle injury. for Nottinghamshire so far this ner, with Nick Compton in line to Tait, who went unsold in season. be given another opportunity at IANS auctions held in February “Both Jake Ball and James number three in what will be Eng- Hyderabad for IPL teams, joins a long Vince thoroughly deserve their land’s fi rst Test campaign since list of Australian players tak- opportunity, having performed their series win in South Africa. ing part in the latest edition well with the England Lions (the At Headingley two years ago, elhi Daredevils rode on a power- of the cash-rich league. national A or reserve side) and Sri Lanka won a thrilling match ful batting performance to defeat “Pleasure to welcome @ starting the season in good form with just one ball remaining to Sunrisers Hyderabad by seven shaun_tait32 to @KKRiders with their respective counties,” claim a 1-0 Test series victory. wickets in an Indian Premier family. Welcome Taity!,” said national selector James This time around Sri Lanka are LeagueD (IPL) clash at the Rajiv Gandhi In- Whitaker in an England and without batting greats Kumar Kolkata chief executive ternational Stadium here yesterday. Venky Mysore wrote on Wales Cricket Board statement. Sangakkara and Mahela Jaya- Chasing a target of 147 runs, Delhi did Twitter. “James has been a consist- wardene, both now retired from not face too many diffi culties from the The 33-year-old speedster ent performer for Hampshire international cricket. Hyderabad bowlers before romping home will join fellow Australians and England Lions over the past The fi rst Test, which starts at with 11 balls to spare. Chris Lynn and Brad Hogg few years. He is already well- Headingley on May 19, is the fi rst Despite the loss, Hyderabad continue at KKR, which is in a strong regarded by the England coaches of a three-match series. to sit at the top of the IPL table with 14 position to qualify for the in the short format and now has points from 11 matches. They have the playoff s. the opportunity to showcase his England first Test squad: same number of points as second-placed Tait is set for a second skills at Test level.” Alastair Cook (capt), Moeen Ali, Gujarat Lions but are ahead due to a supe- IPL stint after previously Meanwhile Vince, recalling James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow rior run rate. representing the former his Headingley hundred, told (wkt), Jake Ball, Stuart Broad, The hosts will, however, be disappoint- Rajasthan Royals, where Hampshire’s website: “Obvious- Nick Compton, Steven Finn, Alex ed with the fact that they have suff ered a he picked up 23 wickets at ly I was there not long ago, and it Hales, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, heavy defeat in their last home game of the an average of 27.82 in 21 was nice to spend some time in James Vince ongoing season. They now face three away matches. matches on the trot. Delhi Daredevils' Sanju Samson (right) and Rishabh Pant run between the wickets during Tait, who quit one-day Delhi, on the other hand, climbed to the the 2016 Indian Premier League match against Sunrisers Hyderabad yesterday. (AFP) internationals in 2011, has third spot with 12 points from 10 matches. made a mark on Twenty20 India in talks with Australia for The visitors were off to a poor start with runs off 26 deliveries with two bounda- short of his sixth half-century. The Aus- cricket with an impressive opener Mayank Aggarwal departing early. ries and three well-struck sixes. Samson tralian smashed six boundaries and a six to performance in Australia’s day-night Test: Sutherland But Quinton de Kock and Karun Nair (20) remained unbeaten on 34 runs, hitting a add 67 with Dhawan. Big Bash league. put together a 55-run partnership off 37 couple of sixes during his 26-ball stay in Next in, New Zealand skipper Kane He is known for bowling the India wants to host a day-night Test against Australia early next balls to build the foundation of a success- the middle. Williamson (27) joined Dhawan but the second-fastest ball in cricket year, according to a report, as the world’s richest cricket board ful run chase. For Hyderabad, Henriques was the best duo could add only 31 runs as leg-spinner history, which clocked 161.1 continues its backing of the concept which seems to be taking Pacer Moises Henriques gave the noisy bowler with fi gures of 2 for 19 in three overs Amit Mishra sent the southpaw packing kilometres per hour (100.1 root in the subcontinent. home crowd a glimmer of hope by remov- while veteran pacer Ashish Nehra (1 for 23) with Samson latching on to a brilliant run- miles per hour), in an ODI Australia and New Zealand played the first floodlit Test last No- ing both Nair and De Kock in the 10th over. was the only other bowler to get a wicket. ning catch at deep midwicket. Dhawan's against England at Lord’s in vember at Adelaide Oval and have found takers in Asia. The Australian got Nair with a beauti- Earlier, Sunrisers Hyderabad squandered 37-ball knock was laced with three hits to 2010. India and Pakistan are schedule to play twilight Tests this year ful yorker but was lucky to get De Kock's a brilliant start to fi nish at 146 for 8 against a the fence. while Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are considering following suit wicket. The South African star had at- disciplined Delhi Daredevils bowling. The rest of the batting line-up, except pending the results of domestic trials. tempted an upper cut to a short pitched The hosts were once again off to a bril- for Deepak Hooda (10), could not get into The Indian cricket board (BCCI) announced last month it would host delivery which sailed over his head to the liant start as the opening duo of David double fi gures with Yuvraj Singh scoring 8 a floodlit Test against New Zealand when the Black Caps tour later wicketkeeper. Warner (46) and Shikhar Dhawan (34) and wicketkeeper batsman Naman Ojha 7. this year and they now want to play one against Australia next year, The umpire awarded a caught-behind fi red 51 runs in the powerplay to lay the Cricket Australia Chief Executive James Sutherland has said. decision, but television replays later platform but lost the momentum as the BRIEF SCORES: Sunrisers Hyderabad 146 “I think there’s certainly some positive signals coming out of India showed that the bat did not connect with Delhi bowlers bounced back with some for 8 in 20 overs (Warner 46, Dhawan 34; and other parts of the world (on day-night Tests),” Sutherland said the ball. De Kock scored 44 runs off 31 brilliant eff orts. Mishra 2 for 19, Coulter-Nile 2 for 25) lost to on Big Sports Breakfast radio. balls with fi ve boundaries and two sixes. Warner, who has been in prolifi c form Delhi Daredevils 150 for 3 in 18.1 overs (De “Indicatively they’ve started to talking to us about the prospect of But Delhi faced no trouble from thereon this season, looked set for another big Kock 44, Pant 39 not out, Samson 34 not playing a day-night Test match against Australia when Australia as Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson took score but off -spinner Jayant Yadav foxed out; Moises Henriques 2 for 19) by seven tours in February and March of next year. them to victory. Pant was unbeaten on 39 him with a slower one to dismiss him four wickets “That’s just a pretty strong indicator of where things are at.” BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur did not respond to message and calls from Reuters seeking comment. BOTTOMLINE The first floodlit Test at Adelaide Oval lasted only three days raising doubts if the pink ball can last the duration of the required number of overs in an innings. But the Test also attracted more than 123,000 fans through the gates at the picturesque ground, a welcome sight at a time when Arise King Kohli as Gayle force loses power the game’s longest format is grappling with dwindling crowds with the advent of the shortest Twenty20 format. AFP riors in 2013 which remains the highest With authorities across the globe warming up to the idea, the New Delhi score in T20 cricket. subcontinent, the game’s commercial hub, has now embraced the concept. ‘YOUNG MAN’S GAME’ Pakistan will play a day-night Test in Australia in December and elf-styled ‘Universe Boss’ Chris But Krishnaswamy said that the 36-year- might play one before that, against West Indies in October, pro- Gayle is having to confront his old was showing signs of his age. vided the Caribbean nations agree to the proposal. waning powers after a collapse in “In this format you’ve got to be on Even Sri Lanka, who turned down Pakistan’s proposal to play a form, watching from the bench as your toes. It is a young man’s game. Also day-night Test in 2013 citing their inexperience with the pink ball, SVirat Kohli takes on his mantle as crick- whether you are a senior or not, you are are now considering the option. et’s superstar batsman. only as good as your last performance. Since bludgeoning a 48-ball century “Sure he is a match-winner on his day in the West Indies’ opening match of the but unfortunately there haven’t been any West Indies commentator Cozier World Twenty20 in March, Gayle has Chris Gayle days of late.” dies at 75 failed to get into double fi gures in one of Gayle’s decline in this year’s IPL mir- his worst runs of form in a glittering ca- rors his poor run in the most recent Big Tony Cozier, a legendary West Indies cricket writer and commen- reer. Bash League in Australia where he passed tator for more than a half century, died Wednesday morning in Although the West Indies won the 50 only once and was widely slated for Barbados, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) announced. He tournament, Gayle’s contribution after sexist behaviour after fl irting with a fe- was 75. Cozier was born in Bridgetown, where the press box at the his early fi reworks against England was male interviewer on live television. Kensington Oval cricket grounds is named for him in tribute to his negligible and he has also been in unchar- But while Gayle’s fortunes have waned, work as a journalist, radio and television analyst and historian. acteristically meek form in the Indian those of his Bangalore skipper Kohli have The son of Barbados journalist Jimmy Cozier, a newspaper Premier League. Royal Challengers Bangalore Captain Virat Kohli (right) and Chris Gayle. (AFP) been waxing dramatically. founder in his homeland and managing editor in St. Lucia, studied After scores of one, nought and seven, He has already scored 568 runs in journalism at Canada’s Carleton University before starting his ca- Kohli axed Gayle from the Royal Chal- “The thing is that in this game it is a player who has never been coy about this year’s IPL, including two centuries, reer as a reporter in 1958, working with retired West Indies cricket lengers Bangalore (RCB) team at the not reputation but your current form his own ability and calls himself the putting him well on course to beat Gayle’s legend Everton Weekes after becoming an editor at the Barbados weekend in favour of Australian rookie that matters,” Indian sports journalist V “Universe Boss” on his Twitter account record of 733 for the tournament with a Daily News. Travis Head and again omitted him for Krishnaswamy told AFP. where he posts pictures and videos of possible seven games still to play. Cozier, a wicket keeper and field hockey goalkeeper in younger Monday’s match against Kings XI Punjab. RCB skipper Kohli did not spare Gayle’s his high jinks with Kohli, including their Lacking the natural six-hitting ability days, edited all 22 editions of the West Indies Cricket Annual and While he was recalled to open the blushes when he spoke of the decision to dance routines and appearances at fan of Gayle, Kohli has sometimes struggled wrote “The West Indies: 50 Years of Test Cricket” in 1978. batting against the Mumbai Indians on drop him, denying he was rested after fests. to translate his form in Test cricket into Known to many as the voice of West Indies cricket, he began test Wednesday, he was soon back on the recently becoming a father but instead Since the IPL began in 2008, Gayle has the shortest format. cricket radio commentary in 1965 when the Caribbean lineup bench after scoring only fi ve before being backing the 22-year-old Head to bring been the tournament’s top overseas star, But the 27-year-old eclipsed all his ri- faced Australia and also handled television commentator duties caught by Rohit Sharma off Tim South- “more solidity”. thrilling fans with performances such as vals in the recent World T20 in India where for the BBC, Sky Sports and Australia’s Channel Nine. ee’s bowling. Such an assessment would have stung his unbeaten 175 against the Pune War- he was named player of the tournament. Gulf Times Friday, May 13, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT REACTION Fans’ support ‘humbling’ for Allardyce wants Norwich boss Neil Sunderland to shed escape artists tag

‘I’m relieved to go to Vicarage Road (to play Watford) with nothing on the line... But a Norwich manager Alex Neil applauds the fans. club like this can’t be cheering and doing a lap of honour just for escaping relegation’ AFP fi cult for me to accept that we’ve Norwich come up short.” Norwich are not a club known for hiring and fi ring managers. orwich City manager Neil, at 34, is one of the youngest Alex Neil declared that in the profession and took them he felt humbled by the up from the second tier in his reception of the club’s fi rst season in charge. Nsupporters after their relegation But he off ered no indication from the Premier League. that he was expecting to stay. The Canaries beat Watford “I’m saying there’s discus- 4-2 on Wednesday thanks to two sions to be had with the club,” goals from Dieumerci Mbokani, he said. “The club’s got to de- one from Nathan Redmond and cide what road they want to go an own goal by Hornets defender down and how they’re going to Craig Cathcart. go about it for next season. But the result ended up count- “I want to sit down with the ing for nothing as Sunderland beat owners and have a good chat Everton 3-0 to confi rm that nei- with them and see where they ther Norwich nor Newcastle Unit- are. I’ve had nothing but support ed can now climb out of the bot- since I’ve been at this club. I’ve tom three on Sunday’s fi nal day. got absolutely no complaints. That Sunderland were win- “They’ve given me their ut- ning comfortably was known most support. I can’t grumble long before the fi nal whistle at about any of it.” Carrow Road on a night when Remarkably, Watford manager Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo Quique Sanchez Flores appears scored for the visitors. more likely to fi nd himself in But the home fans stayed to need of a new job. applaud the players as well as Watford came up with Nor- singing Neil’s name. wich last season and never al- Whether he will still be in lowed themselves to become charge at the start of next season embroiled in a relegation battle. in the Championship remains to Flores also led them to a Wem- be seen, but the Scot was cer- bley FA Cup semi-fi nal, where tainly moved by the acclaim he they lost to Crystal Palace, but received. despite a satisfying season he is “That, for me, was really, re- expected to be replaced by club ally humbling,” he said. owners the Pozzo family. “I feel as if I’ve let them down. “The contract is very clear,” I feel as if we’ve come up short Flores said. “We need to meet, as a group, as a club. For them to to say what is our feelings. Both respond in that way, I didn’t ex- parties need to decide. We chose pect. I think it’s really unusual. this kind of contract and after Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce reacts after his team’s Barclays Premier League match against Everton at the The Stadium of Light. “I can only thank them for one year it’s important to share that. It makes it even more dif- feelings.” AFP “I’m relieved to go to Vicarage Road (to could ever get relegated, with the £5 bil- not criticising him, but I’ve used that as London play Watford) with nothing on the line. Yes, lion ($7.2 billion, 6.3 billion euros) TV motivation for the players.” I am staying next season, but a club like this deal kicking in, so we’ve secured massive Beleaguered Martinez brushed off SADNESS can’t be cheering and doing a lap of honour revenue levels the club has never seen be- questions over his future after Everton underland manager Sam Al- just for escaping from relegation.” fore and it’s a great relief to the staff that again succumbed to defeat, sparked lardyce steeled the club for a cru- The January additions of midfi eld- there won’t be any cutbacks. by Patrick van Aanholt’s 38th-minute cial close season as they bid to ers Wahbi Khazri and Jan Kirchhoff , and “They’ve said ‘never again’ the past free-kick. Newcastle issue end their reputation as Premier Ivory Coast defender Lamine Kone—who three seasons here after escaping from The Goodison Park side are in free-fall LeagueS relegation escape specialists. scored twice as Roberto Martinez’s side relegation, and that has to happen this after one win in their last 10 games and Allardyce hailed the club’s “miracu- were comprehensively beaten—have time. cannot now secure a top-half fi nish. apology to fans aft er lous” eff ort to secure their top-fl ight proved crucial in Sunderland’s latest “There were some grim days in De- The Spaniard admits that they have future with a game to spare after a 3-0 successful survival bid. cember, with fi ve defeats in a row, and found it diffi cult to come to terms with victory over Everton on Wednesday con- the only way forward was to get into the their FA Cup semi-fi nal exit to Manches- getting relegated demned neighbours Newcastle United ‘GREAT RELIEF’ market in January. That was the only way ter United last month. and Norwich City to join Aston Villa in Former Newcastle manager Allardyce we could survive.” “It was a tough result for us to take be- the Championship next season. added: “From January, we’ve been a Allardyce said that relegating his old cause we started well, but we didn’t have AFP “Tonight we are devastated Allardyce’s future would have been team. Our signings in that window have club Newcastle did not hold any greater too much in the fi nal third,” he said. Newcastle at our relegation from uncertain had Sunderland failed to upset proved crucial and now the next set of satisfaction and revealed that he had “We fought for every ball and put in a the Premier League, as I the odds by clambering out of the bottom recruitment over the summer is just as used the words of his predecessor, Dick lot of eff ort. What we focus on now is the know every single person three for a fourth season in a row. important. Advocaat, as motivation for his squad af- fi nal game on Sunday (at home to Nor- ewcastle United’s man- connected to this football But after guaranteeing a 10th con- “We’ve secured the fi nancial side of ter the departing Dutchman tipped Sun- wich City). aging director issued club will be” secutive Premier League campaign, the things by staying in the division. That derland for relegation in October. “All you have to do is prepare for the an apology to fans after 61-year-old said that he was relishing puts us on a par with all the other clubs “What’s sweet is proving Dick wrong,” next game and try to get the win. The Wednesday’s relega- McClaren in March, but with the challenge of helping to ensure “great in the Premier League next season. The Allardyce said. players gave everything they had, but Ntion from the Premier League, a reported release clause in his escapes” become a thing of the past. important thing now is that spend the “It was a challenge for me when he said since we played in the semi-fi nal, it’s saying the club were “devastat- contract that could be triggered “We’re safe with a game left and that’s money wisely on players. this team was going to get relegated. I’ve been diffi cult to get that intensity in the ed” and “truly sorry”. if the club were relegated. pretty miraculous,” Allardyce said. “This season is the worst season you got the utmost respect for him and I’m league.” Bitter north-east neighbours “We know that supporters Sunderland’s 3-0 win at home want to know what the future to Everton on Wednesday was holds and will want to hear more BOTTOMLINE enough to put Newcastle in the from us as soon as possible,” Championship as they were con- added Charnley. signed to the dreaded drop the “Right now, of course, Rafa alongside Norwich City and As- and the team must prepare for ton Villa. the fi nal game of the season but “Tonight we are devastated at after that, please rest assured our relegation from the Premier we will communicate more fully Calm down! Klopp urges patience League, as I know every single with supporters.” person connected to this foot- Some players took to social AFP tient’ when everybody is shout- have held on, he was satisfi ed ball club will be,” said managing media to express their feelings. Liverpool ing ‘Run!’ with their display. director Lee Charnley in a state- “Absolutely gutted! But we “We all don’t trust our quality. “Of course, it’s a big disap- ment on the club’s website. have to pick up and start again That’s what we have to learn. We pointment to concede in the last “I want to thank all of the fans to come back stronger,” tweeted iverpool manager Jurgen can learn that in the future, and minute,” he said. “But I think for the support you have shown Newcastle defender Jamaal Las- Klopp was thrilled with we will.” Chelsea played the perfect game. for the club you love throughout celles. his side’s late equaliser Klopp praised Chelsea’s “Defensively, we were well or- the season, in spite of this mas- Former players vented their in their 1-1 draw against showing and accepted that the ganised and off ensively we had sive disappointment and under- anger, with record goal-scorer LChelsea at Anfi eld, but bemoaned result could have gone in the the intensity to score a beautiful achievement. Alan Shearer tweeting: “You his players’ lack of patience. other direction, but for a strong goal through Eden. “Your support throughout has can’t pretend it hadn’t been Eden Hazard’s fi ne fi nish for second-half defensive showing “We should have killed the been magnifi cent, but I want to coming. Chelsea in Wednesday’s Premier from his side. game off and we had two or three pay particular thanks for the in- “@NUFC not learned les- League game left Liverpool star- He added: “They could have chances, but even though they credible backing you have given sons from 2009. Hard as it is for ing at a fi rst home reverse since scored the second, but (goal- equalised, we can be satisfi ed with to Rafa (Benitez) and the team me to say, well done Sam and @ the 1-0 defeat by Manchester keeper) Simon Mignolet did bril- the performance of the team.” during the latter part of the sea- SunderlandAFC,” added Shearer, United on January 17. liant and Kolo (Toure) and Dejan Hazard’s goal was a delight— son. referring to their last relegation However, an injury-time (Lovren) had one or two situations the winger weaving through a “Nothing more could be asked from the Premier League. header from Christian Ben- Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp acknowledges fans. where they saved our lives.” crowd of defenders before coolly of you and I am truly sorry we Newcastle now hold the un- teke ensured a point apiece and beating Mignolet—and it con- have not given you the outcome wanted title of being the most maintained the buoyant mood in plan. “I said to my players after faith in our own quality so we HAZARD’S ‘BEAUTIFUL GOAL’ fi rmed that he is back to top form you deserve.” expensively assembled side to the red half of the city. the game it was the most im- lost patience and when you lose Guus Hiddink is coming to the and fi tness after a quiet season. Newcastle’s demotion, which be relegated from the Premier Liverpool face Sevilla in the Eu- portant game of the season be- patience in football it’s always end of his temporary tenure as The Belgian has come in for an comes 12 months after a last-day League, according to the UK’s ropa League next Wednesday with cause we could learn most from diffi cult. Chelsea manager, but he has enormous amount of criticism victory against West Ham pre- Daily Telegraph. both silverware and a Champions it,” said the German, whose side “Without patience, we lost for- succeeded in repairing some of for his anonymous showings this served their Premier League sta- The club’s net expenditure of League place up for grabs and remain eighth, 10 points above mation. We had a lot of moments the damage caused by the dis- term and Hiddink believes he has tus, puts the future of manager £80 million ($115 million, 101 Klopp believes this result will pro- Chelsea. around the box when we shot astrous start to the season under more than answered his doubters. Rafael Benitez in doubt. million euros) on players this vide his side with precious mo- “We showed in the fi rst 15 when we should have passed. Jose Mourinho. “In every job you have criti- The Spaniard was in charge of season is second only to Man- mentum and confi dence. minutes what we are capable of. “I love this stadium and at- He was close to pulling off cism and it’s how you deal with giants Real Madrid at the start of chester City in English football. But he wants his team to learn We were great—wonderful foot- mosphere, but everybody lost an impressive Anfi eld win un- it,” said Hiddink, who will give the season before being sacked in Champions Leicester City’s the art of remaining calm when ball, without scoring. patience tonight, the crowd too. til Benteke intervened, but al- way to Italy manager Antonio January. net spend, by contrast, was just everything is not quite going to “But there was not enough It’s quite diffi cult to say ‘Be pa- though he felt his side should Conte at the season’s end. Benitez took over from Steve over £30 million. Gulf Times 4 Friday, May 13, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT APPEAL Baffl ed Kuwait clubs plead with FIFA to Pochettino extends end exclusion

Reuters abroad or receive FIFA funds. Mexico City The nation has also been sus- pended by the International Ol- ympic Committee (IOC), putting uwait’s clubs are baffl ed Kuwait’s participation at the Rio his Tottenham by their country’s exclu- de Janeiro Games in August in sion from international doubt. soccer and have urged However, sources close to the KFIFA to end the dispute they say Kuwait clubs said some sport- they have nothing to do with. ing federations had looked at the The Kuwait FA (KFA) was sus- situation and found no grounds pended by FIFA in October after for suspension. soccer’s governing body said a A letter from FIFA to the KFA contract until 2021 draft sports law constituted in- in October, seen by Reuters, said terference in the nation’s football the ban would only be lifted association. when “the Kuwait FA and its ‘It was an easy decision for my coaching staff and I because we can feel the The clubs have sent a delega- members (the clubs) will be able tion, headed by the captain of the to carry out their activities and appreciation of everyone here. There is no better place to be right now’ country’s 1982 World Cup side, to obligations independently”. lobby national football associa- The delegation includes tions to vote for an end to the ban former midfi elder Saad al-Houti at Friday’s annual FIFA Congress. who captained Kuwait’s 1982 “There is nothing that can be World Cup team. considered to be against the FIFA “This is very hard to accept,” statutes,” Kuwaiti MP Abdullah he said. “We just want to show al-Maayouf told Reuters. “Much we are separate from the gov- of the information that FIFA gets ernment and we want to return is wrong. things as they were before be- “What is very strange is they cause this is doing us very great placed us under these sanctions harm.” before any law was passed, it was Al-Houti is hoping that, fol- just a draft. We cannot be banned lowing Gianni Infantino’s elec- for something that has not hap- tion as FIFA president in Sep- pened.” tember, soccer’s governing body The suspension means Kuwait can be more sympathetic. teams cannot play international “Three are new leaders in the matches, including World Cup FIFA so we hope they will be qualifi ers, international club more understanding of the prob- competitions, transfer players lems and fi nd a solution,” he said.

Czech FA suspends drunk referees The Czech Football Asso- ing rooms and never came ciation (FACR) on Thursday back,” the association said. banned two referees who ap- It added additional assistant peared drunk on the pitch dur- Jech was “also under the influ- ing a top-flight game between ence of alcohol and allegedly FK Pribram and Slavia Prague even peed during the game.” the day before. FA head Miroslav Pelta said The FACR said fourth off icial the game’s referee and two Marek Pilny and additional as- linesmen would be suspended sistant referee Jiri Jech would until the end of the season lose their licences and face because they failed to prevent disciplinary action. the situation. “Pilny was visibly drunk from He showed no mercy for the the beginning of the game,” the two, whose staggering and association said in a statement. tottering is depicted in videos “He struggled for balance by posted on YouTube. the touchline, he fell, at times “They were not tipsy, they he ran with the linesman copy- were drunk. They don’t exist ing his movements.” for us any more,” said Pelta. “After 10 minutes he had to be Slavia won the game 3-1, guarded by a bodyguard, and at securing fifth spot in the top halftime Pilny left for the chang- flight with one game to play.

File picture of Tottenham Hotspur’s Argentinian head coach Mauricio Pochettino looking on during the English Premier League match against Manchester United. MOVING ON AFP ing staff and I because we can feel the ap- 1963 — if they avoid defeat at Newcastle scheduled to open in 2018. London preciation of everyone here. There is no United on Sunday. Looking to the future, Pochettino said: better place to be right now.” “We have seen Mauricio bring a tre- “The supporters are unbelievable, we Pochettino revealed two weeks ago mendous spirit and ethos to our club and have assembled a great group of play- Frank de Boer quits ottenham Hotspur manager that he had agreed a new contract, but embrace the attacking style of play with ers with huge potential that can get even Mauricio Pochettino has extend- Thursday’s announcement will come as which we have always been associated,” better, while the facilities we have to ed his contract until 2021, the something of a relief to Spurs fans af- chairman Daniel Levy told the club web- work in are world-class. as Ajax coach Premier League club announced ter the former Argentina defender was site. “We also have an incredible new stadi- Tyesterday. linked to the Manchester United job. “He has built a squad of youth and um to look forward to and now we are de- AFP The highly regarded Argentine, 44, His previous contract had been due to experience and this season we have seen termined to build a side worthy of play- Amsterdam arrived from Southampton in 2014 and expire in 2019. football played at the highest level—quite ing in such an exciting new venue. came close to leading Spurs to their fi rst sublime at times. “We have enjoyed a great season and league title since 1961 this season, only REVITALISED SPURS “Everyone at the club is delighted he we believe this is just the beginning. We jax coach and former for them to lose out to Leicester City. Pochettino has revitalised Tottenham, has agreed an extended contract and we have a long-term project and huge belief Dutch international His assistants Jesus Perez, Miguel helping to bring through young English all look forward to working with him in that we can achieve something big here Frank de Boer an- D’Agostino and Toni Jimenez have also players like Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Eric the coming seasons. I know he is as am- for the future. nounced yesterday extended their contracts. Dier and earning plaudits for the quality bitious for our club as we all are.” “This club has all the ingredients to heA was quitting the Amster- “I could not be happier to sign this new and intensity of his team’s football. The new contract means that Pochet- continue to challenge at the very top in dam club after failing to win the contract,” Pochettino said in comments Spurs have secured a Champions tino, who guided Spurs to a fi fth-place both the Premier League and in Europe Dutch title. published on Tottenham’s offi cial Twit- League place for the fi rst time since fi nish in his fi rst season, stands to be at and we want to be here to be a part of “Frank de Boer is quitting as ter account. 2010-11 and will be assured of fi nish- the helm when the club move into their what I believe will be a special period in Ajax trainer. He told the club’s “It was an easy decision for my coach- ing second—their highest position since new 61,000-seater stadium, which is the club’s history.” board in a meeting,” Ajax said in a statement issued in Amsterdam. De Boer’s announcement BOTTOMLINE comes after Ajax drew 1-1 against File picture of Ajax Amsterdam minnows De Graafschap on Sun- club’s coach Frank de Boer. day while defending champions PSV retained their hold on the said they still hope he’ll change trophy with a 3-1 victory against his mind, although a club state- PEC Zwolle. ment said the search for a suc- Ajax needed a win to claim the cessor is underway. Everton sack manager Martinez 34th championship in the club’s De Boer’s resignation “was 116-year history. not a big surprise, as over the AFP utmost integrity and dignity. spite reaching the semi-fi nals of PSV’s victory saw wild par- last few months we’ve been dis- Liverpool “He secured the club its high- both domestic cups. ties in their southern home base cussing his future at Ajax”, club est ever Premier League points Martinez has helped to bring Eindhoven, but in the Dutch cap- director and legendary former total, a place in the last 16 of the on talented young players such ital many Ajax fans slinked off in Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der verton have sacked man- Europa League and appearances as England internationals John despair at the end of the highly Sar said. ager Roberto Martinez, in both domestic cup semi-fi - Stones and Ross Barkley and anticipated televised match. “But as all contracts of signed the Premier League club nals. prolifi c Belgian striker Romelu “After four national champi- players run through until 2017 announced yesterday, “He has also played a key role Lukaku. onships the 2014-15 season was and because Frank is enormously confiE rming widespread reports in the development of several But his team’s defensive a disappointment and we wanted ambitious, I still hope he’d want in the British media. young players, managing their shortcomings have become in- to fi x it this season,” said De Boer, to serve out the contract,” Van In place since joining from progression to the Everton fi rst creasingly apparent in recent a former Ajax player, in the state- der Sar added in the statement. Wigan Athletic in 2013, the team and international hon- months and he has angered sup- ment. He had high praise for De Boer, 42-year-old Spaniard paid the ours.” porters by repeatedly emphasis- “We’ve done everything. But saying he was an “excellent am- price for a run of one win in 10 The club also announced that ing the positives. alas, what we hoped for and were bassador for the club who always league games and an FA Cup they have postponed their end- A banner saying “TIME TO expecting didn’t happen. made time for the fans, the me- semi-fi nal defeat at the hands of of-season awards ceremony, GO ROBERTO” was fl own over “I’m realising more-and- dia, the club’s social upliftment Manchester United. which had been due to take place Goodison Park during their 2-1 more that it’s time to do some- projects and sponsors”. “Everton Football Club re- in Liverpool on Thursday. win over Bournemouth last thing else. It’s better for me and Former Dutch defender De grets to announce that Roberto Martinez joined Everton after month and fans remained in the it’s better for Ajax,” said De Boer, Boer, who took the fi eld 112 times Martinez has left his position as leading Wigan to FA Cup glory ground after the match to pro- indicating that he may take a year for the Oranje, made a name for fi rst team manager with imme- and relegation in the same sea- test against him and chairman off from any coaching duties. himself as assistant coach of the diate eff ect,” the club announced son, replacing the Manchester Bill Kenwright. “It’s an option, but I’ll wait national squad thaty reached the in a statement on their website. United-bound David Moyes, Martinez’s sacking follows and see what lies ahead on the 2010 World Cup fi nal in South Martinez departs with Everton and took the Merseyside club Iranian businessman Farhad road.” Africa, where they lost to Spain. 12th in the league table ahead of to a fi fth-place fi nish in his fi rst Moshiri’s arrival in February as De Boer’s last offi cial job will De Boer took Ajax to four their fi nal game of the season at season. the club’s new majority share- be taking the team on a season- straight league titles from 2011 home to Norwich City on Sunday. File picture of Everton’s Spanish manager Roberto Martinez. He promised to steer Everton holder. ending tour to China, leaving to 2014. Dutch and international “The chairman and the board into the Champions League, but Frank de Boer, who left Dutch from the Netherlands on Friday, media reported that De Boer’s of directors would like to place Roberto has shown during his “Roberto has been a great am- they fi nished 11th last season giants Ajax earlier on Thursday, Ajax said. most likely successor could be on record their thanks for the three seasons with the club,” bassador for the club, conduct- and have failed to compete for a has been touted as a potential His contract is due to run Macabbi Tel Aviv trainer and fel- dedication and commitment Everton added. ing himself, at all times, with the European place this season, de- candidate to succeed Martinez. through until mid-2017 and Ajax low Dutchman Peter Bosz. Gulf Times Friday, May 13, 2016 5 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT IN SHORT New Bayern coach Ancelotti tells Goetze to switch clubs

Incoming Bayern Munich contract until 2017. coach Carlo Ancelotti has But Pep Guardiola has not Spain’s Euro hopes told Germany forward Mario fielded him regularly and the Goetze to look for a new club 23-year-old has hardly played if he wants more playing time, since a February comeback the Sueddeutsche Zeitung (SZ) from injury. said late Wednesday. This will not change under Citing sources close to the Ital- Ancelotti as the SZ said “he ian coach, the paper said that seemingly found no reason Ancelotti informed Goetze why he should dramatically pinned on silent by phone last week “that change the structure and hier- he could not promise him a archy of the squad.” diff erent role to the one he The SZ said that Goetze can currently has” - spending most leave for “20 million euros of the time on the subs bench. plus X,” amid speculation of a “Goetze got the clear signal return to Dortmund, but also from Ancelotti last week: If interest from Juventus, Ar- Goetze wants to play on a senal, and Liverpool who are saviour Iniesta regular basis, according to managed by Goetze’s former Ancelotti, then he would rec- Dortmund coach Juergen ommend him to switch clubs,” Klopp. ‘It happens often that players are written off . But now Iniesta is in one of the best the SZ said. Goetze also needs playing Goetze, who scored Ger- time to retain his place in moments of his life. Let’s hope he arrives like that in France’ many’s winning goal in the the German national team 2014 World Cup final, came to although coach Joachim Loew Munich for 37 million euros considers him an important (42.2 million dollars) in 2013 player for upcoming Euro from Borussia Dortmund on a 2016.

Dortmund sign rising French star Dembele Borussia Dortmund signed Dortmund’s sporting director France’s young player of the Michael Zorc told the club’s year Ousmane Dembele from website. Rennes on Thursday, the Ger- “He is strong one-on-one, he man club fighting off strong can play with both feet, he English Premier League inter- is good at nutmegging and est in the teenage forward. dribbling, and he is fast and Dortmund called the 18-year- dangerous in front of goal.” old “one of Europe’s most Dortmund have been tracking sought after talents” in a state- the young talent for a long ment announcing the transfer time. on a five-year contract. “BVB showed a lot of interest The Bundesliga side did not in me right from an early give a figure for the deal, but stage and they have always German media said the fee kept close contact with me - was in the region of 15 million this really impressed me,” said euros (£11.8m, $17.1m). Dembele, who came close to British media had earlier leaving Rennes last summer reported that Liverpool were before making a single top- ready to off er £28 million for team appearance. the France under-21 interna- “I can hardly wait to play in the tional, who was voted Ligue 1’s Bundesliga in front of more young player of the year last than 80 000 spectators in the weekend. Signal Iduna Park and to walk Dembele, born in Normandy, onto the pitch in the Cham- has been a revelation for pions League with my new Rennes this season, scoring team-mates,” he added. 12 goals and and five assists News of his signing emerged since making his debut in 48 hours after Bayern Munich November. prised away Dortmund’s “Ousmane can play nearly captain, Germany centre-back every position in attack,” Mats Hummels.

Wilmots laments lack of Kompany for Belgium squad File picture of Spain’s midfielder Andres Iniesta (L) controlling the ball next to his teammate Gerard Pique during a training session. Belgium coach Marc Wilmots “I’m terribly named a 24-man pre-Euro disappointed by Vincent AFP More signifi cantly, of those left from tournament in fi ve years. Iniesta joined Barcelona as a 12-year- 2016 squad on Thursday, with- Kompany’s absence, he’s Barcelona that glory run, Iniesta’s inclusion is the Without his sidekick of many years old and been a rock through a career with out injured captain Vincent our leader and he won’t most undisputed. Xavi Hernandez, Barca’s style has be- four Champions League and seven Span- Kompany. The 47-year-old be there,” said Wilmots Whilst, Del Bosque’s loyalty to Iker come slightly more direct to accomodate ish league titles. coach must reduce the list to ix years from delivering the most Casillas and Cesc Fabregas—despite a the talents of a forward line containing “Hero? No way,” he told El Pais on how 23 players by May 31 ahead of The coach has doubts over important strike of a football in dramatic dip in their club form—has been Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar. his life changed after that goal against the the June 10-July 10 finals. Barcelona’s Thomas Vermae- Spanish history, Andres Iniesta questioned, Iniesta, completing his 14th Yet, for Spain, the loss of Xavi and Xabi Netherlands in Johannesburg. And with Manchester City len, Dedrick Boyata of Celtic remains the cornerstone of a La season at Barcelona, has shone for his Alonso to international retirement has “Heroes fi ght against illnesses, or peo- centre-back Kompany set and Nicolas Lombaerts, who RojaS side hoping to rekindle former glo- side over the past two years. made Iniesta’s ability to set the tempo of ple who have to emigrate to feed their to miss the tournament due plays for Zenit St Petersburg. ries at Euro 2016. Iniesta was named in the FIFA world XI the game and breakdown mass ranks of children. to a groin problem, Wilmots All three will be monitored Iniesta’s extra-time goal in the 2010 for the seventh time last year. opposition defence even more crucial. “I am privileged that I play football named nine defenders in his during training. Wilmots World Cup fi nal against the Netherlands “It happens often that players are “He’s so good that it is impossible not and that at times I have the luck to make squad due to a number of added six players to a reserve will be his lasting legacy. But Iniesta’s written off ,” said Del Bosque recently. to play him,” said Iniesta’s former Barce- people happy by scoring a goal or giving a other injury concerns. list due to the number of technique, quick-feet as a midfi elder and “But now Iniesta is in one of the best lona boss Pep Guardiola. pass to help win a game. “I’m terribly disappointed by defensive uncertainties. humble off -fi eld demeanour have been moments of his life. Let’s hope he arrives “Nobody has a better reading of space “That is the good thing about this Vincent Kompany’s absence, Amongst them are Totten- pillars around which Spain’s back-to- like that in France. and time than him. national team, that we have given joy- he’s our leader and he won’t ham’s Nacer Chadli and Kevin back European Championship victories “We have to support each other in “But, above that, he has the ability to ful days to these anonymous heroes that be there,” said Wilmots. Mirallas of Everton. have been built. what we see, not in what we assume unbalance opposition teams. He is the don’t often get the chance to smile.” The Barcelona captain will be one of things will be.” player that always kills you in attacks and Whether the remnants of Spain’s the few remaining fi gures from all of Such is his importance, Del Bosque he is always there in the biggest games.” golden generation have a fi nal day of joy Keane tops bill in provisional 35-man Spain’s three consecutive major tourna- even left Iniesta out for friendly matches Yet, just as key to Iniesta’s status as a to off er with a third consecutive Euro ti- ment triumphs between 2008 and 2012 against Italy and Romania in March to national treasure in Spain as his World tle will depend much on Iniesta produc- Ireland squad amongst Vicente del Bosque’s squad in give his 31-year-old legs extra rest ahead Cup winner, is a humility often at odds ing his magic on the big stage once more The Republic of Ireland’s “Everything now is France. of the demands of a fourth international with modern footballers. in France. record goal-scorer Robbie about preparing for Keane headlined a 35-man Euro 2016 and that is squad announced yesterday why we wanted to play BOTTOMLINE for the forthcoming friendly a team of the calibre of against the Netherlands and the Netherlands as we the 2016 European Champion- aim to make the most ship. of our time ahead of the The Los Angeles Galaxy departure for France,” striker, 35, will go in search O’Neill told a press Turan seeks to shine on Euro stage of his 68th international goal conference in Dublin against Holland in Dublin on May 27, while, at the other end supporters, who have been AFP Galatasaray this month. teams in the history of the world. of the scale, Oxford United terrific, at the Aviva Stadium Istanbul “It’s an example for young I am very happy both for my own winger Callum O’Dowda has before leaving for the Euros people who dream. Because this career, Turkish young people won his first call-up. and that is something that is a success story. It shows there and the Galatasaray community. Ireland manager Martin O’Neill means a lot to the players be- rda Turan, who rose is a way in a profession by start- I think I can be a good example to will whittle his squad down to cause when we get together, it from a tough upbring- ing right at the bottom and going everyone,” Turan said. 23 players the day after the all comes together.” ing in a working class to the top.” “Every day I work more and match in preparation for Euro Keane, who is also Ireland’s Istanbul district to join try and be better. Both for my 2016, which will see the Irish captain, recently returned BarcelonaA in the highest-profi le ‘ONE OF BEST TEAMS EVER’ country and for the national tackle Sweden, Belgium and to action for LA Galaxy after move ever by a Turkish football- Turan, 29, was born in the Is- team.” Italy in Group E. undergoing knee surgery. er, has to prove his international tanbul suburb of Bayrampasa in While Turan insists he has re- “Everything now is about There was a place in the class at Euro 2016. 1987, and his fi rst matches were alised his dreams, some Spanish preparing for Euro 2016 and squad for Everton right-back No other Turkish player for the gritty western district’s media reports have suggested he that is why we wanted to Seamus Coleman, despite the comes close to the profi le of local team Altintepsi Makelspor. is unsettled at Barca after failing play a team of the calibre of fact he has not played since Turan, who moved to Atletico After his move to Barcelona, to fi nd a regular starting place the Netherlands as we aim last month due to a hamstring Madrid in 2011 and became a pil- the authorities in Bayrampasa under Luis Enrique and could be to make the most of our time injury. lar before moving on to Barcelo- announced that they had named tempted by a move to China. ahead of the departure for Shay Given, Marc Wilson, na, a team he describes as one of the street where he grew up Turan stands out as the most France,” O’Neill told a press Jeff Hendrick, Harry Arter, the best in football history. “Arda Turan Street” in his hon- gifted Turkish player of his gen- conference in Dublin. Jonathan Walters and David Despite his dream move all has our. eration. “We will travel to Fota Island McGoldrick also return after not been plain sailing for Turan He was snapped up in 2005 He is known for his uncom- Resort (near Cork, Ireland) for missing the March friendlies at Barca. He had to wait until by Istanbul giants Galatasaray, promising style of play. In 2015 a training camp and a game against Switzerland and Slova- 2016 for his debut due to a trans- a club to whom he retains an in- Turan appeared to hurl one of against Belarus in the week kia through injury. fer ban and he has yet to secure tense loyalty. his boots at the assistant referee afterwards, but this game Ireland play their final pre- a regular fi rst team place amid Then came Atletico Madrid, in frustration during a La Liga at the Aviva Stadium is very tournament friendly against rumours the team could sell him. where he was a huge favourite clash while playing for Atletico. important in terms of building Belarus in Cork on May 31 But Turan prides himself on File picture of Barcelona’s Arda Turan during his presentation. with fans and won La Liga in Despite his time in Spain, our match sharpness and get- before travelling to France on overcoming adversity and noth- 2013-2014 under Diego Sime- Turan makes no secret of his pa- ting into tournament mode. June 8. They open their Euro ing could set him apart more fi rst international competition right from the start,” Turan one, before his sensational triotism and pride in pulling on “It is also an opportunity to campaign against Sweden in than spearheading a successful in eight years. said of his career in an article transfer to Barca in 2015. the red jersey with the white star play in front of the Ireland Paris on June 13. performance by Turkey in its “I think it is a beautiful story for the magazine of his old club “I am part of one of the best and crescent moon. Gulf Times 6 Friday, May 13, 2016 SPORT

FOCUS Clock is ticking for Federer ahead of French Open

By Kevin Mitchell in Rome year. This normally would have been knew the jig was up for Federer. He isolation, and I cannot carry any lug- theguardian.com the biggest scalp of his young career, charged into the service box to return gage from here other than the positive but he beat a reduced version of the Thiem’s second serve, a fl ickering ges- information out of Rome. It (the loss) man who has won 17 slam titles. ture of defi ance. just needs to stay here - the result, oger Federer is out of the Ital- Federer rarely surrenders but there There was little he could, do, how- what I couldn’t do and how limited I ian Open, one of the few titles was an air of resignation in some of his ever, about Thiem’s focused charge was. I was far off . I need to see it com- he has never won during his 18 more expansive shots yesterday, espe- to the fi nish. He double faulted with pletely in isolation,” he added. years on the Tour, but there are cially in the second set, as if he would three match points in the bag as nerves Instead, Federer chooses to look Rmore pressing matters on his mind. win if he could but was not prepared grabbed at his arm, but fi nished with ahead with optimism form the back Whether or not the 34-year-old to jeopardise more important engage- an ace, as pointed a sign of things to pain which forced him from Madrid can recover from a straight sets loss ments to come. come as he could have wished for. last week. “I have a lot of hours on the to young Dominic Thiem in the third While he moved well enough, Federer’s loss means Andy Murray clay already this year, maybe not on round yesterday and get his ailing body showing no signs of discomfort when will returned to No. 2 in the world. match courts but on practice courts. in shape for the French Open in a fort- stretching, running or occasionally An hour or so after his loss, Roger I actually thought I could really do a night is problematic. stroking the ball with his old majesty, had put it out of his mind and was good result in Paris. Federer has made ominous sounds the sharpness was not quite there. looking ahead to making a full recovery “In the last couple of weeks it’s been of struggle this week as he tried to The pair traded breaks in a tight fi rst from back trouble before the French more diffi cult. I see my chances as not manage a back injury and the residual session, but the serving cycle put Fed- Open. The second seed remained posi- great to have the most unbelievable eff ects of a knee operation after the erer in the hot seat in the 11th game to tive with 10 days to go before the start run, but if maybe in three, four days Australian Open. remain in the set. Trusting his talent as at Roland Garros that he could come I can practice 100 per cent for next The Swiss almost pulled out of the ever, he ignored a top-edged forehand good and make a further impression on week, then I believe that something is tournament before his win over an- that sailed into the crowd to hang on clay at the major. possible again. other next-generation star, Alexander through deuce and force a tie-break. Already, the Rome loss is becoming “Clearly the way I’m playing right Zverev, on Wednesday and was not Thiem took his left hand off the line, and time seemed to quicken for erer netted and saved one of two break just a memory. “I knew I wasn’t good now is never going to be enough for even certain to start in this one. But he racket for a backhand winner, angled the veteran, for whom the clock nor- points with an ace but could do noth- enough for any result here, so that’s any good run in Paris, and then I also dragged himself to the line and gave it cross court through the ad-service mally ticks obediently. ing about the running forehand win- why I hope you don’t read into it so wouldn’t play (in this condition). I’m his best shot. box, to change ends 4-2 up. The turning point arrived in three ner that put Thiem 3-2 up and within much,” said the four-time fi nalist at still confi dent I will be fi ne somehow. Thiem, a prospect every bit as dan- It was as if he were mimicking Fed- quick exchanges just on the hour, in sight of what in normal circumstances the Foro Italico who will drop back to It really depends now on the next, I gerous as Zverev, won 7-6, 6-4, his erer, the ultimate classicist. He closed the fi fth game. A Thiem backhand would be regarded as a major upset. third in the ATP rankings on Monday. think, seven to nine days how I can re- third victory over a top-10 player this it out with another, this time down the was called out, then over-ruled, Fed- From there to the end, the crowd “I need to see this completely in ally play in Paris.” (With DPA inputs)

ITALIAN OPEN GOLF Asian Tour needs ‘independence’ in Thiem ousts ailing tie-up with Europe, Federer, Serena says Kyi Hla Han rolls past Christina ‘I’m going to have a meeting with my team, talk about options we have, stay in Rome, Paris or go back to Switzerland. Should I rest, train, do some more physio? AFP “The proposed strategic All that stuff needs to be discussed but I’m so happy I didn’t get hurt this week’ Singapore partnership with the Euro- pean Tour is meant to enhance playing opportunities for both AFP a Rome Masters fairytale for he head of Asia’s big- (tours’) members, which will Rome 22-year-old Austrian Thiem, who gest golf tour said a subsequently create greater is approaching 30 wins for the proposed alliance with opportunities for our players season having secured two titles Europe cannot com- to raise their game, ability and oger Federer’s Rome already and suff ered defeat to Tpromise its “independence mindset and move onto the Masters bid ended with Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber and identity”, apparently rul- next level,” Han said. a 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 third- in the fi nal at Munich nearly a ing out a full-blown merger. Han said he was encouraged round defeat to Austrian fortnight ago. Asian Tour commissioner by European Tour victories in 13thR seed Dominic Thiem, as Thiem admitted: “Of course, Kyi Hla Han said yesterday the past month by South Ko- world number one Serena Wil- maybe if Roger wasn’t 100% that his top priority was pro- rean youngsters Lee Soo-Min liams sailed into the Italian Open maybe I wouldn’t win today.” viding playing opportunities (Shenzhen International) and quarters yesterday. But the Austrian said it was for his players—whether a tie- Wang Jeung-Hun (Hassan Swiss third seed Federer, who still “very nice” to beat the big up went ahead or not. Trophy, Morocco). withdrew last week from Ma- champion he started watching as “The players strongly be- drid with back pain, admitted on a youngster. “When he started, lieve the Asian Tour must “We have the talent Wednesday he had been surprised I was 10, 11 years old. First of all, retain its independence and and depth in Asian to get past second-round opponent it was already very big for me to identity,” Han told AFP in an Alexander Zverev in straight sets. play against him in Brisbane, and e-mail interview. golf to see one of our Rome marks only the fourth now to beat him, even that he was “The primary focus for the players win a major tournament of the season for Fe- not 100%, it’s very nice for me,” Asian Tour is to always en- championship in derer, who underwent knee sur- added Thiem. sure we continue to provide the very near future. gery in early February, the fi rst More Swiss disappointment our members (players) with Apart from (Hideki) operation of his career. arrived a few hours later when Ar- playing and earning oppor- And amid ongoing back pain gentine Juan Monaco beat fourth tunities as well as a career Matsuyama, Kira- that has compounded his hopes seed Wawrinka 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, pathway, with or without dech (Aphibarnrat) of an 18th Grand Slam title in 6-4 as the Roland Garros holder partnerships with the other and (Anirban) La- Paris, Federer admitted: “I actu- sent a forehand long on match international tours.” hiri, there are other ally thought I could really do a point. Wawrinka had won his four The Asian and European established Asian good result in Paris. previous meetings with the Ar- bodies had previously talked “Now, after the last couple of gentine, the last in the Rome sec- about merging their playing stars like Thongchai weeks, it’s been more diffi cult. I ond round a year ago. memberships and business Jaidee, An Byeong- see my chances as, you know, as King of clay Rafael Nadal went interests, creating a mega tour Hun and KT Kim all not great.” into survival mode after dropping with the potential to tilt golf’s in the world’s top The 17-time Grand Slam cham- the fi rst set to Nick Kyrgios, but global landscape. 100, capable of pion only decided to face Thiem at despite being given a second-set But Han’s responses ap- the last minute, and the Austrian hip massage, the Australian hung pear to rule out a full merger contending and capitalised to fi nish off an obviously in before ending with a 6-7 (3-7), of the two tours, which former winning a major” ailing Federer in 1 hour 18 minutes. 6-2, 6-4 loss to the fi fth seed. Asian Tour CEO Mike Kerr had In the quarter-fi nals, Thiem will Nadal won with 24 each of win- backed before resigning late “They have the potential to play Japan’s sixth seed Kei Nishiko- ners and unforced errors, break- last year. be world-class players,” said ri, who swept aside French 11th seed ing four times in two and three- Instead, Han talked about a Han, who believes Asia can win Richard Gasquet 6-1, 6-4. quarter hours. Elsewhere, Lucas “strategic partnership” with a second major soon to add to A former four-time fi nalist who Poulille put out ninth seed David the European Tour to “enhance YE Yang’s 2009 US PGA crown. has never triumphed in Rome, Ferrer 6-4, 6-1. opportunities” for Asian play- We have the talent and depth Federer will now consider his op- Williams, meanwhile, over- ers and create “a pathway” to in Asian golf to see one of our tions as he tries to regain full fi t- came a tight fi rst set against com- global success. players win a major champion- ness ahead of next month’s French patriot and qualifi er Christina Kerr’s stance resulted in ship in the very near future.” Open at Roland Garros. McHale to prevail 7-6 (9/7), 6-1 deep divisions among play- “Apart from (Hideki) Mat- But as for competing in Rome, and maintain her bid for a fourth ers, fearful of a takeover by suyama, Kiradech (Aphibarn- Federer said: “My body’s just Italian Open crown. their European counterparts. rat) and (Anirban) Lahiri, there not ready... I’m not going to go The American world number one In December, after Kerr’s de- are other established Asian into specifi cs, because I’m not in is also seeking a fourth French Open parture, the old Asian Tour stars like Thongchai Jaidee, An the mood.” title and admitted her quarter-fi nal board of directors, including Byeong-Hun and KT Kim all in Federer said he will only be able opponent, Svetlana Kuznetsova, former European Tour chief the world’s top 100, capable of to gauge his expectations for Ro- who stunned 2015 fi nalist Carla Ken Schofi eld, was ousted. contending and winning a ma- land Garros over the coming fort- Suarez Navarro 5-7, 7-5, 6-2, should Four prominent Asian busi- jor,” he added. night. “I’m going to have a meeting give her a good run-out. nessmen were voted in as non- Han said that their suc- with my team, talk about options “I think it’s great,” said Wil- playing directors, three board cess was an inspiration, along we have, stay in Rome, Paris or go liams. “Right now she’s probably player members were also re- with Danny Willett’s rise from back to Switzerland,” he said. one of the best clay court play- moved and Han was promoted outside the world’s top 100 “Should I rest, train, do some ers out there so it’s the perfect from chairman to “interim to winning the US Masters in more physio? opportunity for me, win or lose, Tour Commissioner”. less than 18 months, and Asian “All that stuff needs to be dis- leading up to Roland Garros.” The fi rst priority for the new Tour order of merit champion cussed but I’m so happy I didn’t Third seed Garbine Muguruza board has been “to establish Anirban Lahiri’s fi fth place at get hurt this week. Happy I’m advanced over Latvian Jelena Os- better communications with the 2015 US PGA. through the tournament now and tapenko 6-1, 6-4. our players who are the stake- “Players will realise that can look ahead. I can pace myself. Romania’s Irina Begu beat Rus- holders,” Han said. these guys are also Asian Tour In a match you can’t really pace sian Darya Kasatkina 6-1, 6-4 He added, however, that players and they would start yourself,” he added. Serena Williams of the US overcame a tight first set against compatriot and qualifier Christina McHale to and Misaki Doi put out Brit Jo- talks with the European Tour telling themselves, ‘If they can It could be the beginning of prevail 7-6 (9/7), 6-1 and maintain her bid for a fourth Italian Open crown. (AFP) hanna Konta 4-6, 7-5, 6-2. were continuing. do it, so can I,’” Han said. Gulf Times Friday, May 13, 2016 7 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT New coach Joerger yearns for Kings’ Warriors fi nish off style of heyday

By Ailene Voisin The Sacramento Bee

he Kings hired a very Blazers; Raptors good coach. Dave Jo- erger won in the mi- nor leagues, won in Tthe major leagues and won his introductory news conference Tuesday in the club’s downtown offi ces overlooking Golden 1 Center’s construction site. beat Heat to lead 3-2 He struck all the right chords. He spoke about the new build- ing, the NBA draft, the team’s ‘Steph’s probably the only one who can make that shot’ salary cap situation, and sug- “I can’t help but look back and gested the area was a terrifi c be nostalgic about the heyday, geographic fi t for his active, out- the glory days of when Vlade and DPA doorsy family. Peja (Stojakovic) played, with Los Angeles Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry hoists the So here is the next question: Chris Webber and Mike Bibby MVP trophy before game fi ve of the second round of What does this mean for DeMar- and Bobby Jackson and Hedo the NBA Playoff s against the Portland Trail Blazers at cus Cousins and his future with (Turkoglu) and Doug Christie,” tephen Curry lifted his Oracle Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports the Kings? Joerger said, “and the way they second MVP trophy in “I don’t think we’re going played, and the chemistry they as many years before the to trade him,” Kings general played with, and the passion. It game, then carried the manager Vlade Divac told The was about the team, ball move- GoldenS State Warriors over the Sacramento Bee after the news ment. They helped each other; fi nish line and into the Western conference. “DeMarcus needs they protected each other. That’s Conference fi nals. a system, a structure. He needs the kind of people we want to be Curry had 14 of his 29 points rules, like we all do.” here.” in the fourth quarter, including That all sounds great, except Joerger, whose wife, Kara, and a dagger triple with 24.9 sec- for the fact that, among Divac’s daughters Alli, 13, and Kiana, onds left as the Warriors elimi- handful of fi nal candidates, Jo- 10, sat in the front row, arrives nated the pesky Portland Trail erger is regarded as the most with his Memphis luggage and Blazers 125-121 in Game 5 on player-friendly of the bunch. lessons learned at colleges in Wednesday of their semifi nal Mike Woodson has an edge. Nate Southern California (Chapman) series. McMillan is a no-nonsense dis- and Minnesota (Concordia and “Much respect to Portland ciplinarian. Frank Vogel follows Moorhead State) and later in mi- and coach Terry Stotts,” Warri- one set of rules. nor-league outreaches in Cedar ors NBA Coach of the Year Steve Ettore Messina ran his Euro- Rapids, Iowa, Sioux Falls, S.D., Kerr said. “We had to fi ght and pean teams with an iron fi st and and Bismarck, N.D. Projecting scrap and claw and do every- a steel clipboard. All of which a poised, confi dent demeanor, thing possible to win.” makes the hasty hiring of Joerger he half-jokingly recalled driving Ahead by two, Curry dribbled -- which totally contrasted with the vans and popping popcorn, the ball behind his back and de- Divac’s insistence on proceeding and one suspects taping a few livered his fi fth three-pointer of cautiously-- more than a little ankles as well. the night over Al-Farouq Aminu puzzling. Should anyone be con- But the Kings were most im- to send the sold-out Oracle cerned about the analytics on pressed by the fact he led the Arena crowd into a frenzy and shotgun weddings? Grizzlies to the playoff s in all give the Warriors a decisive 121- Furthering the intrigue came three of his seasons in Memphis, 116 lead. word late Monday that Mem- most recently to a 42-40 record “This is what you practice phis Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace and seventh-place fi nish with- every day for, to be in those is entertaining the possibility out an ailing Gasol and Conley. kinds of moments,” he said. of rehiring Lionel Hollins, the Winning sells. That never “Just let your mind be free, have crusty veteran coach who devel- changes. Whether Joerger can confi dence and knock down the oped the nucleus of the Mem- fl ip the switch on Cousins, shot. In that situation, I was phis roster that features Marc coax the big man into shedding trying to make a read, shot the Gasol, Zach Randolph and Mike weight and a bad attitude, re- three and it went in.” Conley, and was inherited by ... mains to be seen. Curry sank four free throws in Dave Joerger. Unless that happens, the the last 10.9 seconds to wrap up This new NBA is the same as Kings could channel John Wood- the thrilling win. the old NBA. It’s an unpredictable en, Pete Newell or Harry Litwack “Steph’s probably the only and political world. Joerger, 42, and still be left prepping for their one who can make that shot,” joins a franchise that is a sibling early vacations and frequent lot- Kerr said. of the Grizzlies, Brooklyn Nets tery appearances. “He made his free throws and really a coin fl ip and you’re not Raptors held off the visiting closers. We’ve been our closers shot my guy (DeRozan) said, be and Los Angeles Lakers in the Given that Cousins’ previous we got it done.” going to get any breaks playing Miami Heat 99-91 to take a 3-2 the whole year.” big, be aggressive, be me.” sense that they can switch jerseys coaches were criticized for ena- Klay Thompson led the War- either team.” lead in their Western Confer- The Raptors built an early Wade dropped in 20 points and colors and arenas, and still bling, or at least looking the oth- riors with a game-high 33 Damian Lillard scored 28 ence semifi nal series. 20-point lead and 82-69 with while Dragic and Josh Richard- reek of instability. er way as the immensely talented points through three quarters points and C.J. McCollum The All-Star duo had strug- 8:33 left in the game before sur- son had 13 apiece for the third- Asked about putting an end to All-Star center bullied team- on 13-of-17 shooting, while added 16 of his 27 in the fourth gled earlier in the tie, including viving some anxious moments seeded Heat. the Kings’ roller derby these past mates and screamed at referees Draymond Green had 13 points, quarter for the fi fth-seeded a frigid 6-of-28 in Monday’s down the stretch after two free “Every time it looked like several seasons, Divac quickly re- nightly, why should anyone as- 11 rebounds and six assists. Trail Blazers, who knocked Game 4 overtime loss before throws by Dwayne Wade drew they were going to pull away we sponded, “I already stopped it.” sume Joerger will be diff erent? “I’m happy to be done with down 16-of-36 triples in defeat. coming up big 48 hours later, the Heat within 88-87 with 1:54 kept fi ghting and pulled within The iconic Kings fi gure went Because this is Divac’s hire, this series,” Green said. “I’m “We lost 4-1 but we should but came back strong. left. one,” Wade explained. on to inject some humor with the presumably. And this better be just looking at it and see 4-1 but be proud of the way we pushed “We have faith in those guys,” But DeRozan hit a pair of foul “I said this is our time, we’re quote of the morning: “In Cali- his hire. If the second-year exec- it didn’t feel like that. I gained them,” Lillard said. Raptors coach Dwane Casey shots for a 90-87 lead, Miami’s going to make our move but fornia, they have that (fast-food) utive was pressured by principal a lot of respect with those guys “You have to give them cred- said. “Not one time did we Goran Dragic then slipped and couldn’t.” chain In-N-Out, and we’ve got a owner Vivek Ranadive to ditch and the way they fought.” it; they do what championship doubt their ability to score.” threw the ball out of bounds, The Raptors can wrap up the (team philosophy), in or out.” his expansive approach when The defending NBA Champs teams do. When it’s time to win DeRozan, playing with a and Lowry’s 12-foot jumper for tie in Friday’s Game 6 at Miami About the time the laughter Joerger became available, was will meet winner of the Okla- games they do things a little painfully jammed right thumb, 95-89 with 23.7 ticks to go end- and advance to the conference died down, Cousins walked into directed in no uncertain terms homa City Thunder-San An- better than we did.” said: “We just go out there ed Miami’s hopes. fi nals for the fi rst time in fran- the back of the room. He fl ew in to hire someone he had spoken tonio Spurs series. Oklahoma In Wednesday’s other game, and be aggressive. Shots just “I missed like four or fi ve easy chise history while the Heat from Los Angeles and planned to with only briefl y in the past, this lead 3-2, with Game 6 on DeMar DeRozan scored 34 weren’t dropping for us but we shots throughout the fourth looks to stay alive. meet with Divac, assistant GM becomes another lame chapter Thursday. points, Kyle Lowry had 25, and knew they’d come back around.” quarter and had the opportunity “Our guys love this type of Ken Catanella and Joerger before in Kings history. “Both team pose diff erent the two combined for the team’s Lowry added in reference to to make up for it,” Lowry said. competition,” Heat coach Erik the Kings offi cials fl ew to Chi- “I think it was a great decision problems,” Thompson said. “Its fi nal 13 points as the Toronto their fi nal 13 points: “We’re our “I hit a three and the next Spoelstra said. cago for the pre-draft camp. by us, hopefully,” Divac said.

NHL Blues blow out Stars in Game 7 to advance

The Sports Xchange Vladimir Tarasenko scored an However, the Blues scored Dallas empty-net goal with 4:40 re- twice in the fi nal 1:38 of the fi rst maining to make it 6-1. period to lead 3-0 after 20 min- Antti Niemi stopped eight of utes. Stastny sent a wrist shot he St. Louis Blues ad- 10 shots in relief of Kari Lehto- from the right of the Dallas goal vanced to the Western nen, who stopped just fi ve of through Lehtonen with 1:38 re- Conference fi nals for eight shots. maining. the fi rst time since 2001 Fabbri scored a power-play Then Berglund gave the visi- Tafter beating Dallas 6-1 in Game goal 5:23 into the fi rst period off tors a three-goal edge with 7 of their semi-fi nal series at a rebound to give the Blues an his fourth goal of the playoffs American Airlines Center on early 1-0 lead. with four seconds remaining Wednesday. Lehtonen stopped the initial in the first period. Berglund’s Troy Brouwer, Robby Fab- shot by Brouwer with a pad save, wrist shot from the left point bri and Paul Stastny each had but Fabbri popped in the rebound traveled in under Lehtonen’s three points and Brian Elliott for his third goal of the playoff s. blocker. stopped 31 of 32 shots for the Fabbri is the youngest player in Niemi replaced Lehtonen in Blues, who also got a goal and an Blues history to score in a Game 7. goal to start the second period. assist each from David Backes St. Louis were 52 seconds into Backes made it 4-0 in the and Patrik Berglund and two as- a power play resulting from a second with his sixth goal of the sists from Jori Lehtera. St. Louis hooking call on Goligoski against playoff s. Berglund set Backes up will face the winner of Game 7 Tarasenko at 4:31 of the fi rst pe- beautifully by sending the puck between San Jose and Nashville riod. Dallas caught a break late in just over the Dallas blue line on Thursday, with the confer- the fi rst period when an apparent from inside the neutral zone. ence fi nals starting on Saturday. goal by Tarasenko 2:21 before the Backes received it just inside St. Louis coach Ken Hitchcock is fi rst intermission was waived off . the Dallas zone and beat Niemi now 5-2 in Game 7s while Stars Tarasenko scored from the edge far post with a wrist shot from coach Lindy Ruff is 0-4. of the left circle with a shot that the right circle. Patrick Eaves broke the shut- defl ected off the stick of Stars Brouwer made it 5-0 with his out 5:05 into the third with his defenseman John Klingberg. fi fth goal of the playoff s with third goal of the playoff s. Eaves Ruff used a coach’s chal- 5:54 remaining in the second pe- scored on an easy tip-in at the lenge asserting that Tarasenko riod. Brouwer’s wrist shot from near post after Alex Goligoski’s was off side. A replay showed near the far post off the rush slap shot from the right circle Tarasenko’s left skate was just capped a well-executed 2-on-1 The St. Louis Blues celebrate with Brian Elliott (No 1) after a 6-1 win against the Dallas Stars in Game Seven of the Western Conference Second defl ected off Joel Edmundson. off side. sequence by the Blues. Round during the 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff s at American Airlines Center on May 11, 2016 in Dallas. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times 8 Friday, May 13, 2016 SPORT

BASEBALL NFL New Lions LB Williams has brains Scherzer ties record to match brawn

By Dave Birkett The Lions are banking on Detroit Free Press Williams’ football acumen to upgrade their thin linebacking corps this fall. ormer Georgia Southern He’s not likely to start - De- with 20 strikeouts assistant Mike Mutz al- Andre Levy and Tahir White- ways felt like he had an head will play most of the snaps extra set of eyes on the at linebacker - but should be fiF eld in linebacker Antwione ticketed for backup and spe- Williams. cial teams duties alongside Josh Williams, the Lions’ second of Bynes and Kyle Van Noy. two fi fth-round NFL draft picks, “(He’s got) good size, good played every linebacker position speed. Athletic. Good instincts,” in Nationals’ 3-2 win over the last two years, led the Lions general manager Bob Eagles with 107 tackles and four Quinn said after the draft. “We sacks as a senior, and was a big watched the fi lm, and when ‘So obviously they respect what they saw out of him’ reason the school won the Sun you watch that level of football, Belt Conference championship you really want the player to in 2014. jump out, like he’s dominating “We’ve walked off the fi eld at that level of competition. And Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer is halftime before, and he’s come I thought he played very well at doused with water aft er striking out an MLB record 20 batters up to me and said, ‘Hey, Coach, that level of competition, and we against the Detroit Tigers at Nationals Park. The Washington with this set, why don’t we really thought it would translate Nationals won 3-2. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports check this? This is where they’re to our league.“He’s a versatile hurting us. And this blitz’ll be guy. He can blitz, he can cover, good because they keep sliding he can play the run. So at the end the protection this way,’ “ Mutz of the day, we thought he was a said. “And there’ve been sev- good player to add.” eral times where I was like, ‘You Williams, who missed all of know what? That’s a hell of an 2013 with a triceps injury, start- idea.’ “ ed at weakside linebacker dur- Mutz took one of Williams’ ing Georgia Southern’s run to suggestions into account in a the conference championship in game against Georgia State in 2014. 2014. The rivals were in a shoot- Last year, after do-it-all line- it-out 27-17 battle at halftime, backer Edwin Jackson gradu- and Georgia State was moving ated and signed with the Indi- the ball at will out of its empty- anapolis Colts, Williams played set backfi eld. strongside linebacker in the Ea- As the teams made their way gles’ base 4-3 defense, middle to the locker room after a late linebacker in the team’s nickel Georgia State drive ended in package and stayed on the fi eld a turnover, Williams stopped in Georgia Southern’s dime de- Mutz with an idea. fense, as well. “It kind of surprised us that “He’s had experience playing they were running it so much, inside and outside, and I have no and we were walking off the field concerns with him covering and at halftime - we’ve got the lead, having to come off the fi eld at but they’re moving the ball on all,” Mutz said. us - and he grabs me and he says, Given the FCS competition ‘Coach, why don’t we check Williams faced in college and his Cover (9) to empty? We’ll be all average testing results at pro day over them,’ “ recalled Mutz, now (a 4.82-second 40-yard dash), the linebackers coach at Tulane. that might be wishful thinking “And I sat there and thought at fi rst. about it and I was like, ‘God Still, Williams said in his dang, that’s a great call.’ draft-day teleconference that “We hadn’t practiced it that he’s versatile enough and willing week. You only have a certain to do whatever the Lions ask. amount of practice time, and so “Georgia Southern is blue- we drew it up at halftime, and collar, and it’s hard-nosed foot- the very fi rst play, they came ball,” Williams said. “If you out in empty, and we checked watch any of my fi lm, I’m fl ying Cover (9). Unfortunately, it hit around to the ball, sideline to our nickel safety right in the sideline. Just fl ying around to the shoulder pad. If he caught it, ball and hitting people real hard. it would have been a pick-six. I feel like that’s something I can By Anthony Fenech batterymate Alex Avila - son of the former teammates dead- Scherzer promptly struck out since Roger Clemens struck out That helped get them out of the do really well. I’m a very versatile Detroit Free Press Tigers general manager Al Avila locked in a pitchers’ duel. James McCann, Anthony Gose 20 at Tiger Stadium in 1996, empty set, and the adjustment player and I’m excited to show - kept asking questions about Zimmermann stumbled out and then the side in the eighth which is tied for the most in was his suggestion. It was pretty you guys what I can do down right-hander Jordan Zimmer- of the gate, allowing a run on inning to a standing ovation. a nine-inning game in base- impressive. He knows football.” there in Georgia.” n the latest display of his mann. three hits in the fi rst inning, but Two home runs - Jose Iglesias in ball history. Like Clemens, he otherworldly, dominant “And I kind of put two and settled from there, allowing just the fi rst inning and J.D. Martin- walked none. stuff , former Detroit Tigers two together,” he said on Tues- a walk and a hit until the sixth ez in the ninth inning - were the All-Star Max Scherzer al- day. “They want Zimm.” inning, when Daniel Murphy only blemishes in his box score. RESULTS Ilowed two runs on six hits in a Soon thereafter, they got broke a 1-1 tie with a RBI single. Scherzer struck out Ian Kin- San Diego 7 Chicago Cubs 4 complete game eff ort. Zimmermann, for fi ve years and The Nationals padded the lead sler, Miguel Cabrera, J.D. Mar- Baltimore 9 Minnesota 2 He struck out 20 batters in $110 million. “So obviously they on a Danny Espinosa solo home tinez, McCann and Gose each Texas 6 Chicago White Sox 5 the Tigers’ 3-2 loss to the Na- respect what they saw out of run in the seventh inning. three times. Houston 5 Cleveland 3 tionals Wednesday. him,” he said. Zimmermann, who received a He struck out Cabrera all three (16 innings) The 20 strikeouts were a ca- And what we saw at Nation- standing ovation before his fi rst times swinging at high-velocity Colorado 8 Arizona 7 reer-high and Nationals record. als Park on Wednesday night at-bat of the game and tipped fastballs, on 10 total pitches. The Seattle 6 Tampa Bay 5 He became the fi fth pitcher in was why the Tigers gave Zim- his helmet to the fans, allowed only Tiger he did not strike out (11 innings) major league history to strike out mermann that deal and, per- three runs on seven hits over was Victor Martinez, who sin- San Francisco 5 Toronto 4 20 batters, joining Tom Cheney, haps, why the Nationals gave seven innings. He struck out gled three times. (13 innings) Randy Johnson, Kerry Wood and Scherzer their money instead three and walked three. With the win, Scherzer joined Washington 3 Detroit 2 Roger Clemens. Scherzer struck of off ering a long-term contract But while the early noise was Cubs righty John Lackey as the Kansas City 7 NY Yankees 3 out 17 last season in his second extension to Zimmermann the made for Zimmermann, the late only two pitchers to defeat eve- Miami 3 Milwaukee 2 no-hitter of the year, against the winter before. noise was made for Scherzer, ry major league team. He spent Boston 13 Oakland 3 Mets on October 3. Zimmermann returned home who elevated his game in the top fi ve seasons in Detroit, winning Atlanta 5 Philadelphia 1 Scherzer knew something - he spent the fi rst six seasons of the seventh inning, after Jus- the 2013 American League Cy Pittsburgh 5 Cincinnati 4 was up in November, at former of his career with the Nationals tin Upton doubled off the cen- Young Award. San Diego 1 Chicago Cubs 0 Tigers teammate Austin Jack- - and Scherzer faced his former tre-fi eld fence to put runners on Scherzer’s 20 strikeouts were St. Louis 5 LA Angels 2 son’s wedding, when former teammates. And when they did, second and third with one out. the most against the Tigers NY Mets 4 LA Dodgers 3

ICE HOCKEY Finland beat Hungary to go top of their group

AFP eff ort with 3:26 remaining. After the fi rst break Minnesota Wild for- Moscow In the early Group B encounter the 2002 ward Nino Niederreiter scored twice on champions Slovakia suff ered their second powerplay, while Gregory Hofmann added consecutive defeat at the hands of Belarus, his goal to give Switzerland a comfortable wo-time former champions Fin- who battled back from two goals down to 3-0 lead. land consolidated their Group B notch their fi rst win at the championship But Latvia levelled the score courtesy of lead at the world ice hockey cham- 4-2. a powerplay brace by Mikelis Redlihs and pionship with a confi dent 3-0 win After a goalless fi rst period Edmonton an unassisted goal by Ronalds Kenins in an overT promoted Hungary at Saint Peters- Oilers rear guard Andrej Sekera and De- exciting second period. burg on Wednesday. troit Red Wings winger Tomas Jurco scored In the third the teams traded goals by Toronto Maple Leafs center Leo Komar- within the space of six minutes of the sec- Montreal Canadiens Sven Andrighetto and ov collected two points for assists, while ond to give Slovakia a 2-0 lead. Aleksejs Sirokovs before Eric Blum netted goalie Juuse Saros made just 13 saves for a But in the third Belarus picked up steam the Swiss team’s winner with 1:29 to go. shutout setting up Finland’s win, which to reply through Kiril Gotovets, Artur Ga- “For us it was a huge game. We needed to lifted them top of their group, three points vrus, Andrei Stepanov and Charles Linglet, get at least two points but won all three to- ahead of reigning champions Canada, who who all scored to claim a well-deserved day,” Switzerland manager Patrick Fischer have a game in hand. win. said. The Finns outshot Hungary 38-9 in the “This match was the most important for “We took a good start into the second fi rst two periods but Magyar goaltender us at the world championships so far,” Be- period but then we’ve lost that 3-0 lead. At Adam Vay was catching and defl ecting al- larus head coach Dave Lewis said. the end we’ve won by a lucky shot but for most all the pucks thrown at him. “We have a very hard schedule but that is us this win is very important anyway and But he was unable to deny a shot by Jok- no excuse and now we have no other choice I’m really proud of my men.” erit Helsinki forward Atte Ohtamaa 3:38 but to keep on winning from one match to Later in Moscow Sweden outscored pro- before the second interval. another.” moted Kazakhstan 7-3 courtesy of a hat- Finland’s skipper Miko Koivu added his Meanwhile, in the early match in Group trick by Detroit Red Wings winger Gustav goal halfway into the third period, while A, Switzerland recorded their second win Nyquist to join the Czech Republic on top Finland’s forward Teemu Pulkkinen (L) and Finland’s forward Mikael Granlund (R) attack Hungary’s goalie Adam Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov at the event beating Latvia 5-4 in Moscow’s of Group A. The Czechs have a game in Vay (2nd L) during the group B preliminary round game at the 2016 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in rounded off the scoring with a powerplay nine-goal thriller. hand. Saint Petersburg. (AFP) Gulf Times Friday, May 13, 2016 9 SPORT

FORMULA ONE Rosberg stays calm as teammate Hamilton aims to kick-start poor season LONG IN THE SHADOW OF TEAMMATE LEWIS HAMILTON, NICO ROSBERG HAS CONTROL OF THE F1 CAMPAIGN WHILE THE WORLD CHAMPION TRIES TO SPARK HIS SEASON INTO LIFE AT THIS WEEK’S SPANISH GRAND PRIX

Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg poses with fans during an open pitlane walk at the Circuit de Catalunya, near Barcelona, yesterday. (Below) McLaren driver Fernando Alonso (left) takes a selfie with Mercedes’s Lewis Hamilton. (Reuters)

DPA pected--winning the fi rst four races of Barcelona, the drivers are all very fa- departing former world champion Se- Barcelona the year,” said the German. “It’s been miliar with the circuit and make use of bastian Vettel but has struggled after a a great start but I’m just enjoying the data gleaned from dozens, if not hun- promising debut season. The 22-year- moment and the form I’m in, doing my dreds of previous laps, but nothing will old Kvyat was involved in controversial our wins from four races this best to keep it going and hoping I can be taken for granted. incidents with Vettel in the last two campaign in a run of seven carry it through to the end of the sea- “The Circuit de Barcelona is a track races, ending his home race in Sochi straight victories has given son. Sport is all about ups and downs we know well having completed eight last time out after a pair of fi rst-lap Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg total and being mentally prepared to bounce days of pre-season testing at the ven- collisions. “Toro Rosso has given me a commandF of the Formula One season back stronger when they come.” ue,” Pat Symonds, chief technical of- very warm welcome,” Kvyat said. “The heading into Sunday’s Spanish Grand Should Rosberg survive the Europe- fi cer of Williams, said. goals are clear for the team and myself.” Prix but teammate Lewis Hamilton is an opener with his lead largely intact, “It is, however, a circuit that is very Kvyat’s place with Red Bull has gone not about to throw in the towel as yet. he will be in a strong position heading reactive to climatic conditions, even to 18-year-old Max Verstappen who Hamilton has been plagued by ill- to the classic Monaco race in two weeks over the course of a day, therefore the said “racing for a top team was always fortune this term but, despite trail- having won the last three years in the car characteristics we saw in the tem- the plan. I’m defi nitely going to enjoy it”. ing leader Rosberg by 43 points in the principality. peratures of February and March, may Carlos Sainz, Kvyat’s new teammate standings, is staying positive heading to Kimi Raikkonen is making the chal- not necessarily be indicative of what with Toro Rosso, was laidback about the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona. lenge in third for Ferrari while four- we will see in May,” he warned. the switch but backed the decision of “Every weekend, we’ve got the car time world champion Sebastian Vettel his bosses. into a great place setup-wise. I just struggles in fi fth. Vettel’s challenge has Frustrated Kvyat shrugs “There’ve been many changes in the haven’t been fully able to exploit it,” he been hampered by clashes with Rus- off Toro Rosso demotion team but I don’t get to analyse them, said. “So the glass is half-full for me. It sian Daniil Kvyat in each of the last two that’s not my job,” he said. “I fully trust will be a big challenge but there’s a long races but he still believes Ferrari can Russian Formula One driver Daniil Toro Rosso and Red Bull.” way to go with 17 races left and, if the fi nally compete with Mercedes again Kvyat has attempted to shrug off his With Kvyat and Verstappen attend- last four are anything to go by, there’s a after a spell in the wilderness. be able to perform high.” nity to drive for Red Bull Racing and I demotion from Red Bull to junior team ing the same tense news conference, lot more still to come from us.” “Barcelona is a very good indication The recent controversial incidents can’t wait to jump in the car in Barce- Toro Rosso ahead of the Spanish Grand senior drivers took the chance to light- Rosberg, for his part, is aware that of where you are with the car,” he said. may have played a part in the decision of lona,” the teenager said. “I have a lot Prix in Barcelona this Sunday. “Obvi- en the mood. “They switched drivers? Hamilton remains a big threat to his “We can see a good reference where we Red Bull to demote Kvyat to the junior of work to do ahead of the race, lots ously the decision was a bit of a shock You knew that?” McLaren’s Fernando hopes of a maiden world title after the stand, therefore it is incredibly impor- Toro Rosso team and promote 18-year- of data to study but luckily it’s a track but this is where it is at the moment,” a Alonso asked Mercedes’ world cham- Briton beat him to claim the last two tant to get all the details right because old Max Verstappen to partner Daniel I know well because we have driven frustrated Kvyat said yesterday. pion Lewis Hamilton when asked for championships. you know that track so well. It is very Ricciardo in the senior outfi t. there so much.” Kvyat was promoted from Toro an opinion on the change. “I had no “It’s not something I could have ex- important to get everything together to “I’m very excited for the opportu- As pre-season testing takes place in Rosso to Red Bull in 2015 to replace the idea!” Hamilton joked back.

CYCLING Wellens claims maiden Giro stage, Dumoulin impresses AFP er than I expected. I didn’t think I’d be in Laurent Didier bridged to the leaders. Rome that shape for climbing. It was not a high Didier made the fi rst move on the fi - Belgium’s Tim Wellens mountain but it was still a proper climb.” nal 9.25km climb towards the fi nish, but celebrates after winning the Astana’s Jakob Fuglsang got closest Wellens responded and quickly opened sixth stage of the Giro d’Italia elgium’s Tim Wellens enjoyed a to Wellens, the Danish rider reaching up a gap that he never looked like losing. cycling race yesterday. (AFP) red letter day on the Giro d’Italia the race’s fi rst summit fi nish in second, “I have Pim Ligthart to thank,” he said. yesterday with his maiden Grand 1min19sec behind, with Russian Ilnur Za- “It was his idea to go away together at Tour stage win as Tom Dumoulin karin on his rear wheel in third. that point in the race. Then we bridged heldB onto the leader’s pink jersey. In the overall standings Dumoulin now the gap to the leaders. I’m enormously The 25-year-old Wellens broke early leads Fuglsang by 26sec, with Valverde happy with this victory. It’s a little bit of and powered up the fi nal 18-kilometre 41s away and Nibali 47. a surprise.” climb to Roccaraso to come home alone Wellens made his stage-winning move One of the rising stars of Belgian cy- after the 157km sixth stage. 15km out, when he slipped free from his cling Wellens was giving himself the On the 2016 Giro’s fi rst gentle taste of companions in the breakaway, fi rst Eugert perfect present to mark his birthday on mountain air Dumoulin held off challeng- Zhupa and Alessandro Bisolti and then Tuesday. ers for his pink jersey, fi nishing fourth. Laurent Didier and Pim Ligthart. Up to this point he had come in second Looking in good shape the Dutch rider For much of the 157km stage, a three- twice in stages on his fi rst Giro in 2014, took a fi stful of seconds off some of the man break of Alexandr Kolobnev, Bisolti won last year’s Grand Prix de Montreal, main contenders for outright victory like and Zhupa were out ahead, building up and claimed the closing stage in this Italy’s Vincenzo Nibali, and Spanish duo a lead of six minutes. The gap was cut year’s Paris-Nice. Mikel Landa and Alejandro Valverde. back to less than a minute on the de- He celebrated his career high by picking “My attack was not planned but I saw scent of the categorised Bocca della up his bike and waving it over his head. Nibali going so I went too,” said the Team Selva, about 75km from the finish, but Today’s seventh stage is a 211km ride Giant leader. there was no real urgency to reel them in from Sulmona to Foligno favouring the “I really surprised myself. I was strong- as Wellens, teammate Pim Ligthart and sprinters despite a second category climb. Gulf Times 10 Friday, May 13, 2016 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS ‘New doping Athletes urge WADA allegations hard to prove’ to ensure Russians Reuters did indeed test positive, it would Montreal be for steroids. “They (WADA) could certainly ask the IOC if they would do that ick Pound, the former (re-test samples)” Pound told World Anti-Doping Reuters before the start of the Agency (WADA) chief WADA meetings. “By and large are drug-free in Rio who headed an inde- with steroids, especially if it is a pendentD commission that un- state-run thing, they are pretty covered evidence of state-spon- good about the clearance times. Beckie Scott, the 2002 cross-country Olympic champion, makes an emotional plea sored doping in Russia, says new It is the not-so-gifted amateurs allegations of a drugs cover-up at that sometimes get the clearance the Sochi Olympics may be hard times wrong and end up test- Dancers perform at to prove. ing positive. Generally speaking, a event where Rio WADA meetings of its execu- if you know when your event is Olympics team’s tive committee and foundation and you test positive, you fail not uniforms were board on Wednesday and yes- only the drug test but an IQ test.” presented by the terday have taken on new ur- Pound said he did not rule out organising gency after whistleblower Vitaly the possibility of returning to committee in Rio de Stepanov said the former head of take up his role as head of anoth- Janeiro. (Reuters) Russia’s drug testing lab told him er WADA independent commis- that at least four Russian gold sion, but added that he has not medal winners at the 2014 Win- yet been asked. ter Games were using steroids. Before WADA requested a re- Stepanov and wife Yuliya, an test of Sochi samples, Pound felt international runner for Russia the fi rst step in any investiga- once banned for doping, were tion should be another conver- the whistleblowers who pro- sation with Rodchenkov, who vided key evidence that led to is believed to be in hiding in the the establishment of a WADA United States. independent commission that “They might well do that (ask revealed widespread doping in for a re-test) but I think what Russia and led to that country they would really prefer to do being banned from all athletics would be to get hold of Rad- competition. chenkov,” said Pound. “People WADA announced on Tuesday make it sound like he is in Amer- it would investigate the new al- ica somewhere. He’s a fairly slip- legations and could ask the In- pery character. ternational Olympic Committee “I interviewed him in (IOC) for a re-test of the Sochi Lausanne and there was lots of doping samples. rolling of eyes and hands drawn During an interview with the across necks and stuff like that. CBS News investigative pro- “He wasn’t very forthcoming gramme “60 Minutes” on Sun- but I must say our terms of ref- day, Stepanov, a former employ- erence were so narrow that we ee with the Russian Anti-Doping didn’t talk about it.” Agency, said he had recorded While not connected to ath- conversations with Grigory Rod- letics, the latest doping allega- chenkov, RUSADA’s former head. tions will not help Russian ef- CBS News said it had listened forts to satisfy the International to the tapes in which Rodchenk- Association of Athletics Federa- ov brags that at least four Rus- tions it has done enough to have sian athletes won gold medals in its suspension lifted to take part Sochi while using steroids. Given in the Rio Games. the sophistication of the state- “The more the rot appears to sponsored doping uncovered spread, the harder it is for them by his investigation, Pound was to develop the kind of credibility Reuters bronze at the 2002 Olympics but was surfaced and prompted a new WADA in- most comprehensive and organised sys- sceptical that, if four medallists they need on this,” said Pound. Montreal upgraded to gold after two Russians who vestigation after whistleblower Vitaly tems of doping and cheating in interna- fi nished ahead of her were found guilty of Stepanov told investigative programme tional sport that has ever been brought to doping. “60 Minutes” that the former head of light,” said Scott. ussian athletes should be banned “WADA does have, however, infl uence Russia’s drug testing laboratory told “The authors themselves describe a from the Rio Olympics unless and clean athletes of the world propose him at least four Russian gold medallists culture of cheating and state on several there are guarantees that they that you use that infl uence with respect to at the 2014 Sochi Olympics were using occasions the utter complete implau- are drug free, the chair of the Rio and Games beyond. Athletes strongly steroids. Scott urged WADA, whose in- sibility of this system being in place to WorldR Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) feel that if there cannot be a guarantee dependent commission revealed wide- service only track and fi eld athletes. athletes committee said yesterday. that athletes there from Russia are clean spread doping in Russia and corruption “That the curtain had been pulled back Canadian Beckie Scott, the 2002 cross- and not involved in doping activity that with involvement from Russian and in- to reveal such corruption and widespread country Olympic champion, made an they should not be there.” ternational athletics offi cials, to aggres- prolifi c abuse of the rules and laws of emotional plea to the WADA foundation Russian has been in the doping spot- sively pursue the latest reports and said sport and nothing was done was almost board to use its infl uence to keep Russian light since late 2014 when a German tel- athletes are frustrated at what they see as incomprehensible to the athlete commu- drug cheats out of the Aug. 5-21 Rio Sum- evision documentary called “Top Secret a lack of action. nity. “The lack of action and follow-up mer Games and protect clean athletes. Doping: How Russia Makes Its Winners” “We are deeply disappointed in what combined with the growing sentiment “We acknowledge that WADA does aired and led to the suspension of Russia we perceive to be a lack of decisive ac- among the athlete community that there not have jurisdiction over the Olympic from international athletics competition. tion and follow-up that came in the wake are leaders in sport that just wanted this Games,” said Scott, who originally won This week more shocking revelations of a 300-page report detailing one of the to go away.” Dick Pound, the former World Anti-Doping Agency chief.

ROUND-UP POCOG approve Lee WADA says Kenya breached code as 2018 chief

AFP Seoul: Former South Korea trade Montreal minister Lee Hee-beom moved a step closer to becoming the new 2018 Winter Olympics chief after the he World Anti-Doping Agency’s com- Pyeongchang organising committee pliance review committee unanimously (POCOG) unanimously approved his recommended yesterday that Kenya candidacy yesterday. be found in non-compliance with the Lee is now awaiting final approval TWADA Code with immediate eff ect. from the country’s ministry of culture, The surprise move could lead to Kenyan ath- sports and tourism before off icially letes missing August’s Rio Olympics if the Inter- taking up the role next week. national Olympic Committee (IOC) so deems. POCOG said in a statement Lee was Only the IOC can ban a sport or country from expected to begin work on Monday the Olympics. According to WADA, the compli- and begin by making a two-day trip ance review committee cited issues with Kenya’s to Pyeongchang and the coastal city new legislation which it says is not in line with of Gangneung to check on Olympic the WADA code. venues and preparations. “They are suffi ciently major changes that “The Pyeongchang 2018 Games is a they wouldn’t be operating under the same rules historic project that will showcase the as everybody else so we need to get it right,” development of Korea to the world WADA president Craig Reedie told Reuters. Un- and put Pyeongchang’s name on the der the WADA Code, non-compliant countries map as a major winter sports hub,” and sporting federations risk being prohibited said Lee. “I will fully devote myself to from holding international events. deliver a successful Games in 2018.” Kenya’s parliament had passed, and its presi- A woman walks into the head off ice for the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in Montreal, Canada. (Reuters) Lee is set to replace Hanjin Group dent signed, a law last month that will crimi- Chairman Cho Yang-ho, who stepped nalise doping. Many thought that would satisfy and Chicago Marathon champion, Rita Jeptoo, ated its recommendation to pregnant women It nonetheless urged all those planning to down last week in order to focus on WADA’s threat to sanction the African nation now serving a ban. “not to travel to areas with ongoing Zika virus make the trip to Rio for the games to wear body- the management of the troubled famous for its middle and long-distance run- transmission.” covering clothing and insect repellant to avoid Hanjin shipping business. ners. But Reedie said the legislation was not PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD AVOID RIO “This includes Rio de Janeiro,” the organisa- mosquito bites and to choose accommodation While Lee brings little in the way code compliant. OLYMPICS DUE TO ZIKA RISK: WHO tions said in a joint statement. Brazil has been with air-conditioning, rather than relying on of sports administration experience “We have been working with Kenya for a The World Health Organization has urged preg- the epicentre of the Zika outbreak now aff ecting leaving windows open for ventilation. to the role, his business ties are likely number of years and thought we had agreed nant women not to travel to Rio for the Olympics 58 countries and territories, with around 1.5 mil- It also said they should avoid visiting impov- to help organisers meet sponsorship that the draft legislation and rules were entirely and urged athletes and visitors to the Games to lion people infected in the country since 2015. erished and overcrowded areas with poor sani- targets with Asia’s first Winter Games compliant and it would appear that during their take precautions to avoid Zika infection. The virus, which also causes the rare but se- tation, where the risk of mosquito bites is higher. outside Japan less than two years parlimentary process changes were made that Acknowledging the widespread anxiety sur- rious neurological disorder Guillain-Barre Syn- Due to the risk of sexual transmission, anyone away. Lee served as South Korea’s unfortunately weren’t code compliant so we will rounding the threat of mosquito-borne Zika, drome, is mainly spread by two species of Aedes visiting Rio should use a condom when have sex trade minister from 2003-06 and has be in touch with Kenya to try and resolve that at which is rampant in Brazil and which experts mosquito but has also been shown to transmit for at least four weeks after their return, espe- also held high level positions at the the earliest possible moment.” agree causes the birth defect microcephaly in through sexual contact. cially if they had experienced symptoms of Zika, Korea International Trade Association WADA had give Kenya until May to enact the babies born to women infected with the virus, The Olympics and Paralympics, set for Au- or refrain from sex altogether, WHO said. and Korea Employers Federation. law or be declared non-compliant. WHO issued its fi rst guidelines specifi cally gust 5 through September 18, “will take place For the partners of pregnant women, the The IOC said it was confident Up to 40 Kenyan athletes have failed doping linked to the Rio Olympics. during Brazil’s wintertime when there are fewer agency said they should practice safe sex for the POCOG would continue to work tests since 2012, the biggest name among them The UN health agency, along with the Pan active mosquitoes and the risk of being bitten is remainder of the pregnancy, or abstain com- through preparation issues. being former three-time Boston City Marathon American Health Organization (PAHO), reiter- lower,” WHO stressed. pletely until the baby is born. Gulf Times Friday, May 13, 2016 11 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Rousseff ’s departure won’t aff ect Gatlin praises new talent Rio Games: IOC Reuters: Preparations for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, despite competitive threat which begin in less than three months, will not be aff ected by the Brazilian senate’s vote to put President Dilma Rous- US sprinter says he is readying for the US trials with his eye on fellow American Trayvon Bromell seff on trial, the International Olympic Committee said yesterday. The first South American city to host the Olympics, has been racing to get ready for the Aug. 5-21 Games—its second global sports event in two years—in the face of political turmoil, health scares and the country’s worst reces- sion since the 1930s. “Preparations for the Olym- pic Games have now entered into a very operational phase and issues such as these have much less influence than at other stages of organising the Olympic Games,” IOC Presi- dent Thomas Bach said in a statement. “We have seen the great progress being made in Rio de Janeiro and we remain confident about the success of the Olympic Games in August.” Brazil’s Senate voted on Thursday to put leftist Rousseff on trial. The historic decision follows the recession and a massive corruption scandal that will now confront her successor, centrist Vice President Michel Temer. Brazil’s first female president, the 68-year-old economist and former Marx- ist guerrilla is unlikely to be acquitted in a trial that could last as long as six months. Only days ago, she had welcomed the Olympic flame in the capital Brasilia and marked the start of the nationwide torch relay. As its economy shrinks after a decade of prosperity, Brazil is fighting an outbreak of the mosquito-borne Zika virus that threatens to keep some athletes and tourists away from Rio. Federal investigators also AFP Bromell took the bronze medal in the RUDISHA EYES SHANGHAI pic 800m titles since New Zealand’s down to compete in the 200 metres and told Reuters recently they Shanghai 100m at the World Championships in RECORD Peter Snell in 1960 and 1964, while only was to line up against eventual winner were probing alleged corrup- Beijing last August, when he fi nished David Rudisha set his sights on breaking two others—Douglas Lowe (1924 and Shaunae Miller from The Bahamas. tion in Olympic projects. behind Jamaican sprint king Usain Bolt the Shanghai Diamond League record 1928) and Mal Whitfi eld (1948 and 1952) Two-time Olympic champion Ve- Rio organisers are also fac- S sprinter Justin Gatlin yes- and Gatlin—who also lost to Bolt in the as he steps up his campaign for the fi rst -- have ever done it. ronica Campbell-Brown will line up ing criticism for the polluted terday praised the new gen- 200m. back-to-back Olympic 800 metres ti- Tomorrow, Rudisha will face four against a trio of Americans as she re- waters of the venues that will eration of track competitors, Asked about his arch-rival, Gatlin tles in 52 years. other Kenyan runners in the 800m turns to Shanghai just 12 months after host sailing and open-water particularly fellow American said: “Now I’m training to be a better The world record-holder from Kenya race, including world fi nalists Ferguson being beaten here by Nigeria’s multi- swimming events among UTrayvon Bromell, as the 34-year-old athlete, make sure I stay focused within said he was hoping for improvement in Cheruiyot Rotich and Alfred Kipketer. talented Blessing Okagbare over 100m. other things. veteran preps for the Rio de Janeiro Ol- myself when it comes to competition. his second outing of the season, after The fi eld also includes Erik Sowinski The Jamaican, who is aiming to com- The IOC has supported the ympics. I hope that it will turn around for me clocking one minute 44.78 seconds in and Nick Symmonds, both of the United plete an Olympic hat-trick in Rio later Brazilian organisers in their Gatlin, who won the 100 metres gold when it comes to Rio ‘16,” he said. Melbourne in March. “I want to keep States. this summer, triumphed over 100m eff orts and said they would at the 2004 Games in Athens, said he Gatlin has failed two dope tests dur- on improving every time. Of course, at this meeting in 2011 and at 200m deliver on their promises was readying for the US trials with his ing his career but has returned to com- my ultimate aim is to be at the top form INJURED FRASER-PRYCE in 2012. She currently lies third in the of successful maiden South eye on the 20-year-old who swept to petition and also represented the United in August for Rio Olympics,” he told a PULLS OUT world rankings after running 22.29 at American Games. victory in the 60m at the World Indoor States at the 2012 Olympics. Fresh from news conference in Shanghai. Meanwhile, World and Olympic 100 the end of April, but will face formida- “The Brazilian people will Athletics Championships in March. a 100 metre victory in Japan earlier this “I’m also looking forward to improve metres women’s champion Shelly-Ann ble opposition this year from US sprint- deliver a memorable Olympic “I believe that Trayvon Bromell is a month, Gatlin played down worries from my last time in Australia,” he said. Fraser-Pryce has been ruled out of ers Candyce Mc.Grone, Jeneba Tarmoh Games full of passion for huge talent, still in the making,” he told over an ankle injury last year and said he I’m looking forward for something like Shanghai Diamond League because of and Tiff any Townsend. sport for which they are world a news conference in Shanghai ahead of was pacing himself early in the season. 1:43-and-a-half.” a minor toe injury. The organisers say McGrone will be a particular threat as renowned,” Bach said. the Diamond League meeting in China’s “I don’t want to get too burnt out The Shanghai meet record is 1:44.63, Fraser-Pryce is currently getting treat- looks to build on her 2015 breakthrough “It will be a moment for commercial hub tomorrow. before the season even kicks off to the set by now-retired Kenyan Wilfred ment and expects to be fi t in short order. when she was fourth in Beijing, while Brazil to show to the world its “I defi nitely can’t count him out, but important part where I need to be at my Bungei in 2008. Rudisha, now 27, set an There have been concerns about Fra- Tarmoh is a former world junior 100m determination to overcome I can’t anybody else out who’s going to top form,” he said. In Shanghai, he will amazing world record of 1:40.91 to win ser-Pryce’s health in recent days after champion who was sixth over 200m at the present crisis. These will line up against us for the Olympic trials. face US compatriot and world fi nalist gold in the London Games in 2012. she failed to show at the Jamaica Inter- the World Championships after placing be Brazil’s Games.” They’ll be ready too.” Mike Rodgers in the 100m. No man has won consecutive Olym- national Invitational on May 7. she was fi th at the 2013 Moscow Worlds.

OLYMPICS French inquiry says $2 million payment fuels Tokyo suspicions

AFP Two payments were made in 2013 yesterday: “My understanding is that the bid Paris to Black Tidings, a Singapore-based process of the Tokyo 2020 Games was done in company linked to Papa Diack, who was a clean way. Japan will take appropriate meas- employed by the IAAF as a consultant, ures if the French justice authorities make any rench investigators said yesterday they French prosecutors said in a statement. request”, but will not question the Tokyo 2020 suspect that $2 million paid to a son of The International Olympic Committee team based on the report, Suga added. disgraced athletics supremo Lamine chose Tokyo over Istanbul and A report released in January by the World Diack was to get support for Tokyo’s Madrid as host for the 2020 Games in Anti-Doping Agency suggested that Diack’s 2020F Olympics bid. Some 2.8 million Singa- vote for 2020 may have been swayed by $5 mil- September 2013. Diack senior was still pore dollars (1.8 million euros, $2 million) paid an IOC member at the vote lion in sponsorship money. A footnote in the to a company owned by Papa Missata Diack is WADA independent commission report cited at the centre of the suspicions, prosecutors said opened at a Japanese bank, for the profi t of the transcripts of conversations between another in a statement. Diack father and son already ‘Black Tidings’ company in Singapore”. Diack son, Khalil, and Turkish offi cials over the face corruption charges in France. The Japanese The prosecutors said the payments “so close 2020 Games. government insisted earlier yesterday that the to the International Olympic Committee’s des- “It is stated that Turkey lost LD’s (Lam- Tokyo bid was “clean”. ignation of the organising city for the 2020 Ol- ine Diack’s) support because they did not pay Two payments were made in 2013 to Black ympic Games, important parallel purchases by sponsorship moneys of $4-5 million either to Tidings, a Singapore-based company linked to Black Tidings in Paris”, and other elements had the Diamond League or IAAF. According to the Papa Diack, who was employed by the Inter- convinced them to start a new inquiry. transcript the Japanese did pay such a sum,” the national Association of Athletics Federations It said a World Anti-Doping Agency report WADA report said. (IAAF) as a consultant, French prosecutors and press reports on possible corruption in the “The 2020 Games were awarded to Tokyo. said in a statement. The International Olympic Olympic bidding had also played a role. It said The IC (independent commission) did not in- Committee chose Tokyo over Istanbul and Ma- three fi nancial investigators were leading the vestigate this matter further for it was not drid as host for the 2020 Games in September probe for corruption, aggravated money laun- within our remit,” it added. At the time, Tokyo 2013. Diack senior was still an IOC member at dering, fraud and conspiracy surrounding the 2020 spokesman Hikariko Ono called the report the vote. 2020 bidding. “beyond our understanding”. The payments were discovered as part of an There are now separate investigations into Ono made a similar comment about the new inquiry into allegations that Diack father and the doping bribes and suspected Olympic bid details of the French investigation. Tokyo 2020 son organised bribes to cover up failed dope corruption for the 2016 and 2020 Games. Lam- “has no means of knowing these allegations”, tests by Russian athletes, the prosecutors said. ine Diack now faces corruption and money Ono said in a statement to AFP. “We believe French investigators became involved as the laundering charges in France. His son is wanted that the Games were awarded to Tokyo because money may have been laundered in Paris. by French authorities who have issued an inter- the city presented the best bid.” “The National Financial Prosecution service national arrest alert through Interpol. Lamine Diack, 82, left the IOC in 2013 after was informed of two fi nancial movements al- An IOC spokesman said in March, however, the vote for the 2020 Games. He resigned as an leged to have been carried out in July and Octo- that there was “no evidence” at that stage of honorary member in November after he was ber 2013,” said the statement. corruption in the Olympic bids. Reacting to a suspended by the IOC because of the French It said the money totalled 2.8 million Singa- report by British newspaper, The Guardian, into charges. Diack is now banned from leaving French investigators are probing a suspect payment of 1.3 million euros ($1.5 million) to a company pore dollars and was “labelled as ‘Tokyo 2020 the French investigation, Japanese government France. Papa Diack is based in Senegal, where owned by Papa Missata Diack, the son of ex-IAAF president Lamine Diack, who is facing corruption Olympic Games Bid’, coming from an account chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga said authorities have said he will not be extradited. charges in France. (AFP) Friday, May 13, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT ‘BIG FOUR’ SET FOR TODAY’S EMIR CUP SEMI-FINALS In the first semi-final, Al Rayyan will take on defending champions Al Sadd, while Lekhwiya face El Jaish in the other clash

By Sports Reporter Doha

he ‘Big Four’ of the Qatar Stars League (QSL) – Al Rayyan, El TJaish, Lekhwiya and Al Sadd – will lock horns in the semi-fi nals of the Emir Cup today with an aim of winning the season-ending cham- pionship. In the fi rst semi-fi nal, Al Rayyan – the QSL champions – will take on defending champions Al Sadd at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, with the kick-off set for 5:30pm. In the evening’s second semi-fi nal at the same venue with the kick-off set for 8:00pm, Lekhwiya will take on El Jaish for a place in the fi nal which will be played on May 20. Al Rayyan facing hosts Al Sadd is one of the most sought-after games in Qatar with the rivalry between the two teams going back a long way historically. Coached by Jorge Fossati, Al Rayy- Al Sadd, coached by Jesualdo Ferreira (centre), will be looking for their first piece of silverware this season having failed to stop Al Rayyan win the Qatar Stars League. an will be looking to conquer the de- fending champions who were admit- tedly fortunate to edge a formidable Al Gharafa side in the quarter-fi nals. Al Sadd, coached by Jesualdo Fer- reira, will be looking for their fi rst piece of silverware this season hav- ing failed to stop Al Rayyan in QSL. In the second semi-fi nal, El Jaish have their sights set on a fi rst Emir Cup on the expense of Lekhwiya. Coached by Sabri Lamouchi, El Jaish are one of the most consistent sides in Qatar. They beat Al Ahli 4-2 after con- ceding the fi rst goal in the quarter- fi nals three days ago. Lekhwiya, coached by Djamel Bel- madi, will be looking for an outright win having struggled in their quar- ter-fi nals against Al Sailiyah three days ago. The tickets have been picked up by the fans and a housefull is expected Coached by Jorge Fossati (right), Al Rayyan will be looking to add another trophy, having already to witness the two games today. won the Qatar Stars League convincingly this season.

ROUND-UP FOCUS Croatia’s Bonacic set to be Graduation ceremony appointed Al Ahli coach for Al Shaqab students

By Sports Reporter Doha to be held on May 26 By Sports Reporter of the new curriculum for our students before the roatia’s Luka Bonacic arrived in Doha Doha fi nal exams and the graduation ceremony, which on Wednesday evening, ahead of will take place on May 26. The competitions pro- Csigning a contract to coach Al Ahli for vided an appropriate environment to the junior the 2016/2017 season. His arrival was con- he curtain of a successful season of Al riders, which enabled them to exchange experience fi rmed by Ahli vice president Khaled Shabib Shaqab’s Equine Education Department and develop their relationship with horses” to QSL website.“Luka Bonacic arrived in Tcame down when several competitions for He continued: “I would like to extend our sincere Doha to go over the fi nal details of his con- the junior riders took place at the Al Shaqab indoor thanks to Exxon Mobil Qatar for supporting and tract. We will make an announcement in due arena. These competitions challenged the junior adopting the educational programs of Al Shaqab, course following the conclusion of the ne- riders to raise their standard while instilling a great- which has had a signifi cant impact on developing gotiations,” said Shabib. er sense of cultural awareness among them and the junior riders programs and conclusion of a suc- Bonacic is no stranger to the Qatar Stars those included dressage and jumping while over 150 cessful season.” League, having managed Al Shahania for riders (girls and boys) took part. To encourage the members of families and the the 2014-2015 campaign. The Croatian will Equine Education aims to install noble values general public to attend the competitions, a variety be looking to improve the fortunes of Ahli, into the students and teach them various eques- of entertainment activities were organised includ- who fi nished the season strongly, ending up trian skills, such as jumping and dressage. This ing children’s fun zone, horse carriage and pony in sixth place in the QSL standings. will qualify the students to integrate into the Qatari rides. During the graduation ceremony Al Shaqab Shabib wished the best for short-term equestrian society and bring it more success at the will also be announcing the setting up of a complete coach Yusef Adam. “We wish to thank Yusef international and regional level. Qatari equestrian curriculum for aspiring profes- Adam for his eff orts, he remains a crucial Mohammed Sultan al-Sowidi, Equine Education sionals in equestrian sports in line with the heritage member of the staff at Al Ahli club” Manager, stated: “The fi nal competitions were part and culture of Qatar.

HAN KOOK-YOUNG SIGNS FOR GHARAFA QSL side Al Gharafa has announced the signing of former Qatar SC midfi elder Han Kook-Young. The club confi rmed the deal on Wednesday evening via their offi cial website. The dynamic South Korean international has been a mainstay in the Qatar SC mid- fi eld this season. However, with Qatar SC being relegated to the Qatar Gas League the former Kashiwa Reysol has opted to sign a three-year deal with Al Gharafa. The new signing caps of a good week for the Cheetahs, who also announced that head coach Pedro Caixinia has signed a one-year contract extension with the club. Gharafa will now begin preparations for the upcoming 2016/2017 QSL season.

UMM SALAL WIN YOUTH FUTSAL TOURNAMENT Umm Salal beat Al Khor 5-2 in the fi nal of the Youth Futsal tournament at the Al Wak- rah Indoor Hall. Umm Salal closed the fi rst half with a 2-0 Croatian coach Luka Bonacic. lead to lay the foundations of a convincing win. Despite missing numerous opportuni- three more goals to close out a memorable Al Khor team players and offi cials received ties to score, Umm Salal and Al Khor main- win. At presentation ceremony, the organ- the silver medals whereas Umm Salal got the tained a fast pace in the game. ising committee honoured the match com- gold medals. Umm Salal and Al Khor had Al Khor hit back in the second half by missioner, the game referees before turn- reached the fi nal after beating Al Kharaitiyat Junior riders of Al Shaqab’s Equine Education Department in action during the competitions at the scoring two goals but Umm Salal added ing to the two teams. and Al Arabi respectively in the semi-fi nals. Al Shaqab indoor arena.