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Thursday, April 28, 2016 FOOTBALL Rajab 21, 1437 AH Bale fails to shine GULF TIMES in draw that leaves Real the happier SPORT Page 2

VOLLEYBALL / QATAR CUP Rayyan aim to foil Jaish’s quest for double today Eight-time champions Rayyan will look to El Jaish juggernaut that has already taken out defending champions Al Arabi

El Jaish players Robertlandy Simon and Oreol Camejo, and Al Rayyan’s Osman Ajab and Zbigniev Bartman pose with the (From left) El Jaish’s representative Khalid al-Kaabi, Qatar Volleyball Association (QVA) executive director Ahmed al-Shabani, Al Qatar Cup trophy at a press conference yesterday. PICTURES: Nasar TK Rayyan’s representative Nasser al-Malki and QVA’s Dr Ali Mustafa Taha at a press conference yesterday.

By Yash Mudgal Al Arabi. But, Rayyan Osman Arabi, he said: “They played well nament, was all praise for the club. Simon scored 28 points, while the played against Arabi, we can win any Doha Ajab says his side has won the title eight against Arabi, but in my opinion Arabi “I am enjoying my time at Rayyan 29-year-old receiver Camejo scored match. We’ll try to win against Rayyan out of 20 times, and is capable and con- lost because they have a problem in Club. The atmosphere is amazing and I 22 in their win against Arabi in the as well. Al Rayyan is a very good side. fi dent of winning the fi nal regardless of their reception, while in our case we am getting all the support needed here playoff . We’ll have to do our best again and we’ll an El Jaish upset the eight- the opposition’s form. have the best reception in the tourna- from my club,” he said. “We had done our homework well. try to do it,” the former Cuban captain time champions Al Rayyan’s “It will be another big game. We are ment.” This is the second fi nal for Jaish, who I think we have fantastic guys and all said. applecart at the Ali Bin Hamad used to the situation and I think all the Ajab’s teammate Zbigniev Bartman had lost to Al Arabi in the 2013-14 sea- played like a strong family. People think The winners will get QR300,000, Al Attiya Arena today? pressure will be on them. We like to fi n- also sounded confident as he said: son, when the competition’s name was that we’ve nothing. But we showed while the runners-up will be richer by CThe armymen are on a roll, having ish the fi nal in straight sets,” Ajab told “I am expecting a tough game. I saw changed from the Heir Apparent Cup to what we can do. This made our big vic- QR150,000. already defeated defending champions Gulf Times yesterday. their game against Arabi, they are the Qatar Cup. tory possible,” Simon said, while talk- and newly-crowned Qatar Volleyball He also said the mood in the Rayy- playing well. They have two fine Cu- If coach Zuhair Belhaj’s boys have to ing about the playoff win against Arabi. RESULTS League champions Al Arabi 2-1 in the an camp, after defeating Police in the ban players in their side, but I hope we repeat the trick they performed against Simon played for the Cuban nation- Semi-final playoff (best-of-three) semi-fi nal playoff of the Qatar Cup on playoff 2-0, is good ahead of the fi nal. will put a good show tomorrow and the 15-time winners Arabi today, their al team for fi ve years and was a silver Al Rayyan bt Police 2-0 Tuesday, and are raring to win their “I am sure they won’t take us lightly, win the Cup.” professional Cuban players Oreol medallist in the 2010 World Cham- El Jaish beat Al Arabi Club 2-1 second trophy of the season. but they will come at us. And we are re- Polish star Bartmann, who joined Camejo and Robertlandy Simon have to pionships. He also bagged the bronze TODAY’S SCHEDULE El Jaish had earlier won the season- laxed and ready for that,” he said. Croatian coach Igor Arbutina’s side as be in their best form. medal in the 2005 World League. Final: Al Rayyan vs El Jaish at Ali Bin opening Federation Cup, also defeating Talking about Jaish’s victory over their professional player for the tour- The 28-year-old middle blocker “If we continue to play the way we Hamad Al Attiya Arena (6:30pm)

Qatar win GCC Women’s Junior Handball Tournament

Qatar players celebrate with the winners’ trophy after winning the inaugural GCC Junior Women Handball Tournament 2016 yesterday. Bahrain finished as runners-up, while the United Arab Emirates were the second runners-up. The prestigious week- long event was hosted by the Qatar Women Sport Committee, in collaboration with the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and Qatar Handball Association (QHA) under the supervision of the GCC Women Sport Organizing Committee. PICTURE: Othman al-Iraqi Gulf Times 2 Thursday, April 28, 2016 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Bale fails to shine in draw that leaves Real the happier Bale was the Spanish side’s galáctico on the pitch in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo and he only flickered into life against City

By Barney Ronay in Manchester The Guardian

n the end Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t make it out on to the pitch at the Etihad. He wasn’t the only one. Midway through the second half on a still, clear, occasionally fretful Inight split his trousers on the sidelines early in the second half. This is un- likely to have been a symptom of excessive ex- citement. Three things of interest happened here. First Ronaldo declared himself hors de combat, al- though with the regal caveat that if this had been a truly big game he would have played. After which these semi-fi nalists played out a messy 85 minutes of slow-simmer fi rst-leg football. Finally Joe Hart produced a brilliant all-or-nothing block with his chest at the feet of Pepe, an entirely misleading moment of excite- ment for any latecomer TV viewers. At the end of which Real Madrid will have left the Etihad happier at a 0-0 draw that slants this tie their way, if not decisively. City will perhaps rue a missed opportunity. A nil-nil home draw at home is, so Champions League lore goes, generally a pretty decent result. And yet this al- ways seemed City’s best chance of nosing ahead against a team without a clean sheet away from home in the league since November. City did see off for 90 minutes Madrid’s key Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale (centre) tries to poke the ball through challenges from Manchester City defenders Nicolas Otamendi (left) and Bacary Sagna during the UEFA Champions League galáctico who was on the pitch, a semi-absent semi-final first leg at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, northwest England, on Tuesday. The match ended in a 0-0 draw. (AFP) Gareth Bale. Relief at which seems to have stilled their own attacking instincts. They never in town, a club that travels like a Tudor royal reads Bale, Suárez, Hazard, Mahrez: from the a marvellous curling cross at full sprint by the and Ramos: it is hard to imagine a more infuriat- did drive properly at this slightly depleted Real household, on the march with the full hand of stellar to the worthy). corner fl ag. Later he appeared suddenly strid- ing pair of velvet glove hatchet men. team, or attack with the same confi dence they hounds, pigs, footmen in tow. Here the press Bale came here in a happy place. He is cur- ing though midfi eld, top knot jouncing rakishly, Bale crept vaguely back into the game towards showed at times against Paris Saint-Germain in rooms thronged with hangers-on, wonks, glad- rently the only real superstar British footballer drawing a body check from Vincent Kompany. the end. Madrid hit the bar from a corner. Bale the previous round. handers and media foot soldiers of every na- out there, the undoubted top gun when Eng- After which Bale entered standby mode as the paused theatrically before punting a promising But then there is a disorientating glare about tionality, desperate for a sliver of white-shirted land play Wales in France in seven weeks’ time. game became a little snarky and messy. There a free -kick into the wall. From the corner Bale playing Madrid. Not least at this stage in the glam. And yet here he was a fl ickering presence, as he were the usual shenanigans from the hilariously headed down and Hart produced that wonder- competition, a tie styled as a meeting of old and With Ronaldo reduced to strutting about in can be sometimes, menacing in possession but villainous Pepe, tugging back Kevin De Bruyne ful save. new, royals versus parvenus. Madrid remain in- the warm-ups and then retreating grandly out glimpsed only rarely, shut down by some excel- then lunging straight through him and drawing And that was that, a white-out. City’s own separable from this competition, from the early of sight, the spotlight fell naturally on the next lent pressing from City’s midfi eld double bolt, an overdue booking. It would be tempting, with galácticos, David Silva, Sergio Agüero, De Bru- golden era, the fi rst incarnation of the big mon- in line. Before kick-off Bale was heartily booed the Fernandinho-Fernando axis. any other player, to suggest Pepe was acting un- yne and Raheem Sterling, £160mn of attacking ey fantasy formula in the Di Stéfano years. by a section of the City fans, replying with a Even in snatches Bale is a thrilling football- der orders, that fouling De Bruyne was a plan. talent, were all on the pitch at some stage but Even news of Ronaldo’s absence produced a brief wave. This was the fi rst time the world’s er, with a wonderful surging simplicity in his But Pepe only has one plan anyway: this plan. mustered just two shots on target. Ronaldo, Ma- tangible sense of absence beyond the reach of most expensive footballer had played in England movements. His only notable touch of the open- Moments later Sergio Ramos escaped with- drid’s own pump-action shotgun, will be back at most athletes. Even, perhaps for some among since his departure in 2013 as reigning player of ing 10 minutes was a neat little back-heel on out a card for an ankle-raking slide on Fernand- the Bernabéu. Bale is unlikely to be so invisible. the home crowd, Madrid and Ronaldo is after all the year (as an aside anyone wondering about the right touchline to set Karim Benzema away. inho, somehow managing to confuse the referee Dazzled a little by the white light, City may have one of the great spectacles of the sporting age. the trajectory of the Premier League star system After which he drifted out completely, before Cuneyt Cakir of Turkey with his wild protesta- missed a chance to assert their own strengths on When Madrid are in town they’re the only show might want to trace a fi nger along a graph that materialising again by the touchline to produce tion, his charisma, aftershave, club badge. Pepe a night of absences.

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Zidane hopeful on Man City ‘not afraid’ of Real, says Pellegrini AFP Manchester Manchester City’s goalkeeper Joe Hart Ronaldo, (left) makes a save off Real Madrid defender Pepe during the Champions League anchester City manager Manuel Pel- semi-final first leg in Manchester. (AFP) Benzema legrini vowed that his team would play with no fear in their Champions League semi-fi nal second leg against fi tness MReal Madrid following a 0-0 fi rst-leg draw. Missing the injured Cristiano Ronaldo, Madrid AFP created the better chances in Tuesday’s game, but Manchester substitute Jese saw a header hit the bar and City goalkeeper Joe Hart produced late saves to thwart Casemiro and Pepe. eal Madrid head coach City, appearing in their fi rst semi-fi nal, did not Zinedine Zidane ex- work visiting goalkeeper Keylor Navas until Kevin pressed hope on Tues- De Bruyne found the target with a stoppage-time day that both Cristiano free-kick, but Pellegrini said that his side would RonaldoR and Karim Benzema show a greater cutting edge in next week’s return will be fi t for their Champions leg in the Spanish capital. “I don’t think they are League semi-fi nal second leg favourites,” said the Chilean, who was sacked af- against Manchester City. ter only one season as Madrid head coach in 2010. Ronaldo sat out the fi rst leg “We have the same option as Real Madrid. Of at the Etihad Stadium, which course they have the advantage to play the fi rst fi nished goalless, with a thigh game away, so they try to manage the tempo of strain, while Benzema, who had the game. After that they fi nish at home. But this been a pre-match doubt with a team play away very similar to how we play at the knee problem, went off at half- Etihad. We had good results playing away against time. Zidane had declared both Paris Saint-Germain, against Dynamo Kiev and players “100 percent” fi t in against Sevilla. Monday’s pre-match press con- “We are not afraid to go to the Bernabeu and we ference, but said that Ronaldo will see which team plays better in that game.” had “felt something” during the Pellegrini claimed that his side had shown the fi nal training session. “most intent to win the game” and that Madrid “I said 100 percent, but I did had arrived at the Etihad Stadium “with a result say there was still training and in mind”. His opposite number, Zinedine Zidane, we’d take a look,” said Zidane, contested the claim, asserting that his team “al- whose side resume hostilities ways go out to win”, but he agreed that neither with City at the Bernabeu next side had procured an outright advantage. Wednesday. “Cristiano felt “We could have scored a goal, but even with something after that last train- scoring a goal we would not have been sure of Karim Benzema, who went off at half-time due to cover for the return fi xture due to the scheduling brilliantly, Pepe from point-blank range. “We’ve ing session. That’s why he didn’t being in the fi nal,” said the Frenchman, whose a knee problem. of their Premier League game at Southampton on set it up for a good, old-fashioned rumble at the play. Karim, it was a little bit dif- memorable volley against Bayer Leverkusen in- “We hope that they can both be in the second Sunday. Bernabeu,” said the England international. “We ferent. But at the end of the day, spired Madrid to Champions League glory in leg,” he said. Pellegrini was more pessimistic “Unfortunately for us, we are going to have are not disappointed with the result. Bring it on.” little by little, he felt a little bit 2002. about David Silva’s chances of gracing the Berna- one day’s less rest than Real Madrid (who visit Bale, meanwhile, backed the Bernabeu crowd worse in himself. We don’t want “I think it is still 50-50. We have got a game beu after the Spaniard suff ered a hamstring in- Real Sociedad on Saturday),” he said. “We tried to make their presence felt. “We’re quite happy to gamble with his fi tness. We at home. We know what we are capable of. Right jury in a fi rst-half challenge on Gareth Bale that to change our game and it was impossible, so we with it,” the former Tottenham Hotspur winger know how important both play- until the death it will be the same. We are going to earned him a booking. “It is quite tough for him need to play on Sunday. But we trust in what we told BT Sport. ers are for us. We hope that they have to work hard.” to recover in one week,” Pellegrini said. “We will are going to do and we are sure we will give all we “We’re very, very strong at home. The crowd can both be in the second leg. We Both teams have fi tness concerns ahead of the have a clearer picture tomorrow.” can to arrive to the fi nal.” gets behind us. It’s going to be a diffi cult game, have to take it day by day with second leg, but Zidane was upbeat about both The City manager also expressed a measure of Hart was typically bullish, buoyed by two late we know that, but one we’re confi dent about and both of them.” Ronaldo, who missed out with a thigh strain, and annoyance that his side will have a day less to re- saves that saw him thwart Casemiro and then, looking forward to.” Gulf Times Thursday, April 28, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

EUROPA LEAGUE Sakho will not challenge Coach Klopp seeks brave results of drug test Liverpool: Mamadou Sakho is facing a lengthy suspen- Reds against Villarreal sion from the game after the Liverpool defender decided not to challenge the results of his failed drugs test. Sevilla continue their quest to win a third consecutive Europa League when they face The France international has accepted the findings of a drugs test taken after the Liverpool’s coach Jurgen Klopp Europa League tie at Man- (centre R) talks to his players during chester United on 17 March, a training session. (Reuters) which is understood to have revealed evidence of a fat- burning substance, and did not request that a B sample was examined before the UEFA deadline on Tuesday. He will present mitigating evidence. Liverpool have refused to comment on the defender’s decision, insisting it is a pri- vate matter at this stage, and Sakho will remain unavailable for selection while UEFA’s investigation continues. Jürgen Klopp’s squad travelled to Spain yesterday for their Europa League semi- final first leg against Villarreal today and the £19mn centre- half was not in the travelling party. Sakho’s acceptance of the A sample’s findings may hasten the disciplinary proc- ess, meaning his suspension from the game will start ear- lier than had he challenged the results. His team-mate Kolo Touré was handed a six-month ban by the Football Associa- tion for failing a drugs test in 2011 as a result of taking his wife’s diet pills. A similar punishment would cost Sakho his place at the European Championship to be held this summer in France.

AFP are strong enough to go through. They are having real coach Marcelino. “But we don’t consider our- The match will be played in the western Villarreal, Spain a wonderful season, they are a wonderful club in a selves in any way inferior to them and we think we Ukrainian city of Lviv as Shakhtar have defied small city. It is clear there are a lot of smart people can beat a team as legendary as Liverpool.” their exile from war-torn Donetsk to reach the behind their success.” It is 10 years since Villarreal came excruciat- last four. iverpool manager Jurgen Klopp called for Klopp will be without a number of players crucial ingly close to reaching the Champions League fi nal “We fully respect them and we know the diffi - bravery from his players if they are to over- to Liverpool’s upturn in fortunes over recent weeks. against English opposition as Jens Lehmann saved culties they will pose,” said Sevilla midfi elder Vi- come Villarreal today to reach the Europa French defender Mamadou Sakho didn’t travel to Juan Roman Riquelme’s last-minute penalty to cente Iborra. “They are an experienced team with League fi nal and maintain their hopes of Spain yesterday as he awaits the result of a UEFA in- send Arsenal to the fi nal 1-0 on aggregate. a mixture of Ukrainians and Brazilians, they are LChampions League football next season. vestigation into an alleged failed doping test. However, Marcelino believes having almost quick and have the quality to surprise us.” Klopp’s men produced a sensational second- Emre Can, Divock Origi and captain Jordan sealed their place in next season’s Champions Sevilla have good memories of facing Shakhtar half comeback from 3-1 down to beat his old side Henderson are also sidelined by injury. The build- League already through La Liga, his players have as an amazing stoppage-time equaliser from goal- Borussia Dortmund 4-3 at Anfi eld to reach the last up to the game has been overshadowed by the no pressure on them to reach the fi nal. keeper Andres Palop sent their last-16 tie into extra four. However, the German warned against com- ruling that the 96 Liverpool fans that died at the “The context is similar (to 10 years ago), but we time before the Spaniards went on to win the com- placency as, despite their lack of European pedi- Hillsborough tragedy 27 years ago were unlawfully are convinced that we can eliminate Liverpool,” petition in 2007. “Hopefully, the luck that helped gree compared to the English giants, Villarreal are killed in the biggest inquest in English legal history. he added. “It is a privilege to play this semi-fi nal. Sevilla in 2007 will be on our side this time,” said enjoying a great season. Villarreal have announced they will mark the There was much more pressure in the previous ties Shakhtar boss Mircea Lucescu. They sit fourth in La Liga behind perennial pow- decision with a tribute to the victims before the and now we have a great chance to make history in erhouses Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Ma- game. However, once the action gets underway, the this club.” EUROPA LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL, drid. “We have to play brave football,” Klopp told Yellow Submarine are intent on causing an upset to Sevilla continue their quest to win a third con- FIRST LEG FIXTURES TODAY (1905 GMT) UEFA.com. reach their fi rst ever Cup fi nal. secutive Europa League in the other semi-fi nal At Lviv, Ukraine: Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) v Sevilla “We are now in the semi-fi nals. We got there be- “Maybe Liverpool could be considered favour- when they travel to face Shakhtar Donetsk in the (ESP) cause we deserved it, and now we have to show we ites because of their history as a club,” said Villar- fi rst leg in Ukraine. At Vilareal, Spain: Villarreal (ESP) v Liverpool (ENG)

ROUND-UP SPOTLIGHT Simeone to miss Ben Arfa, Di Maria and Diarra in Atletico title run PSG star Ibrahimovic slipstream aft er touchline ban Reuters AFP Madrid Paris tletico Madrid coach ice forward Hatem Ben Arfa (right) and Marseille midfi eld dynamo must watch his team’s Lassana Diarra are on a short- remaining La Liga list of four alongside Parisian matchesA from the stands af- Nbig guns Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Angel ter being handed a three-game di Maria for the French player of the year touchline ban for allowing a ball award. The award will be announced on to be thrown onto the pitch dur- May 8 and is voted upon by the quar- ing Atletico’s 1-0 win over Ma- tet’s fellow Ligue 1 players. After a seri- laga on Saturday. ous slump in the fi rst half of the season The Spanish Football Federa- last year’s winner Lyon striker Alexandre tion’s Competition Committee Lacazette failed to make the cut despite announced the ban yesterday his 12 goals since January. and said Simeone would be fi ned Winner in 2013 and 2014 Zlatan Ib- 3,005.00 euros ($3,399.86) and rahimovic is Ligue 1’s top scorer with Atletico 1,050.00 euros. 32 goals and is top passer with 13 assists Simeone was sent off at the and looks to be hot favourite to pick up a end of the fi rst half of Atletico’s third award in the fi nal season of his PSG game with Malaga after a ball contract. Angel di Maria has also run de- was thrown on to the pitch from fences ragged but cannot boast the same the home side’s technical area statistics or wield the same authority as just as Malaga launched a coun- his Swedish teammate. Playmaker Ben terattack nearby. Arfa has been unstoppable with the ball Simeone said the ball was at his feet and has led Nice to the brink of thrown by one of the ball boys, Champions League qualifi cation in scin- although replays show the coach tillating style and scored 17 Ligue 1 goals. appearing to encourage the boy While Diarra’s performances have to toss the ball onto the pitch. been the one constant in Marseille’s PSG’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic (left) and Angel di Maria have been nominated for the French player of the year award. The Spanish Football Federa- Atletico President Enrique Ce- awful season, the former Chelsea, Ar- tion justifi ed its ruling in a state- rezo said the club would ap- senal and Real Madrid star is tipped to lin and Thierry Laurey who has worked KEYS TO SING AT CHAMPIONS celebrated in every corner of the world,” ment, applying law 101.2 of its peal against the decision, which join arch rivals PSG in the summer. The wonders on a shoe-string budget at rel- LEAGUE FINAL said Keys. “This is going to be a powerful disciplinary code which refers to prohibits Simeone from taking Player’s Union also elect a coach of the egation threatened Corsican minnows American singer-songwriter Alicia Keys moment in history and one that repre- “a grave altercation of the order charge of the team for the fi nal year with PSG handler Laurent Blanc in Gazelec Ajaccio. will perform during the opening ceremo- sents the spirit of all the similarities we of play”. matches against Rayo Vallecano, the running after winning the League Players short list: Hatem Ben Arfa (FRA/ ny at next month’s Champions League fi - share no matter where we live and who The disciplinary code also Levante and Celta Vigo. All three and League Cup with a French Cup fi nal Nice), Lassana Diarra (FRA/Marseille), nal in Milan, UEFA announced yesterday. we are. I’m honoured to be a special part states that “in a case where the are crucial to Atletico’s bid to to come. Ben Arfa’s coach Claude Puel, Angel Di Maria (ARG/PSG), Zlatan Keys, who has sold over 50 million al- of such a beloved experience.” suspect cannot be identifi ed, the win the La Liga title. who took Monaco to the 2004 Champi- Ibrahimovic (SWE/PSG) bums worldwide, will feature as part of This tournament is currently at the coach will be sent off for allow- Atletico are second in the ons League fi nal, may well pip Blanc after Coaches short list: Laurent Blanc (FRA/ a revamped ceremony prior to the game semi-fi nal stage with Manchester City ing an act which goes against the table, level on 82 points with a thrilling season at Nice. Paris SG), Thierry Laurey (FRA/Gazélec on Saturday May 28. “I’m extremely ex- and Real Madrid drawing 0-0 in the fi rst rules and will be sanctioned with leaders Barcelona, who are top Also on the list are early season form Ajaccio), Stéphane Moulin (FRA/Angers), cited to share my new music at the UEFA leg on Tuesday and Atletico Madrid and a minimum of three games”. because of their superior head- team Angers’ coach Stephane Mou- Claude Puel (FRA/Nice) Champions League fi nal, an event that is Bayern Munich playing late last night. According to newspaper AS, to-head record. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, April 28, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT PREMIER LEAGUE Kane refusing to Liverpool unites for give up as Foxes close on title Hillsborough tribute Reuters can’t just fold it in. We’ve got to London keep fi ghting until the end.” MAHREZ SAYS LEICESTER Commemorations came a day after a jury said police blunders caused the crush triker Harry Kane says STILL HAVE TO WORK FOR Tottenham Hotspur’s LEAGUE TITLE chances of winning the Meanwhile, playmaker Riyad Premier League are out Mahrez and his Leicester City ofS their hands but the team will team mates are taking nothing not give up on eff orts to overhaul for granted, despite the club be- leaders Leicester City in the fi nal ing just one win away from win- three games of the season. ning a maiden Premier League The Foxes opened a seven- title. “It is not done yet,” Mah- point lead at the top of the stand- rez told the Daily Telegraph. ings after second-placed Spurs “We have to keep going and drew 1-1 with West Bromwich focus on every game because it Albion on Monday and Claudio is diffi cult. We don’t need to be Ranieri’s men could win the title nervous. This is just a bonus for if they beat Manchester United us. Nobody expected us to be at Old Traff ord on Sunday. where we are so this is a bonus. “It’s disappointing,” Kane, If we do it, we do it. If not, that’s the league’s top scorer with 24 life,” the Algerian international goals, told British media. “All added. we can do is move forwards and “Like I said, we are not a big see what happens this weekend. club. We don’t have to win the I don’t think it’s over. There are Premier League.” still three games left. If Leices- Mahrez, who was named PFA ter lose the next game, you just Player of the Year on Sunday never know, with the pressure. after chipping in with 17 goals “Obviously, it is now going to and 11 assists to aid Leicester’s be a lot, lot harder, and it’s not title charge, said he only began in our hands. It’s in Leicester’s considering the possibility of hands. If they win, they win. Leicester winning the league in We’ve just got to go out and win January. “I speak a lot with (mid- our remaining three games.” fi elder) N’golo Kante and maybe Tottenham have not tasted January we started to talk about success in the league since they the league. We just said: ‘Imag- won the title in 1961, while ine if...’,” he added. Leicester have never won a top- “But that was only for about fl ight crown. “It’s been a fantas- 30 seconds and then we would tic season so far, and we can’t get say: ‘No, let’s stay focused and too down about the West Brom let’s see.’ It was still a long way to Liverpool fans hold their team’s scarves as they sing club anthem ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ outside St George’s Hall in Liverpool, north west England, during an event held result,” Kane added. go. Maybe 15 games to go. Nowa- yesterday in remembrance of the 96 Liverpool fans who died in the 1989 Hillsborough football stadium disaster. (AFP) “It’s a gutting feeling. We days we are like: ‘It’s not done wanted to win the game but there yet because Tottenham are very AFP David Cameron told parliament. told a “terrible lie” in the immediate af- paign. He urged that those responsible are still three games left, and we close to us.’” Liverpool Two criminal investigations into termath of the disaster by claiming fans for the unlawful deaths and for a “27-year Hillsborough should conclude by the end had stormed the gate. cover-up” be held to account. of the year and prosecutors will then con- The inquest heard evidence of how the May told parliament that families had bell tolled in Liverpool to com- sider whether charges can be brought. police—at the height of English football faced “attempts to cover up what really memorate the Hillsborough One probe is looking at the lead-up to hooliganism—tried to minimise their role happened”, and “most of the general pub- disaster victims on yesterday the tragedy and the day of the match it- in the tragedy. In the wake of the disas- lic... believed the stories that they read as the city paid tribute after a self. The second is investigating the al- ter, The Sun and several other newspa- about the fans. landmarkA inquest found 96 Liverpool leged cover-up attempt afterwards. pers published allegations—long since “To have stood against that for so long football fans were unlawfully killed in the Possible off ences included gross neg- retracted—about the conduct of Liver- shows steel” and a “passionate desire for 1989 stadium crush. ligence manslaughter, perverting the pool fans. They were based on a Sheffi eld justice”, she said. Thousands were ex- The Liverpool Municipal Buildings course of justice and perjury, Home Sec- news agency report quoting senior police pected to pack the streets of Liverpool, bell was struck 96 times from 3:06pm— retary Theresa May told parliament. offi cers, and a local MP reiterating their northwest England yesterday’s public the time the match at Hillsborough was Police ‘lying for 27 years’ - claims. They included that drunken fans commemoration outside St. George’s stopped—as thousands of sympathisers There is set to be a particular focus on picked the pockets of victims, urinated Hall in the city centre. in the city prepared to pay tribute. the role of David Duckenfi eld, the offi cer on police offi cers and attacked an offi cer The event, in the presence of the vic- The commemorations came a day af- in charge of policing the Hillsborough giving the kiss of life. tims’ families, will be fi lled with music, ter a jury said police blunders caused the ground in Sheffi eld, northern England, Kelvin MacKenzie, who edited The Sun speeches and moments of refl ection. crush, raising the pressure for criminal on the day of the disaster. at the time, told BBC television yesterday The names and ages of the dead were prosecutions of those responsible follow- He ordered the opening of a perim- that he felt “completely duped” and was to be displayed on big screens. Some 38 ing the two-year inquest. eter gate to relieve pressure outside the “appalled to discover the police had been of the victims were aged between 10 and “Their search for justice has been met ground. That enabled 2,000 fans to surge lying for 27 years”. 19. The event will conclude with a choir with obfuscation and hostility instead into already over-full terracing pens, Opposition Labour home aff airs leading the crowd through the Liverpool of sympathy and answers... This whole causing the fatal crush. Duckenfi eld, now spokesman Andy Burnham was instru- Football Club anthem “You’ll Never Walk process took far too long,” Prime Minister 71 and retired, admitted at the inquest he mental in the Hillsborough justice cam- Alone”. Tottenham Hotspur's striker Harry Kane. (AFP)

ROUND-UP France announces 24mn FIFA boss wants North-South Korea friendly euro budget for AFP fan zone security Seoul Paris: France’s sports minister Patrick Kanner IFA President Gianni Infantino said yesterday announced that a total of 24 million yesterday he was willing to try and set euros ($27.2m; £18.7m) will be provided to help up a football match between North with security at Euro 2016 fan zones. and South Korea as a way of easing The fan zones are expected to attract hostilityF on the divided peninsula. between seven and eight million supporters On a visit to South Korea which coincided in the 10 host cities across France, which will with a recent upsurge in tensions between host the European Championship between Seoul and Pyongyang, Infantino said such a June 10 and July 10. match would highlight the spirit of football Kanner told France’s National Assembly that as a game “beyond borders” that can unify an agreement to provide financing was signed rather than divide. in Paris yesterday morning in the presence of “We should bring everyone together around Alain Juppe, the former French Prime Minister a football pitch... I’m ready to help and assist who is now president of the host cities, and in whatever way is necessary,” Infantino told organising committee head Jacques Lambert. reporters. The sports minister said that the initial Military tensions have been running high budget to provide security in fan zones on the peninsula following North Korea’s nu- was “10 to 12 million euros” but had been clear test in January and a ballistic missile test increased to 24 million euros. He added that staged a month later. an agreement had been reached between Cross-border relations have sunk to their the host cities, the French government and lowest level in years, with almost all offi cial UEFA to finance the extra cost. Fan zones have communications cut off . The two Koreas last become a regular feature at major sporting held a friendly match in Seoul in 2005. Before competitions in recent years but security is of that they played two consecutive games in foremost concern to authorities in France at a October 1990, in Seoul and Pyongyang, under time when the terror threat is high. the title “Inter-Korea Unifi cation” matches. France has been on high alert since 130 Sporting exchanges pretty much halted, people were killed and many more were along with other ties, as relations soured. FIFA President Gianni Infantino (right) talks with Korea Football Association President Chung Mong-gyu in Seoul, South Korea. (Reuters) injured during the November 13 terror attacks “Sometimes imagination can come true. in and around Paris. The attacks included Sometimes dreams can come true. These “the conditions were not right for me to put RUSSIAN TEAM MORDOVIA ON Gordeyev stepped down from his post with- three suicide bombers blowing themselves up things can become a reality,” Infantino said. in place my project to qualify Serbia for the STRIKE OVER WAGE ARREARS out giving any explanations for his decision. outside the Stade de France during a friendly The FIFA boss also defended moves to in- World Cup in Russia.” The footballers of However, the club stressed that Mordo- international between France and Germany. crease the number of teams participating in He added: “I hope Serbia answer our wish club Mordovia Saransk have refused to turn via’s match on Sunday against league lead- In Saint-Denis, to the north of Paris and the World Cup to 40, beginning in 2026. “I to qualify for the World Cup” in 2018. Serbia up for training because of a three-month wage ers Rostov was not under threat. “There is no which will host the final at the Stade de France, believe that it’s important to increase the fi nished second bottom of their Euro 2016 arrears, local media reported. question of Sunday’s match not going ahead,” the fan zone will be able to welcome up to number of teams on the World Cup because qualifying group after winning just twice in “It was the players’ joint decision,” Sport Mordovia spokesman Vitaly Laptev said. 100,000 supporters and will be staff ed by up we have to be more inclusive,” he said. “Eight eight games. They have been drawn in Group Express daily quoted Mordovia’s acting man- “The club has already promised the players to 100 security agents while video surveil- more teams will be perfectly justifi able,” he D in qualifying for the 2018 World Cup along ager Marat Mustafi n as saying. “We expect to settle the issue within a week. Maybe in the lance will also be used, it was announced said, adding he was considering six more with Wales, Austria, the Republic of Ireland, a meeting with the club management in the next couple of days.” recently. Kanner added that “everything will berths for the Asia region. Moldova and Georgia. They begin their cam- near future because the problem should be Premier League chiefs, meanwhile, said be done” to provide suff icient security. paign to qualify for the fi nals in Russia at solved.” they were watching the situation closely, and He also said that “exceptional measures” SERBIA COACH CURCIC STEPS DOWN home to Ireland on September 5. Mordovia are currently rock bottom of would intervene to resolve the problem as will be taken by the state in terms of policing, Serbia coach Radovan Curcic stepped down Curcic, 44, was appointed in November the Premier League with 18 points from 25 soon as possible. “It’s inadmissible to have while 10,000 members of the military will pro- yesterday, the country’s football federation 2014 as the successor to . No matches, two points behind Kuban Krasn- such a long-term wage arrears,” R-Sport vide support to ensure security “never before announced. Curcic explained via a state- replacement has been announced by the Ser- odar, who are in the relegation play-off s spot. agency quoted Sergei Pryadkin, the Premier seen for a sporting event in our country.” ment on the Serbian federation website that bian federation. Earlier this month Mordovia manager Andrei League president, as saying. Gulf Times Thursday, April 28, 2016 5 CRICKET

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE FOCUS Race ruling leaves Kallis ‘embarrassed’ Morris' daredevilry to be South African

AFP not enough as Lions New Delhi ricketing great Jacques Kallis has said he is “embarrassed” to be South African after the Cgovernment banned four sports federations from bidding for in- win exciting clash ternational tournaments for fail- ing to pick enough black players. South Africa’s sports minister South African scores unbeaten 32-ball 82 but Lions edge out Delhi by a run announced Monday he would veto any bid by the cricket, rug- by, netball and athletics bodies to host multinational events as they had missed racial “transforma- tion targets” designed to redress to host a major tournament is not apartheid era inequalities. currently up for grabs. While more than 90 percent However, it could sink the of South Africans are black, rugby federation’s hopes of host- they remain in a minority in ing the 2023 World Cup, with the the starting line-up for many process due to begin in a matter national teams—most notably of months. rugby and cricket—more than Although the national rugby two decades after the end of body and the government have whites-only rule. agreed that the Springboks team But Kallis, who is himself in the 2019 World Cup should white, criticised the government be at least 50 percent black, only for what he regarded as meddling three black players regularly in sport in a Tweet posted while started in the last tournament in he was coaching in India. 2015. “So sad that i fi nd myself em- Cricket South Africa is aim- barrassed to call myself a South ing to fi eld at least seven players African so often these days #no of colour in its starting elevens, place for politics in sport,” said which would include black Afri- Kallis, who is currently coaching cans, mixed-race and players of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian descent such as the lead- . ing batsman Hashim Amla. The government’s veto, which While it has met that target in will be reviewed in a year’s time, several one-day matches, it has should not immediately aff ect never had more than fi ve non- South African cricket as the right white players in a Test team.

SPOTLIGHT Australia eye Donald as bowling coach: report

Reuters from 1992-2002, stepped down as Melbourne bowling coach of South Africa a year ago, after four years mentor- ing the Proteas’ feared pace battery Delhi Daredevils’ Chris Morris walks back towards pavillion after losing their IPL match against Gujarat Lions in New Delhi yesterday. (AFP) outh Africa fast bowling of , Vernon Philander great Allan Donald will and Morne Morkel. IANS Yesterday’s victory took the lions to came in to bat. But an undaunted Morris was trapped leg before by Imran Tahir join Australia as bowling After Australia’s two-Test tour New Delhi the top of the IPL table with 10 points. continued to produce the big hits. with one that kept straight after pitching. coach for their tour of Sri of Sri Lanka in July and August, The IPL debutants have fi ve wins from With the Daredevils needing four runs The West Indies batsman played for the LankaS this year, local media re- Donald was expected to remain the six matches they have played so far. off the last ball, Bravo came up with an turn, only to see the ball hit him on the ported yesterday. in the post for a one-day series in ujarat Lions edged out a spirited The Daredevils, who suff ered their sec- accurate into Morris’ block- pads right on middle and leg. The 49-year-old, who took South Africa, News said. Delhi Daredevils by one run in a ond defeat in fi ve matches, are at the third hole. Morris’ swing only carried the ball McCullum followed his opening part- 330 Test at an outstand- Darren Lehmann remains thrilling Indian Premier League spot with six points. to Ravindra Jadeja at long-on and the ner back to the pavilion in the very next ing average of 22.25, could then Australia’s head coach across the (IPL) clash that went right down Delhi had a rocky start as Dhawal batsmen could only complete two runs over thanks to some strange shot selec- stay on as part of the top-ranked three formats but the make-up of Gto the last ball at the Ferozshah Kotla Sta- Kulkarni struck the crucial early blows, much to the disappointment of the home tion. Faced with a slowish full toss from Test nation’s coaching team for his staff remains unsettled. dium here yesterday. removing the top three Delhi batsmen crowd. Chris Morris that kept slightly high, the series against Pakistan and South Batting coach Michael Di Chris Morris produced a superb all- in his fi rst two overs. The Mumbai-born Earlier, put into bat by Delhi, Gujarat Kiwi veteran attempted a wild cross-bat- Africa in the coming home sum- Venuto departed last month round performance for Delhi and almost pacer eventually fi nished with fi gures of Lions rode on quick-fi re half-centuries ted swing that was neither accurate nor mer, News Ltd media said. to take up a post with England snatched victory for the hosts before fall- 3/19 in his four overs. James Faulkner (1 from Brendon McCullum and Dwayne well timed only to lose his stumps. Cricket Australia declined to county side Surrey, with former ing short in an exciting last over. for 23) and Dwayne Bravo (1 for 40) were Smith to post 172 for 6 in their 20 overs. Morris struck another crucial blow off comment on the report but a Test batsman Greg Blewett step- Chasing a competitive target of 173 the other -takers for the Lions. McCullum plundered 60 runs off a the last ball of the same over when he got team spokeswoman said the gov- ping in temporarily. runs, Delhi seemed to be in trouble after Delhi opener Sanju Samson made a mere 36 balls while Smith raced to 53 off Gujarat captain Suresh Raina with a well- erning body hoped to have the , widely tipped losing early wickets before Morris and his hash of what should have been an easy 30 as the duo put together an opening directed short pitched delivery. Ravindra coaching set-up for Sri Lanka to be Lehmann’s successor, is to South Africa teammate JP Duminy pro- fl ick off his pads to a poor delivery on partnership of 112 runs off just 63 deliver- Jadeja then fell to Duminy when he mis- settled within a “week or so”. guide the side during a one-day duced a superb comeback. his legstump by Kulkarni. What he did ies to give the Lions’ innings a fl ying start. judged the bounce of one that was slight- Craig McDermott, who helped tournament against West Indies Morris smashed an unbeaten 82 runs manage was to off er the leading egde to At one stage, the Lions seemed to be ly wide of off -stump. guide Australia to victory in last and South Africa in June to give off just 32 balls, entertaining the home Faulkner at mid-on. heading for a total of around 200 runs. But Tahir then dismissed Ishan Kishan and year’s World Cup and a 5-0 white- Lehmann a break before the Sri crowd with four hits to the ropes and Kulkarni then removed Quinton de a remarkable batting collapse that saw Gu- Dinesh Karthik off successive deliveries wash of England in the last Ashes Lanka tour. eight towering sixes. The South African Kock and Karun Nair in his next over to jarat lose six wickets in the space of just 30 to plunge Gujarat into further trouble. series on home soil, stepped down Langer will be assisted by all-rounder was eff ective with the ball as leave the Daredevils struggling at 3 for 16 runs broke the scoring momentum. James Faulkner attempted a late fi ght as bowling coach after the World Western Australia bowling coach well, returning fairly economical fi gures after four overs. Leg-spinner Imran Tahir played a back with a 13-ball 22 to help the visitors in India. Adam Griffi th and former Eng- of 2 for 35. Duminy and Morris then came togeth- crucial role in the Delhi bowlers’ fi ght- to a competitive total. Donald, nicknamed ‘White land batsman Graeme Hick in the Duminy played a patient knock of 48 er to smash the Delhi bowlers all around back with excellent fi gures of 3 for 24 in Lightning’ during a 72-Test career Caribbean. runs off 43 balls, hitting three boundaries the ground. But Duminy’s dismissal was his four overs. South Africa pacer Chris BRIEF SCORES: Gujarat Lions 172 for 6 in and a six along the way. He was unlucky the turning point. The young Pawan Negi Morris returned a fairly economical 2 for 20 overs (Brendon McCullum 60, Dwayne to miss out on a half-century, and was -- the most expensive Indian player at 35 while his compatriot Jean-Paul Du- Smith 53; Imran Tahir 3 for 24, Chris Mor- caught and bowled by Dwayne Bravo af- the IPL auction -- was unable to provide miny (1 for 4) bagged a wicket in the only ris 2 for 35) vs Delhi Daredevils 171 for 5 ter off ering an uncharacteristically poor the necessary support to Morris with the over he bowled. in 20 overs (Chris Morris 82 not out, JP Sri Lanka restores Jayasuriya as shot. hosts needing 29 runs off 17 balls when he Smith was fi nally dismissed when he Duminy 48; Dhawal Kulkarni 19 for 3) selection boss

Sri Lanka yesterday brought back former skipper Sanath Jayas- BOTTOMLINE uriya to be the chief of a new panel of cricket selectors, following the country’s abortive defence of the Twenty20 World Cup. The four-member panel was brought in to replace a previous ad- hoc committee headed by former Test player Aravinda de Silva, Qalandar fi res Al Feroz to Division A cricket title which was set up just hours before the team was due to leave for India. The World T20 tournament last month saw reigning champions Sri Lanka crash out at the group stages. By Sports Reporter in association with its long-time partner Two selectors, Romesh Kaluwitharana and Ranjith Maduras- Doha Qatar Airways, has been organising the inghe, have been retained in the new panel while the fourth man national league to promote the sport and is Eric Upashantha, also a former player and selector. groom the players. Jayasuriya previously headed the selection panel from January alandar Khan cracked a superb QCA General Secretary Manzoor Ah- 2013 to March 2015. “The new (selection) committee will take of- knock of 82 and sparked Al Fer- mad, on behalf of president MA Shahid, fice on May 1, 2016,” Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement. oz Youngsters to a four-wicket expressed his deep gratitude to sponsor Sri Lanka tours England in May and June and will play three victory against HBK in the fi nal and partner Qatar Airways for their back- Tests, five One-Day Internationals and one T20 match. ofQ the Qatar Airways Division A Cricket ing to the sport. League. He said, “We’re always grateful to Qa- At the Asian Town Cricket Stadium, Al tar Airways, who have been helping us Taylor replaces Malinga in Mumbai Feroz Youngsters chased the 173-run tar- boost the game in Qatar for a long time. Indians IPL team get rather easily in 41.1 overs with Qalandar We sincerely hope that Qatar Airways hitting the best knock in the match. would continue their support to our ac- West Indies fast bowler Jerome Taylor yesterday signed for the His 107-ball knock, which was punc- tivities for many more years to come.” Mumbai Indians, replacing Lasith Malinga who was ruled out of tuated by a six and fi ve fours, anchored Ahmad added: “We enjoyed the match this season’s Indian Premier League (IPL) with a knee injury. the Al Feroz batting. Inam-Ul Haq (25) between Al Feroz Youngsters and HBK The 31-year-old Taylor will join the -coached side and Tanveer (19) supported Qalandar which successfully concluded the Qatar for the rest of the Twenty20 tournament after the required pa- with their useful knocks. Lahiro (three Airways Division A League. We want to perwork was completed, India’s cricket board said in a statement. wickets for 35) and Ajantha (two wickets thank both the teams for their good per- The Jamaican played just one match for the West Indies, in the for 23 runs) attempted to foil the rivals formance.” group stages, during the World Twenty20 earlier this month but Qalandar saw his team through. when the Caribbean side clinched the title for the second time, Earlier, Harris picked three wickets for BRIEF SCORES: HBK 172 all out in 47.1 defeating England in the final. Taylor has played in previous IPL 32 runs in seven overs to restrict HBK to The victorious Al Feroz Youngsters pose with the winners’ trophy and Qatar Cricket overs (Ushantha 60, Dasul 48, Asitha editions, representing the Kings XI Punjab and the former Pune 172 all out in 47.1 overs. Noman, Mujeeb Association off icials after winning the Qatar Airways Division A Cricket League. 39; Harris 3 wickets) lost to Al Feroz 173 Warriors franchises. Sri Lankan veteran Malinga returned to and Tanveer were other successful bowl- for six in 41.1 overs (Qalandar 82; Lahiro Colombo after the first three IPL matches without having played ers with a scalp each. could not stay long enough to help HBK 60, while Dasul’s 48 included a six and 3 wkts, Ajantha 2 wkts) by four wickets. in the tournament to recover from the lingering injury that also Ushantha, Dasul and Asitha resisted put up a challenging score. Ushantha three fours and Asitha hit 39. Man of the Match: Qalandar Khan of Al kept him out of the World T20 held in India. the Al Feroz bowlers but other batsmen smashed a six and four boundaries to get The Qatar Cricket Association (QCA), Feroz (82 runs) Gulf Times 6 Thursday, April 28, 2016 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT PREPARED Relaxed, personable, Thibodeau ready for Balanced Hawks Timberwolves cruise past Celtics to take 3-2 lead

‘We’ve got to get back to playing with pace and moving the ball. Get back to playing File picture of Tom Thibodeau. with motion. I think we did a lot of pick and roll, a lot of isolation in the last two games’ MCT road that included Thibodeau Minneapolis placing Reinsdorf second to only Taylor in his list of thanks, Thi- bodeau cited the importance of he smiles and hand- synergy between the front of- shakes and backslaps fi ce and coach. And he cited the looked similar to those positive interaction he witnessed on June 23, 2010, when during his paid sabbatical be- Tthe Bulls introduced Tom Thibo- tween the Spurs’ Gregg Popovich deau as coach. and R.C. Buford, the Warriors’ Thibodeau’s talk of building Steve Kerr and Bob Myers and championship habits sounded the Celtics’ Brad Stevens and familiar. Even such classic Thibs- Danny Ainge as coach-executive isms like putting as much work models to emulate. into each and every day felt almost Of course, part of that failure comforting in their delivery. in Chicago is on Thibodeau. But one notable diff erence “For me personally, this is stood out Tuesday as Timber- about alignment. It’s not about wolves owner Glen Taylor in- power or any of that stuff ,” Thi- troduced Thibodeau as the 12th bodeau said. “I’ve known Scott a coach in franchise history and long time. We’re aligned in how president of basketball opera- we think. He was the person that tions in an elaborate news con- I really wanted.” ference on the Target Center A relaxed, confi dent and per- fl oor - the general manager. sonable Thibodeau commanded Scott Layden, who held the the room. With players that in- same title with the Knicks when cluded Andrew Wiggins and Thibodeau assisted Jeff Van Karl-Anthony Towns looking on, Gundy in New York, came, like he talked about coming full circle Thibodeau, with his own fi ve- to where he started his NBA ca- year deal off a successful stint in reer assisting the late Bill Mus- the Spurs’ front offi ce. selman in 1989. He joked about The arranged alliance con- the photo of him with a mullet trasted sharply with the frayed from that era circulating via so- relationship with management cial media. and ownership that doomed “I thought that had been bur- Thibodeau’s fi nal season with ied in the archives long ago,” the Bulls. Management fi red Thibodeau said, laughing. “My Thibodeau in May 2015 with two nephews and my niece are killing seasons left on his deal after fi ve me that it’s still out there.” seasons and a 255-139 mark. And he referenced the late Flip His new Timberwolves deal Saunders, whom Musselman re- takes the Bulls’ remaining $4.5 cruited to the University of Min- million commitment to Thibod- nesota, and how the two always eau off the books. would begin games coaching Al Horford #15 of the Atlanta Hawks attacks the basket against Amir Johnson #90 and Jonas Jerebko #8 of the Boston Celtics in Game Five of the Eastern Conference quarters. “I don’t want to keep going against each other with a Mus- back to Chicago,” Thibodeau selman-inspired play. MCT ing 89-62 lead. They went on a 23-5 run, Results 11 straight baskets. The run started with a said. “That’s gone, and I think “I just love the makeup of this Atlanta which included an 18-1 stretch, to end Millsap basket with 5:58 left in the second you learn from everything. Most roster. That didn’t happen by ac- the quarter. The Hawks started the run Pacers 99 Raptors 102 quarter, his fi rst make after four misses and of my experience there was very, cident. That was Flip’s vision,” with four 3-pointers out of fi ve baskets. Celtics 83 Hawks 110 making 1 of 4 free throws. Bazemore hit very positive. Nothing is going to Thibodeau said of his predeces- n a pivotal Game 5, the Hawks routed Korver, Scott, Millsap and Dennis Schro- three 3-pointers during the run. be perfect. (Chairman) Jerry (Re- sor who died last October. “He the Celtics, 110-83, Tuesday night at der all connected from long range and the In the second period, the Hawks out- insdorf) took a chance on me. I’ll had a well-thought out plan for Philips Arena to avenge two straight route was on. in Boston. He left in fourth quarter with a scored the Celtics 32-19 and shot 48 per- always appreciate that.” how he wanted to rebuild the road losses in the best-of-seven se- Korver had 10 points in the quarter. mild left ankle sprain and did not return. cent from the fi eld and 60 percent from But even while taking the high team.” Iries. Atlanta leads the Eastern Confer- “We’ve got to get back to playing with The Hawks got off to an ice-cold start. 3-point range. ence fi rst-round series 3-2. Game 6 is pace and moving the ball,” Teague said They trailed 20-15 after one quarter as That was just the start. Interestingly, Thursday back in Boston with a chance to before the game. “Get back to playing they shot a meagre 23.8 percent (5-of- top players from both teams failed to move on to the second round on the line. with motion. I think we did a lot of pick 21) from the fi eld. The Celtics were only score in the fi rst half. Al Horford was The NASCAR notebook The Hawks led by as many as 33 points and roll, a lot of isolation in the last two marginally better at 31.8 percent (7-of- 0-of-8 from the fi eld for the Hawks and in the lopsided victory that they broke games. We talked about that today, get- 22) in a quarter that sent the game of Thomas was 0-of-4 from the fi eld for the Here’s a crazy thought: Race- open in the third quarter. ting back to playing with our regular pace basketball back. The Celtics pushed their Celtics. Each scored the fi rst basket for car drivers love to win races. Five Hawks scored in double fi gures: with motion and using screens, things lead to double-digits, 29-19, early in the their team to start the second half. And sometimes they don’t Mike Scott (17), Jeff Teague (16), Kent like that.” The Hawks had 30 assists on second quarter. Thomas was booed every time he play nice. Bazemore (16), Kyle Korver (13) and Paul 42 fi eld goals. And then a fi re started and the frigid touched the ball. It was a measure of pay- It’s amusing and confusing to Millsap (10). The Hawks held Celtics guard Isaiah start melted. The Hawks went on a 26-6 back from the Philips Arena crowd after hear about the big kerfuff le The Hawks outscored the Celtics 42- Thomas to just seven points after he run to turn their 10-point defi cit into a they similarly booed Schroder after their involving Kyle Busch and 23 in the third period to take a command- scored 42 and 28 points in Games 3 and 4 10-point lead. During they run they made Game 3 incident. Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Carl Edwards last week in Richmond. BOTTOMLINE To review, Edwards pulled off the classic bump-and-run move on Busch in the last lap for the win. Edwards led a race-high 151 laps, so it wasn’t as if he got lucky that day. It just so happened that the I defi nitely won’t retire : Nowitzki guy he nudged out of the way Carl Edwards poses after on Turn 3 happens to be his wining the NASCAR Sprint Cup. MCT “As long as we go for it and reneged on the verbal commit- “teammate.” Dallas compete, then I’ll be a Mav.” ment he had given to Dallas. Kinda. Maybe. Not really. CHITWOOD MOVING UP Nowitzki was asked Tuesday “Certainly, all roads go NASCAR teammates do not al- The executive grid will look whether he has had any assur- through the Big German right ways go together like peanut significantly diff erent at Day- irst things fi rst: On ances from owner Mark Cuban now,” Nelson said Tuesday. butter and jelly or sugar and tona International Speedway Tuesday, less than 24 and president of basketball op- “We’ll sit down, at the right spice. Sometimes it’s just a hot and other International Speed- hours after the Maver- erations Donnie Nelson that the time, and see what it takes to mess. way Corporation tracks. Joie icks’ season ended with franchise will continue to “go for get him back in a Mavs uniform. “The double-edged sword Chitwood III, previously track aF playoff series-ending loss at it” and not tear-down and re- But whatever that is, he deserves of having great teammates president at Daytona, has Oklahoma City, Dirk Nowitzki build this off season. it. There’s not a player that I’ve is sometimes you have to been promoted to a newly cre- emphasised that he will play in “I haven’t talked to anybody,” been around that has his kind of race like that,” Edwards said. ated role as chief operating of- the NBA next season. And he re- Nowitzki said. “It’s going to be a winning software. “(Busch) was pretty certain I ficer of ISC. Concurrently, Chip iterated that he plans to remain a long summer. It’s April, I don’t “He’s our Roger, our Troy, was going to bump him.” Wile, president of Darlington Maverick. know what day in April it is, but our Mike Modano, Nolan Ryan, Was Busch happy? Raceway, has been promoted “I defi nitely won’t retire,” said it’s early. And knowing Mark and that’s who he is. He deserves the Certainly not. In fact, he was to president of Daytona Inter- Nowitzki, who turns 38 on June Donnie, we always go for it.” courtesy of the fi rst sit-down.” pretty peeved but managed to national Speedway. 19. “That’s out of the question. Nowitzki’s contract stipulates Another indication that maintain his composure in a “Joie has played a tremendous I felt great this year. I feel like I that he notify the team at least Nowitzki still has the passion to series of evasive non-answers role in the success of our can still play effi cient enough 24 hours prior to the June 23 play is that on Tuesday he men- after the race. flagship racetrack at Daytona to be there for the team. So, no, NBA draft of whether he plans tioned the possibility of again Edwards may have payback International Speedway since retirement is no question at all.” File picture of Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (R). to exercise his right to opt out playing for Germany’s national coming for him down the 2010,” ISC CEO Lesa France Nowitzki made his comments of the third year of his contract, team, as early as this summer. road. Kennedy said in a statement. after the Mavericks cleaned out “I want to say this the right asked if “that was crazy talk” or simply fulfi ll that third year. Nowitzki had “retired” from in- And that’s right in line with “Most recently, his leadership their American Airlines Center way,” Carlisle said. “We’ve got from Carlisle about the possibil- Another possibility would be ternational play after trying to what NASCAR CEO and of the DAYTONA Rising project, lockers, their goodbyes to team- to hope that this isn’t Dirk’s last ity he might leave. Nowitzki opting out and sign- lead Germany through last sum- Chairman Brian France calls while simultaneously operating mates and coaches and con- game as a Maverick. Now, he “Yeah, pretty much,” Nowit- ing a new contract to remain in mer’s FIBA world champion- “quintessential NASCAR.” the facility, has demonstrated ducted exit interviews with re- has the option to become a free zki said with a smile. “I’m not Dallas. In the summer of 2014, ships in Germany, but the team There’s no reason to play nice his operational acumen.” porters. agent. And I’m ready to get on a sure where that came from. I he gave the Mavericks a huge came up short and failed to earn just because another driver Chitwood, who lives in Central After Monday night’s season- plane and go to Germany and re- never said I was going to leave hometown discount by re-sign- a spot in this summer’s Olym- happens to be on the same Florida, will oversee ISC ending 118-104 loss to Oklaho- cruit him to be back.” this franchise. The only way I ing for three years, $25 million. pics. team. This isn’t basketball or enterprise facility operations, ma City, Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle went on the say he would ever leave, is like I said Nowitzki gave that discount in Now, though, there is a possi- football. It comes down to a along with “strengthening key Carlisle broached the fact that believes Nowitzki will return to and always have, is when we do hopes that Dallas could use the bility of Germany hosting a ma- one-man or -woman show on industry initiatives” involving Nowitzki has a clause in his con- play next season to Dallas, but rebuilding and start with fi ve extra salary cap space to lure a jor tournament this summer. If the track. the 13 ISC tracks that stage tract that enables him to opt out added, “I don’t think we can take rookies. Obviously that’s not the big-name free agent. The Mav- that happens, Nowitzki indicat- Winning remains the ultimate NASCAR events throughout of next season, the fi nal year of that for granted.” most fun thing that I want to be ericks thought they had one last ed that patriotic pull could lead objective. Imagine that. the year. his three-year contract. On Tuesday, Nowitzki was part of. July, but center DeAndre Jordan him back to international play. Gulf Times Thursday, April 28, 2016 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT NHL Penguins’ Crosby, Capitals’ Ovechkin Cueto helps Giants collide in Round 2 blank Padres 1-0 ‘At second base now, you see every manager holding up the game to see if the slide was good or if (the runner) came off the bag. Now we’re going overboard...’

MCT San Francisco

hen Johnny Cueto makes his next start on Monday, File picture of Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals. it will come at Cincinnati’s Great American Ball Park, MCT “Their defense is very good. Wthe hitter’s yard where he spent the bet- They’ve brought some new Pittsburgh ter part of a decade building a comfort- pieces in that have really sta- able hearth. bilized things, and (goaltender But Cueto is a San Francisco Giant hey are considered to be Braden) Holtby is having a Vezina now. And on a cold and windy Tuesday among the most bitter of (Trophy)-caliber year.” night at AT&T Park, he looked perfectly rivals. The Capitals averaged 33 hits cozy in his new surroundings. Kind of like their per game in their opening-round Cueto threw the seventh shutout of his Tteams, actually. victory against Philadelphia and career, turned in the fi rst complete game And when Penguins center have numerous big-body for- by a Giant this season and picked up the Sidney Crosby and Washington wards who can unleash a punish- 100th win of his career, twisting his way left winger Alex Ovechkin cross ing forecheck. to a 1-0 victory over the San Diego Pa- paths in the second round of the That means the Penguins dres. Stanley Cup playoff s - some- defensemen will want to react Cueto raced around the mound with thing that fi gures to happen quite quickly when pucks are sent into glee in the eighth inning, when he made often - they will be exchanging their end and move them to the Wil Myers his 11th strikeout victim and snarls and slashes, not smiles. forwards, lest they risk being re- watched as Buster Posey teamed with Still Crosby, probably the duced to a stain on the end-zone second baseman Joe Panik to throw out NHL’s best player since late De- boards. Travis Jankowski trying to steal. cember, made it clear that he “You try to get a step ahead The double play probably saved Cueto appreciates what Ovechkin has and try to read the play fast,” de- enough pitches to take a shot at the shut- accomplished in his 11 years in fenseman Kris Letang said. “Ob- out in the ninth. He began the inning at North America. viously, you want to get it to your 111 pitches, and with Santiago Casilla Especially his goal-scoring forwards as soon as possible.” getting warm in the bullpen, Cueto was ability. In 839 regular-season Imposing as the Capitals can able to fi nish the task without allowing a games, Ovechkin has scored 525, be, they aren’t invincible. The baserunner. several on shots that were visible Penguins proved that twice late Right fi elder Hunter Pence made a to the naked eye. in the regular season. They beat sliding, turf-ripping catch. One more OK, maybe not that many. Washington, 6-2, March 20 at pop up and ground out later, and Cueto “I defi nitely don’t have his Consol Energy Center and 4-3 had improved to 4-1 with a 2.65 ERA in shot,” Crosby said. “I don’t score in overtime April 7 at Verizon fi ve starts as a Giant. the way he does, so I’m not going Center. As for Zack Greinke, the pitcher the to pretend that I do. If nothing else, those games Giants tried to sign for roughly $70 mil- “It’s pretty amazing, what he’s provide templates for how the lion more? He has a 6.16 ERA in fi ve starts been able to do over the years. Penguins might want to ap- for the Arizona Diamondbacks. The way he scores and the rate he proach this series. Denard Span hit a booming double in scores at.” “When we played them later in the fi fth inning - a home run in most any San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the San Diego Padres. Mind you, Crosby has done the season, we were clicking on park, and even an arcade shot here in the at least one key thing - win a all cylinders,” Lovejoy said. “We afternoon sunshine - to drive in Brandon loaded the bases on a double, a walk and a Standings like slides that might violate the new rule Stanley Cup - that Ovechkin need to fi nd a way to bring that Crawford with the only run that Cueto bunt from James Shields that the pitcher governing baserunners at second base. hasn’t managed. The Capitals game to beat them in a playoff required. perfectly placed up the third base line for Cardinals 8 Diamondbacks 2 “It was supposed to be for calls when haven’t made it past Round 2 series.” Crawford had singled off James Shields a single. Royals 4 Angels 9 it was pretty obvious they missed ‘em,” since he arrived in 2005. Limiting Ovechkin’s off en- and taken second base on Cueto’s sacri- Jay followed with a sharp grounder to Marlins 6 Dodgers 3 Bochy said. “At second base now, you see They are, however, coming off sive production the way they did fi ce bunt. shortstop Brandon Crawford, who recov- Astros 1 Mariners 11 every manager holding up the game to a regular season unmatched in in the regular season, when he Cueto’s night started with an immedi- ered after a brief bobble and threw to sec- Padres 0 Giants 1 see if the slide was good or if (the runner) franchise history. didn’t get a point in fi ve games, ate puzzle to solve when Jon Jay led off ond base. Despite a quick turn from Joe came off the bag. Now we’re going over- Washington won the Presi- would be a good start, although the game with a double and took third on Panik, umpire Clint Fagan ruled that Jay board and they’re slowing up the game.” dents’ Trophy for the best reg- it probably isn’t a realistic objec- a ground out. With the Giants infi eld par- beat the double-play throw to fi rst base, in right fi eld. Bochy said he would touch Tim Lincecum has an agreement with ular-season record in the league tive. tially conceding the run on a ground ball, allowing a run to score. base with Major League Baseball vice the Giants, but it’s much less formal than and has a deep and balanced Ovechkin is too much of a force Cueto managed to pitch away from con- But for once on this homestand, a re- president Joe Torre about the Kemp play, anything that would involve a contract lineup that can play any game on too many parts of the rink to tact. He got Matt Kemp to swing through play review went in the Giants’ favour. something he has done on occasion when and a pen. opponents want. be completely neutralised - has a two-strike change-up in the dirt, then The video evidence showed the ball in confronted with an apparent inconsist- Lincecum asked and received per- And beat them at it. been since he entered the league. escaped the inning when Melvin Upton Brandon Belt’s glove an instant before Jay ency in the replay process. mission from the Giants to continue his The days when Washington “He’s the same intense guy, Jr. grounded out. hit the bag, and the call was overturned “I still don’t know how that wasn’t throwing program at the club’s minor was one-dimensional - capable passionate guy who loves to score Posey helped out Cueto in the fourth to end the inning. overturned,” Bochy said. “I’m going to league complex in Scottsdale, Ariz. He of scoring goals almost at will, goals and loves to make highlight after a pair of singles put runners at the If the call had gone against the Giants, check on this one, because that’s a trap. has been throwing off bullpen mounds and giving them up just as quick- plays,” Letang said. “He’s going corners with one out. Posey made an ac- Bochy might have dragged a TV monitor I looked at it quite a bit last night and the there regularly for the past two weeks, ly - ended when coach Barry to look for big hits. curate throw to second base to catch Up- onto the fi eld and kicked dirt on it out of ball was against the ground.” Giants GM Bobby Evans said. Trotz was hired in 2014. “He’s going to try to bring ton Jr. trying to steal, and then Cueto got principle. Bochy said he supports the current “He’s not necessarily only throwing at “They’re a very well-rounded those big plays. You have to re- Derek Norris to fl y out. He was still aggrieved one night af- replay system “for the most part” but our facility,” Evans said. “I can’t speak to team,” Penguins defenseman Ben spect him and make sure you pay Cueto required intercession from a ter a call wasn’t reversed, even though does not approve of how the number of that. I just know when I gave him permis- Lovejoy said. “They have a lot of attention to him.” much more distant source to avoid giv- there appeared to be suffi cient video challenges is rising as managers become sion to come to use our facility, it was two depth up front, a lot of skill that Not that anyone could possi- ing up a run in the fi fth. The Padres had evidence that Kemp had trapped a ball lawyers looking for loopholes on things weeks ago.” can make plays and beat you. bly ignore him.

BOTTOMLINE The Los Angeles Rams have draft ed a huge 47 so far but few became stars

MCT former Purdue star the No. 3 pick in the ed two quarterbacks, Utah State’s Bill Rams also will watch with interest to- Los Angeles 1986 draft but could not come to terms Munson in the fi rst round and Rich- night. on a contract. mond’s Ron Smith in the 10th. , drafted in the second , a two-time MVP who But Gabriel endured. The NFL’s most round in 1973, played three seasons he longest-tenured quarter- led the St. Louis Rams to a Super Bowl valuable player in 1969, he passed for for the Rams and 12 more with the Ea- back in Los Angeles Rams his- title, was an undrafted free agent who 154 in 130 games, with 112 gles, Miami Dolphins and Kansas City tory is keeping a watchful eye had been cut by the , for the Rams. He played Chiefs. on today’s NFL draft. and played in the Arena Football League his last fi ve seasons with the Philadel- The longtime ESPN analyst played TRoman Gabriel played 11 seasons before signing with the Rams. phia Eagles before retiring at 37 after at Youngstown State in Ohio and said in Los Angeles, and he is eager to see None had the longevity of Gabriel, a the 1977 season. he was shocked when the Rams draft- whether the Rams select California’s North Carolina State star selected by Gabriel, who splits time between his ed him because he hadn’t heard much or North Dakota State’s Car- the Rams with the second pick in 1962. hometown of Wilmington, N.C., and from them. son Wentz with the No 1 pick. Only Syracuse running back Ernie Little River, S.C., is thrilled the Rams “I was in my dorm room,” he said of Like many Rams fans through the Davis was taken before Gabriel, who have returned to Los Angeles. draft day. “There was a pay phone in the years, Gabriel awaits an end to the saga was at the centre of a bidding war be- “Hopefully,” he said, “some of the hall of the dorm and an exchange stu- of shuffl ing. tween the Rams and the American old-timers remember guys like myself.” dent from Beirut answered and yelled, “I can’t count how many quarter- Football League’s Oakland Raiders. He likes both Goff and Wentz. ‘Ron Jaworski, the Los Angeles Rams backs they’ve had since I was there in Gabriel said that the Raiders off ered “They both look like (good) pros- are on the phone.’ It was a little bit dif- ‘62,” said Gabriel, 75. “Holy cow.” $12,500 a year and a $2,500 signing bo- pects,” he said, “but for season tickets ferent than the red carpet treatment we The Rams franchise - rooted in nus. But Rams General Manager Elroy Goff might be a better choice because see today.” Cleveland before touching down in Los Hirsch travelled to Raleigh, N.C., to of- he’s a California kid and people know Jaworski, 65, said no quarterback is Angeles, Anaheim and St. Louis - has fer $15,000 a year and a $5,000 bonus. about him.” ready to play immediately in the NFL drafted 47 quarterbacks, 44 since 1949, Gabriel signed with the Rams but Gabriel said Los Angeles was and - “I don’t care what off ense you played when Bobby Thomason of the Vir- said that he learned later that the Raid- always will be a good destination for in,” he said - but said both Goff and ginia Military Institute was selected in Many Rams’ fans are hoping that they sign California’s Jared Goff (pictured). ers had given his rights to the Dallas quarterbacks. Wentz have the skills to make the tran- Round 1 as the fi rst quarterback chosen Texans, who were prepared to off er “The opportunities when I was there sition. by the Los Angeles Rams. backs drafted by the Rams, who also 1972 season and assigned him to the nearly fi ve times as much. were tremendous,” he said. “I got to do Jaworski played for the Rams in an Six were fi rst-round picks and three selected UCLA’s Gary Beban in the sec- “taxi” practice squad after the Buff alo “I’d already committed to L.A. and to a lot of stuff because I was a Ram and era when he rotated with Harris, John - Vanderbilt’s Billy Wade in 1952, Or- ond round in 1968 and Doug Flutie in Bills released him. He led Rams to the this day I’m happy I did,” he said. “I got at the time a decent quarterback. Some Hadl and Pat Haden. egon State’s in 1963 and the 11th round in 1985. 1974 NFC title game and made the Pro to play 11 years with great friends.” TV, a couple movies ... . If you keep “You have to pick a guy and ride Oklahoma’s in 2010 - Several of their most successful Bowl. Even back then, the Rams’ quarter- yourself above board and do the things with him,” he said, adding, “If you’re were the top pick in the draft. quarterbacks were not drafted by the , the Rams’ all-time pass- back situation was unsettled. A year that are necessary, a guy coming in going to get a quarterback for the long Baker and Bradford were two of four Rams. ing-yardage leader, was acquired in a after selecting Gabriel, they drafted there can do well for himself.” haul, you’re going to have to live with Heisman Trophy-winning quarter- They signed James Harris during the trade after the Houston Oilers made the Baker. And a year after that they draft- Other quarterbacks drafted by the some pain.” Gulf Times 8 Thursday, April 28, 2016 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS US sending veteran squad to Rio in bid Suspended Sutton for sixth women’s basketball gold

Reuters 12 players could easily have been New York named to that team,” said Au- quits British Cycling riemma. “But the 12 that were named ive-time defending gold are a great combination of Ol- medallist the United ympic gold-medal experience, States unveiled a veter- multiple gold medal winners and an-laden Olympic wom- great leaders,” he said. en’sF basketball team on Wednes- “There is also an infl ux of day that will head to the Rio de young players, which not only is aft er sexism row Janeiro Summer Games seeking going to be a great benefi t to us a sixth straight crown. this year, but I think it will set the There will be no lack of experi- stage going forward in two years ‘I believe it is in the best interests of British Cycling for me to step down from my position’ ence on a squad that boasts nine for the world Championship and returning gold medallists led by then in four years in Tokyo.” three-time Olympic champions Also named to the squad are AFP Sue Bird, Tamika Catchings and two-time Olympic gold med- London This fi le photo taken on August 5, 2012 shows Shane Diana Taurasi. allists Seimone Augustus and Sutton, observing a race in the London 2012 Olympic The team will be coached Sylvia Fowles, and 2012 Olympic Games men’s omnium 1km time trial cycling event, at the by Geno Auriemma, who has gold medallists Tina Charles, hane Sutton resigned Velodrome in the Olympic Park in east London. (AFP) steered the US women to an Angel McCoughtry, Maya Moore as technical director of overall 23-0 record and gold and Lindsay Whalen. Compet- British Cycling yester- medals at the 2012 Olympics and ing in their fi rst Olympic Games day following allega- the 2010 and 2014 world cham- are Elena Delle Donne, Brittney tionsS he had used sexist and dis- pionships. Griner and Breanna Stewart. criminatory language towards The US women have won 41 Failing to make the fi nal cut team riders. consecutive Olympic games was Candace Parker, an Olympic “I believe it is in the best in- since losing to the Unifi ed Team gold medallist in 2008 and 2012 terests of British Cycling for at the Barcelona 1992 semi-fi - and a two-time WNBA most me to step down from my posi- nals. valuable player. tion as technical director,” the “Obviously it’s always incred- The United States will begin 58-year-old Australian said in ibly diffi cult to try to identify 12 preliminary round play in Group a statement issued by the na- players from a group of so many B with Canada, Senegal, Serbia tional governing body. great players. The commit- and two other teams that will Sutton’s decision came just tee had a really diffi cult job this earn their berths at the world 100 days before the start of the year, because it’s the fi rst time in Olympic qualifying tournament Olympics in Rio, with cycling a long time that a lot more than June 13-19 in Nantes, France. tipped to again be one of Brit- ain’s most successful sports at a Games. He was suspended by British Cycling late on Tuesday after it OLYMPIC FLAME was alleged he had called Para- lympic cyclists “gimps”. That announcement came soon after British Cycling launched an independent re- view into claims he had been sexist in his treatment of sprinter Jess Varnish. “It is absolutely crucial that, as our athletes begin their fi nal preparations for Rio, they are able to do so free of distraction,” said Sutton in his resignation statement. “The developments over the past few days have clearly be- come a distraction. “It is for this reason, and hav- ing spoken to friends and fam- ily, that I believe it is in the best interests of British Cycling for me to step down from my posi- tion as technical director,” add- ed Sutton. British Cycling chief execu- tive Ian Drake said: “I under- stand and respect Shane’s deci- Brailsford as British Cycling 2010 Commonwealth Games behind the scenes in the Brit- positive and healthy working sion to stand down. chief in 2014, having previously keirin champion, said Sutton ish team which won eight gold relationship” with Sutton. “Andy Harrison, programmes guided the likes of Chris Hoy had called him ‘Boatie’—a term medals at both the 2008 and the Trott, one of Britain’s track- director at British Cycling, will and Bradley Wiggins to Olympic which could be taken as a refer- 2012 Olympics. cycling stars when she won two be taking over with immediate titles and helped the team win ence to people sailing from Asia Sutton has a reputation for golds in front of a home crowd eff ect and will manage the team eight golds at the 2018 and 2012 to seek asylum in Australia. being blunt with riders but at London 2012, issued a state- in the build-up to Rio 2016.” Games. Varnish accused Sutton Ng said he did not think Sut- Britain’s Dani King, a London ment saying: “Personally I have Meanwhile Sutton said he of sexism, saying he had told her ton had meant to be racist, writ- 2012 cycling gold medallist, only ever had a wholly positive would co-operate with the re- to “go and have a baby” after her ing on Facebook: “Shane used to told Tuesday’s London Evening and healthy working relation- view. contract was not renewed. always call me ‘boatie’. Standard: “Shane is a no-non- ship with Shane Sutton and I “I have made clear that I re- But Sutton, in an interview “I could have taken off ence sense kind of guy. But he was no am very grateful to him and the ject the specifi c claims that with The Times on Wednesday, (sic) and maybe I should have no-nonsense with the men as British cycling team for all the have been made against me in denied making any such com- but I choose to shrug it off as his well as the women.” support and coaching they have recent days, and I look forward ments. twisted sense of humour (sic).” Meanwhile Laura Trott, one given me over the years to get to taking a full part in the review “There was never any talk Sutton replaced Dave Brails- of Britain’s track-cycling stars me to where I am today. process so I can respond to the of babies. I don’t know where ford as British Cycling chief in when she won two golds in “I cannot comment on the Greek rowing World Champion Katerina Nicolaidou lights allegations in detail.” that’s come from,” he said. 2014. front of a home crowd at Lon- allegations being made as I a cauldron with the Olympic Flame during the handover Wednesday saw fresh claims As head coach and then per- don 2012, issued a statement don’t know all the facts so feel ceremony of the Olympic Flame to the delegation of the 2016 ‘Baby’ talk of discrimination after Ma- formance director, Sutton was Wednesday in which she said it would be inappropriate for me Rio Olympics, at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, (Reuters) Sutton succeeded Dave laysian cyclist Josiah Ng, the Brailsford’s right-hand man she had only ever had a “wholly to cast judgement either way.”

BOTTOMLINE Unfi nished velodrome is main concern

Reuters Paes, who declared the park open on Rio de Janeiro April 12, said it was 98 percent com- plete with the tennis centre needing An aerial view of the Rio 2016 Velodrome last-minute work. The main courts are venue at the Olympic Park construction he unfi nished cycling arena is ready but temporary seating still needs site in Rio de Janeiro. (Reuters) the biggest issue facing the Rio to be installed, he said. de Janeiro Olympics 100 days Paes also announced public holidays before the games begin, the on three days during the games, both Tcity’s mayor said yesterday. for the opening and closing ceremonies The velodrome is only 85 percent and on Aug. 18, the day of the men’s ready and workers need another 30 to triathlon event in Copacabana. 40 days to fi nish the structure, meaning Following a strategy used during the there will not be time for a proper test 2014 World Cup, offi cials hope to re- event before the games begin on Aug. 5. duce the amount of traffi c by keeping “The biggest problem, the big- cars off the road and through the use of gest challenge and the job that gave us special traffi c lanes for Olympics visi- most problems and missed the deadline tors. was the velodrome,” Mayor Eduardo Paes said 260 kilometres (161 miles) Paes told reporters in Rio. “The track of traffi c lanes will be used to facilitate is practically done. We have 30 to 40 the movement of athletes and offi - more days of intense work but we are on cials. The lanes will be opened for tests schedule.” on July 25 and be fully operational six Rio’s original plan was to use the ve- days later. Rio was last month declared lodrome built for the 2007 Pan Ameri- the fourth most-congested city in the can Games but that was scuppered af- world by navigational device manufac- ter offi cials said the venue did not meet turer TomTom. Olympic standards. The old one was “We are at the point many people dismantled for rebuilding in the centre doubted,” Paes said. “But we are going of Brazil and a brand new one erected in well ... 100 days is always a landmark, Rio’s Olympic Park, the main cluster of it’s a demanding period and there is a venues. lot of pressure.” Gulf Times Thursday, April 28, 2016 9 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Brazil receives Olympic fl ame for Rio Games

AFP it will make a brief stopover in Swit- ternity among peoples,” said Hellenic Athens zerland. Olympic Committee chairman Spyros It will be presented at the United Kapralos. Nations offi ce in Geneva on Friday and The IOC has also said a team of up reece yesterday handed the placed on display over the weekend to 10 refugees will take part at the Rio Olympic fl ame over to Rio at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Olympics. Games offi cials setting off the the seat of the International Olympic Some 40 refugees have been identi- 100-day countdown to the Committee (IOC). fi ed by the IOC as possible contenders, GAugust 5 opening ceremony. Some 12,000 torchbearers will then with a selection to be made in June, a “Brazil is waiting for the fl ame with carry the fl ame through over 300 Bra- UN refugee agency source told AFP. excitement and passion,” said Rio 2016 zilian cities ahead of the opening of the The torch harks back to the ancient organising committee chairman Carlos summer Games on August 5. Olympics, when a sacred fl ame burned Nuzman, adding that the Games would Olympic organisers this year are throughout the Games. The tradi- feature “plenty of music, poetry, love”. including references to the migration tion was revived in 1936 for the Berlin “Rio is ready to make history,” he crisis gripping Europe. On Tuesday, a Games. said. Syrian swimmer who lost his lower leg Brazil’s preparations have been over- The ceremony took place at the his- in a bombing carried the fl ame through shadowed by the government crisis toric all-marble Olympic stadium in an Athens refugee camp. caused by accusations that President Athens, site of the fi rst modern Games Ibrahim al-Hussein, 27, carried the Dilma Rousseff juggled government in 1896. torch through Eleonas camp, where accounts to disguise budget shortfalls For the rest of the evening, the sta- some 1,600 asylum seekers are being during her 2014 reelection. dium will be lit in Brazilian green and given temporary shelter amid Europe’s But Brazilian and IOC offi cials have yellow, the Brazilian embassy in Ath- worst migrant crisis since World War insisted that preparations are ahead of ens said. II. schedule and will not be aff ected by the The fl ame was kindled on April 21 “The stopover of the fl ame at the political upheaval. in the 2,600-year-old Temple of Hera refugee camp of Eleonas and Ibrahim, They have also played down crime at Ancient Olympia, and carried on a the Syrian athlete who carried the concerns and fears over the quality of Spyros Capralos, head of the Hellenic Olympic Committee (L), hands over an Olympic torch to Rio’s Olympic chief week-long relay on Greek soil. fl ame, brought to this year’s torch relay water in Rio bay to be used for yachting Carlos Nuzman during the handover ceremony of the Olympic Flame to the delegation of the 2016 Rio Olympics, at the Before landing in Brasilia on May 3, a special message of solidarity and fra- and part of the swimming events. Panathenaic Stadium in Athens yesterday. (Reuters)

FOCUS TITLE DEFENCE Eaton fi nds the edge in pursuit Russia races against of decathlon supremacy

Reuters time and doubts to New York lympic decathlon champion and world record holder Ashton Eaton is gearing up for a title de- fence at the Rio Games, but fi gures to swallow some humble pie along the way. OAs part of his build-up to the US Olympic trials in July, Ea- ton has entered the Ostrava Golden Spike meet on May 20, reach Rio Olympics where he will line up in the 100 metres alongside six-times Olympic gold medal sprinter and world record holder Usain Bolt. ‘We are preparing for the Olympic Games regardless of what lies ahead’ “It’s obvious that I’m going to get completely dusted,” Ea- ton told Reuters while promoting the “Thank You, Mom,” TV ad campaign by Olympic sponsor Proctor & Gamble on Tues- day. “But what I hope to get out of that is to learn a little some- thing. Whenever I compete against elite athletes I always learn something by osmosis, and also just have a little fun and maybe I run faster because I’m running with fast people. “And I can just really get to see how much faster they are than me. I’ve always wondered.” That is not to be interpreted as a lack of confi dence by Ea- ton, who broke his own decathlon world record to defend his crown at the 2015 world championships in Beijing. He also set the indoor heptathlon world record in 2012. Eaton said he weighed whether to pursue football or track as a means of snaring a college scholarship when decathlon “chose me,” when a University of Oregon coach thought his athletic skills were suited to the arduous, 10-event test. “For the physical aspect, I’m very fast and I would say powerful,” he said. “And those lend themselves to being successful in the events that garner the most points - long jump, 100 metres, hurdles, shot put, 400 metres, pole vault. Those events are very much power and speed-based. High jump and discus are another matter. “I’m still trying to dial in the technique part of the high jump, trying to have it make sense to me,” Eaton said. “And the discus is very much an event like golf, the harder you try the worse it goes. So you have to be very patient.” Another strength Eaton has going for him is his partner- ship with Canada’s leading heptathlete, Brianne Theisen- Eaton, his former university teammate and wife since 2013. ANNA CHICHEROVA They train together, spur each other on and off er construc- tive advice. “Brianne and I are really great teammates and supporters of each other. It took us awhile to learn how to do that,” said Eaton. “Now we absolutely feed off each other’s advice and energy and encouragement and we’ve got a really good sys- tem now that makes us both really successful.” Theisen-Eaton is also much decorated as a heptathlon sil- ver medallist from the 2013 world championships and 2015 world championships, as well as a pentathlon silver medallist at the 2014 world indoor championships. “When I’m having a bad day or if she’s having a bad day, the other one knows exactly what to say to help turn that AFP desperation to not understanding as a 21-year-old reached the Dmitry Shlyakhtin, told AFP the criteria it has to fulfi l,” Chich- around,” said Eaton. Moscow what is going on.” semi-fi nals at the London 2012 last month that reforms had be- erova said. “I have accepted the “Or very technical, specifi c advice to help in an event. She The International Associaton Olympics. gun but “maybe not as fast as we situation because I understand knows where I struggle and need help and assistance. She’s of Athletics Federations (IAAF) “He understands what we are would have wanted.” that for the most part nothing really good at the high jump which helps. here are just 100 days un- suspended Russia in Novem- doing and why we are doing it.” Authorities have recently depends on me.” The duo put partisanship aside. til the Rio Olympics and ber after a World Anti-Doping Shubenkov, who ran a national stepped up the pace. The sports Russia is also grappling with “It’s not Canada and the United States, it’s the North defending women’s high Agency (WADA) commission record 12.98 seconds to win the ministry announced last week doping involving meldonium, America group,” Oregon native Eaton said. “We represent jump champion Anna said there was “state-sponsored” 110-metre hurdles at the World that two international experts that WADA banned from January North America.” TChicherova is in limbo as Russia doping and widespread corrup- Championships last August, is would assist Russia with its anti- 1. In March, President Vladimir fi ghts for a place in the athletics tion in Russian sport. training up to six hours a day in doping reforms. Putin blamed Russian offi cials contest. The IAAF said last month that Adler, south of Sochi. Peter Nicholson of Australia, for failing to warn athletes about While the Russian govern- Russia still has “considerable The WADA report which al- who specialises in criminal in- meldonium. ment and sports authorities race work” to do to be reinstated. A leged that senior sports offi cials vestigations, and Ieva Lukosiute- Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko to overcome a huge doping scan- decision on whether Russia can had enabled the use of perform- Stanikuniene, director of Lithua- said this month that 40 Russian dal, Chicherova is perfecting her return for the Rio Olympics will ance enhancing drugs and cov- nia’s anti-doping agency, will athletes in sports that include technique at a training centre in not be made until June. ered up positive drug tests, has start work in Russia in May. tennis, swimming and speed Sochi. The suspension means Russian left Russian athletics in turmoil. Their nomination “is a vital skating had tested positive for the “We are preparing for the Ol- athletes are excluded from mon- Although they initially denied step forward in ensuring that drug since the ban came into ef- ympic Games regardless of what ey-spinning international events the accusations, Russian au- athlete and public trust returns fect. lies ahead,” Chicherova told AFP. like the Diamond League. They thorities subsequently pledged to the Russian anti-doping sys- But some have reportedly al- “I am training for results.” can now only gauge themselves to tackle the colossal task of re- tem and Russian sport,” WADA ready had suspensions lifted be- Rio 2016 would be Chich- against domestic rivals. forming the country’s scandal- president Craig Reedie said this cause of doubts about whether erova’s fourth, and possibly last, ridden anti-doping system. week. Russia’s sports ministry they took the meldonium before Olympics. The doping scandal Blocked Road to Rio The road to Rio for Russia has vowed to give them “full and the ban started. that has hit her sport has caused Sergey Klevtsov, long-time means meeting a long list of re- free access to all anti-doping op- And Shlyakhtin assured AFP widespread doubt. coach of world champion hurdler instatement criteria outlined by erations in Russia.” the cases were unlikely to aff ect “There are times when you Sergey Shubenkov, told AFP that the IAAF, which includes abiding Authorities have also pledged Russia’s chances of competing in don’t know where you’re going, trainers are trying to compensate by all WADA rules and severing that the athletes hoping to com- Rio. WADA said this month ath- when you lose sight of the goal,” for the lack of international com- ties with all offi cials implicated in pete in Rio will undergo addition- letes suspended for meldonium she said. “I have experienced petition at such a key time. doping. al doping tests carried out by the could be absolved if only minute Gold medallist Ashton Eaton of the US reacts after winning many things on an emotional “He’s a professional athlete,” The new president of the All- IAAF. “All we can do is wait and samples had been found in their the men’s heptathlon at the IAAF World Indoor Athletics level from this situation, from Klevtsov said of Shubenkov, who Russian Athletics Federation, see how the federation handles system. Championships in Portland, Oregon on March 19, 2016. (Reuters) Gulf Times 10 Thursday, April 28, 2016 SPORT

HORSE RACING TENNIS Croatian Coric fi ghts back in Estoril Injaaz’s Istibdad AFP Kyrgios will be making a late Estoril clay start after pulling up injured and spending recent weeks at home in Canberra. roatian hope Borna Co- The 2015 Estoril fi nalist re- ric had to go the two- turns to this seaside resort out- hour distance to reach side of Lisbon after winning the the quarter-fi nals of the fi rst trophy of his career last sprints away with EstorilC Open yesterday as he held February in Marseille. off a charge from Rogerio Dutra The 58th-ranked Cervantes Silva 6-3, 4-6, 6-1. has a Sao Paulo semi-fi nal to his The sixth-seeded teenager credit this season but has yet to duplicated his showing from a break even, standing 9-11. year ago on his debut when he Kyrgios will be looking for his moved into the last eight. 15th victory of the year. Coric, 19, looked like win- Spanish wild card Fernando Fuweirat Cup ning in straight sets against a Verdasco, who replaced injured 101-ranked Brazilian opponent, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, made only but he lost his way as he dropped a token 58-minute showing as The conditions race for Purebred Arabians, which was run on the dirt at the Al serve to trail 4-5 in the second set he lost his fi rst-round match to after earning the fi rst. eighth seed Pablo Carreno Busta Rayyan racetrack, saw Jassim Ghazali’s charge pick up his third career victory Dutra Silva levelled at a set 6-1, 6-3. each but faded in the third as Verdasco, ranked 51st after By Sports Reporter Coric roared back to stake his once standing inside the ATP top Doha claim on victory through fi ve 10, only arrived on Tuesday af- aces and the same number of ter winning a rain-delayed fi nal service breaks. in on Monday for the njaaz Stud’s Istibdad made his com- Coric stands just 13-11 this seventh title of his career. fort with shorter runs very evident season despite fi nals in Chennai “Conditions here were dif- when he smashed the opposition to and Marrakech and will wait for fi cult and Pablo put me under a win the Fuweirat Cup, yesterday’s an opponent as second seed Nick lot of pressure. I did what I could Ifeature event of the seven-race card at Kyrgios makes his 2016 birthday but it would have been tough for the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club debut in Portugal. me to win today,” the Spaniard (QREC). The controversial Australian, said. The conditions race for Purebred Ara- who turned 21 on the day, was “When you are not at 100 per bians, which was run on the dirt at the Al starting in the second round af- cent and are facing a good player, Rayyan racetrack, saw Jassim Ghazali’s ter a bye, facing Spain’s Inigo these things can happen. Com- charge pick up his third career victory, Cervantes. ing here so late after the fi nal did two of which have come over 1200m in- The match will be a test for not help me.” cluding yesterday and one over 1100m. the 20th-ranked Kyrgios, who Spain’s fi fth seed Guillermo The fi ve-year-old son of AF Albahar has not competed since April 1, Garcia-Lopez advanced into the had Richard Mullen at the helm for the when he fell to Kei Nishikori in a quarters as he defeated Stephane fi rst time, as the British jockey guided Miami semi-fi nal. Robert of France 6-3, 7-6 (7/3). his ride to a seven-length victory over second-placed Mutazz, winner of last month’s Rodat Al Maida Cup over the HONOUR same six-furlongs, under Tadgh O’Shea. Zakhir Stud’s Zameer, ridden by Stephan Ladjadj, fi nished third. The win was Ghazali’s third and Mul- Nadal to carry len’s second on the day. Earlier, Ghazali-trained gelding Al Khattaf won his second straight Purebred Spanish fl ag at Rio Arabian Graduation Plate event within a span of two weeks. The six-year-old, with jockey JP Guil- lambert at the helm, comfortably beat Al Jeryan Stud’s in-form colt AJS Buraq, who has already won two outings this month, while another Ghazali charge Ba- hia Du Barthas was third under Mullen. Jockey Yanis Aouabed was at the helm Jockey Richard Mullen rides Injaaz Stud’s Istibdad, trained by Jassim Ghazali, to victory in the Fuweirat Cup yesterday. At bottom, of Makinson Lane once again as Hamad Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) general manager Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi (third from right) and head of Media Saad Ahmed al-Jehani-trained gelding raced Mubarak al-Hajri (right) with the winners of the Fuweirat Cup. PICTURES: Juhaim to a comfortable victory in the nine- furlong Thoroughbred Handicap event, a Class 5 race for horses rated 50-70. Aouabed had raced the six-year-old to a similar handicap victory last month. Yesterday, Osama al-Dhafea’s charge One More Roman and Dardawan, trained by Ibrahim al-Malki and ridden by Stephan Ladjadj, rounded up the top AFP At the time Nadal said that three. Madrid having to renounce from carry- Trainer Hadi al-Ramzani swept the ing the fl ag was one of the most frame in the Class 5 Thoroughbred diffi cult and saddest decisions he Handicap event with Al Zekreet Racing’s ennis star Rafael Nadal had ever made. Nu Form Fire racing to his fi rst win this will carry the Spanish “Spanish sport had a debt to season. fl ag at the opening cer- pay back to Rafael Nadal,” said Nu Form Fire, after a string of disap- emony of the Rio Olym- COE chief Alejandro Blanco. “He pointing results in Handicap events, fi - Tpic Games, the Spanish Olympic has done so much, so much more nally came into his own, as the fi ve-year- Committee (COE) announced than just his results.” old gelding, ridden by Darren Williams, yesterday. Nadal struggled for form last edged out Cueca, with Qatari jockey The nine-time French Open year as injuries held him back Faleh Bughanaim at the helm, and Half champion, who will turn 30 at and he even lost his French Open Turn, guided by Ali al-Showeikh, for the the start of June, won singles crown to Stan Wawrinka. victory. gold at the Beijing Olympics in But after a sticky start to In the Maiden Plate events that start- 2008 and he was chosen to carry this year, he has rediscovered ed the day, Evert Pheiff er rode Asaaf to the national fl ag at London four some of his old form, winning his fi rst career victory for trainer Zu- Local Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate Time: 1:55.22. Owner: Ahmed Hassan al- Du Barthas (Richard Mullen), 4. Abeah years later. back-to-back claycourt titles hair Mohsen in the Local Thoroughbred event. The four-year-old colt owned by Malki al-Jehani. Trainer: Hamad Ahmed (Yanis Aouabed). Won by: 3, 2, Shd. Time: A knee injury prevented him at Monte Carlo and Barce- Maiden Plate. Owned by Ali Khalfan Mo- Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari shed his al-Jehani. 1:18.01. Owner: Abdullah Mohamed al- from fulfi lling that role and in the lona and he will once again be hamed Ali Sheban al-Suwaidi, Asaaf only maiden status on his fi fth outing, fi nish- Race 3: 1. Al Fouz (Richard Mullen), 2. Kuwari Sons. Trainer: Jassim Ghazali. end it was NBA basketball star Pau among the favourites for Ro- took two starts to shed his maiden status, ing ahead of Injaaz Stud’s Muthmerah. Muthmerah (Alberto Sanna), 3. AJS Al Race 6: 1. Makinson Lane (Yanis Gasol who led the Spanish delega- land Garros, which starts on winning three and a half lengths ahead of Zubara (Pier Convertino), 4. Al Doctor Aouabed), 2. One More Roman (Mar- tion into the Olympic stadium. May 22. Seb Sanders’ ride Al Adaam. RESULTS (Marvin Suerland). Won by: 1 1/2, Hd, Shd. vin Suerland), 3. Dardawan (Stephan Another three-year-old colt, al-Je- Race 1: 1. Asaaf (Evert Pheiff er), 2. Al Time: 1:20.39. Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail Ladjadj), 4. Poyle Judy (Faleh Bugha- hani’s charge colt Broadway Icon, shed Adaam (Seb Sanders), 3. Al Ashqar al-Kuwari. Trainer: Jassim Ghazali. naim). Won by: 3, 1/2, 2 1/2. Time: 1:54.07. his maiden status on the day, winning (Tadgh O’Shea), 4. Hamza (Stephan Race 4: 1. Nu Form Fire (Darren Wil- Owner: Ahmed Hassan al-Malki al-Jehani. Wimbledon to focus on the Class 6 Thoroughbred Maiden Plate Ladjadj). Won by: 3 1/2, 10, 3. Time: 1:58.14. liams), 2. Cueca (Faleh Bughanaim), 3. Trainer: Hamad Ahmed al-Jehani. event under jockey Yanis Aouabed. Owner: Ali Khalfan Mohamed Ali Sheban Half Turn (Ali al-Showeikh), 4. Izghawa Race 7: 1. Istibdad (Richard Mullen), out-of-competition testing Broadway Icon just about managed to al-Suwaidi. Trainer: Zuhair Mohsen. (Evert Pheiff er). Won by: Nk, Shd, 1. Time: 2. Mutazz (Tadgh O’Shea), 3. Zameer edge out Rose Zafonic, ridden by Qatari Race 2: 1. Broadway Icon (Yanis 1:11.43. Owner: Al Zekreet Racing. Trainer: (Stephan Ladjadj), 4. Samjida (JP Guil- Reuters, London: Players Wimbledon said in a statement jockey Yousef al-Hajri. Aouabed), 2. Rose Zafonic (Yousef Hadi al-Ramzani. lambert). Won by: 7, 3 1/2, 3 1/2. Time: competing at Wimbledon are yesterday: “In addition to the Mullen guided Al Fouz, trained by al-Hajri), 3. Atori (Marvin Suerland), 4. Race 5: 1. Al Khattaf (JP Guillambert), 2. 1:15.68. Owner: Injaaz Stud. Trainer: Jas- set to be drug-tested more than TADP In-Competition testing, Ghazali, to his fi rst career victory in the Habob (Evert Pheiff er). Won by: Nk, 6, 1/2. AJS Buraq (Marco Monteriso), 3. Bahia sim Ghazali. ever before in the build-up to the AELTC (All England Lawn this year’s championships as Tennis & Croquet Club) will organisers focus resources on be implementing additional BOTTOMLINE out-of-competition testing. anti-doping measures for The Scarred by a string of recent Championships 2016, the scandals, Wimbledon had an- details of which are required to nounced on Tuesday that it was remain confidential. stepping up the fight against “As all anti-doping testing is anti-doping, without revealing carried out independently of Hamilton needs a Russian hat-trick any details. the tournament organisers, we But in an email, the Interna- are not able to comment on Reuters ympic Park and returned last Oc- you’d expect,” he said after start- Hamilton was also on for a race and I had great fun fi ghting tional Tennis Federation, which the level of testing which will Sochi tober to repeat the feat after Ros- ing that third race of the season at hat-trick of wins in Bahrain and from the back the year before, administers and part-funds the take place other than to say berg had secured pole position the back of the grid and fi nishing China, having won both races so I know I’m competitive at this Tennis Anti-Doping Programme that we are fully supportive of a but then retired with a throttle seventh. there in 2014 and 2015, and Ros- track.” (TADP), said Wimbledon had comprehensive In-Competition riple world champion failure. “But, after all these years, ex- berg denied him both. Both Mercedes drivers can discussed its plans with the ITF and Out-of-Competition testing Lewis Hamilton is the While that victory set Ham- perience has taught me to stay But the German remains wary expect to be pushed hard by Fer- and will focus its attention on programme.” only Formula One driver ilton up for the title, which he calm and keep pushing forwards of what might happen. rari’s Sebastian Vettel and Kimi out-of-competition testing. Out-of-competition test- to have won the Russian took in Texas two weeks later, when I get knocked back. I’ve “I would never have expected Raikkonen but they also need to The additional tests, which will ing—which can be conducted GrandT Prix and, with Mercedes Sunday’s race has been moved to been here before a few times now. the fi rst three weekends to go the worry about Red Bull’s Austral- be funded by Wimbledon, will at any time when a player is team mate Nico Rosberg on a the Russian national holiday slot “Adversity is part of the jour- way they have,” said Rosberg. ian Daniel Ricciardo and local be carried out by UK Anti-Dop- not actively involved in an red-hot winning streak, needs to with the 2016 championship still ney,” he added. “There are lots “I’ve made the most of my hero Daniil Kvyat. ing (UKAD), the ITF said. event—is considered to be keep it that way on Sunday. in its infancy. of positives to carry into the next opportunities and I have a bit of With impeccable timing, Kvy- As a result, players competing the best way to catch dopers, The Briton will be toiling fl at Hamilton is already 36 points battle. If nothing else, I know af- an advantage in the points right at fi nished third in China for his at this year’s championships while blood testing has also out on May Day, the international behind Rosberg and while he is ter these fi rst few races that I can now—but we are only three races second career podium appear- could be tested out-of-compe- become more prevalent in workers’ holiday, to deny his unlikely to be sending out any still overtake.” down and it would just take one ance after Ricciardo had qualifi ed tition in the run up to the grand recent times. German rival a seventh succes- Mayday distress signals the Brit- Rosberg has not had to do bad weekend for that gap to dis- on the front row. slam event by UK Anti-Doping In 2014, 1,439 of 3,529 tests sive win and fourth of the sport’s on is in defi nite need of a track much of that recently, leading appear. Conditions are expected to be on behalf of Wimbledon, as well were conducted out-of-compe- longest ever season. turnaround. from pole in Shanghai and also “I was looking good all week- fi ne all weekend, with tempera- as being tested in and/or out-of- tition, while in 2015 it was 2,256 Hamilton won the inaugural “There was plenty going enjoying comfortable wins in end last year until a techni- tures of around 18 degrees Cel- competition by the ITF. out of 4,433. race around the 2014 Winter Ol- through my head after China, as Australia and Bahrain. cal problem put me out of the sius. Gulf Times Thursday, April 28, 2016 11 SPORT

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT beIN only Sport powerful tool broadcaster with for inclusion: athletes rights for all four at UNAOC forum Grand Slams

By Sports Reporter including Arabic, English and Doha French. beIN has played an im- portant part in popularising ten- nis in the region. eIN announced yester- beIN will further enrich the day signing of a long broadcast of various tennis term deal to exclusively events by ensuring that tennis broadcast Wimbledon fans in Mena are able to watch inB Mena. Through this landmark all of their favourite events, deal, beIN became the fi rst ever any time anywhere through and only broadcaster globally to beIN OTT product beIN CON- have rights to all four prestigious NECT. beIN will also provide a Grand Slam tournaments. unique experience to tennis fans beIN already has long-term through giving up-to-date news, deals to broadcast US Open, exclusive images and up-dates Australian Open and Roland from all leading tournaments on Garros. Besides these top four beINsports.com and all of beIN’s tennis events, beIN has also se- social media platforms. cured rights of various ATP and Commenting on this impor- WTA tournaments being played tant development, beIN ME- all over the world. The lat- DIA Group deputy CEO Yousef est broadcast deal consolidates al-Obaidly said, “beIN intends beIN’s position as the real and to provide best sports plat- exclusive home of tennis in Mid- form within the pay-tv indus- dle East & North Africa region. try globally. beIN will continue beIN has consistently raised to pursue excellence in sports the level of production in the broadcast even as we expand our region through deployment of platform to appeal to the whole latest broadcast and produc- family. Tennis is a very popular tion technologies, setting up game in the region and it appeals state-of-art studios for these to both men and women. It’s im- tournaments in host countries portant for us to have sports that and through involvement of are household favourites. We are top tennis players, analysts and proud to have all the four grand commentators over the years. slams on our platform and are Combination of all of these fac- thankful to Wimbledon for part- tors enables beIN to produce and nering with us and placing their present tennis with the local fl a- trust in our ability to do the ab- vour. Broadcast of various events solutely best for this prestigious on beIN is in multiple languages global event.”

Retired French footballer Christian Karembeu (left) and Honey Thalijeh, the first-ever Palestinian female football captain, at the UNAOC Global Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan. FOCUS Agencies of Sports for Peace, Sustainable and In- and benefi t society and think it is impor- Syrian refugee and football coach Baku, Azerbaijan clusive Development, panellists shared tant to encourage more support for these Mohsen added: “Sport has opened up their experiences about of how sport has types of programmes that promote sport many doors in my life. It has a special transformed their lives and played an im- and the values that they teach young peo- ability to inspire and provides an avenue Aspire Academy ave the Dream Ambassadors and portant role in enhancing society across a ple.” of hope for millions of people around the sporting champions gathered in number of areas. During the session, Mammadov high- world. Baku at the 7th Global Forum of UEFA Global Ambassador Karembeu lighted that all governing bodies have a “I am thankful for the opportunities praises parents’ role the United Nations Alliance of said: “Sport has a special power to change responsibility to give equal opportunities and values that sport has given me and CivilizationsS (UNAOC) to call for more the lives of people around the world - to to girls and boys to play sport and that my family and I believe it is important organisations to use sport as a tool for promote peace and to unite people be- football has played an important role in that all cultures and individuals should in student-athletes social integration and inclusion and to yond regions, beyond colours. Sport has breaking down cultural and social barri- have opportunity to play sport and learn highlight the importance of promoting no borders and is universal. ers and stereotypes, particularly around about the positive values it can teach.” the positive values of sport to young peo- “Through sport, we can speak the young women and girls. Concluding the session, Save the performance ple. same language. For me, sport is a power- Speaking of her experiences within Dream executive director Massimiliano With countries continuing to face many ful tool for integration and inclusion and football and sport, Thaljieh said: “Sport, Montanari said, “The dream of a child is social challenges, the call to action was more organisations should embrace sport and particularly football, has been an the most genuine and pure form of hu- made during a breakout session hosted by as a positive platform that can benefi t so- important vehicle to promote peace; to man ambition. Save the Dream, a global programme which ciety.” break down cultural, political and so- “Today we have learnt from our distin- works to promote and protect the purity of Ecuadorian peace and sport activist cial barriers and to help integrate people guished panellists how sport can restore sport for young people. Curbelo added: “I believe that sport is a into society. The power of sport in soci- dignity, dialogue and mutual under- The session at the UNAOC Global Fo- perfect vehicle to promote social inclu- ety really cannot be underestimated and standing in societies where violence, dis- rum included a line-up of several infl u- sion of minorities and other vulnerable through it, everybody speaks one lan- crimination and confl icts have dramati- ential fi gures including football superstar or disadvantaged groups. It can also be guage. cally jeopardised the human condition. Christian Karembeu, the fi rst-ever Pal- instrumental in combating violence “This is why organisations, includ- “As a movement of people and organi- estinian female football captain Honey through community- based projects and ing FIFA’s social projects and initiatives sations who love sport and believe that Thaljieh, Association of Football Fed- promoting reconciliation, peace, toler- like Save the Dream, are helping to har- sport values can protect this dream, Save erations of Azerbaijan (AFFA) secretary ance, and co-existence. ness the power of sport to further spread the Dream aims to provide young people general Elkan Mammadov, Syrian refugee “I have seen fi rst-hand how sport its many important values and to direct with an avenue of hope for young people and football coach Osama Abdul Mohsen, programmes – like Fútbol Callejero en young people’s energy in a positive way and use the values of sport as a bridge to and peace activist Nelsa Curbelo. Educación para la Paz y la No-Violencia to help prevent violence and discrimina- promote greater understanding within Taking place under the umbrella theme and Save the Dream – can change people tion in society.” society.”

BOTTOMLINE AAB holds reception for Qatar Cup trophy tour By Sports Reporter of their sons towards their stud- Doha ies, which affi rms our eff orts to By Sports Reporter provide a positive learning en- Doha vironment for our students. The spire Academy hosted continuity of these meetings has this week a parent meet- supported the positive develop- bdullah Abdulghani & Bros. ing for grade levels 10, ment of our student-athletes, Co. (AAB) received the Qatar 11 and 12, where parents and enhanced dialogue between Cup Trophy Tour at the Al Ab- metA with the Academy’s teachers parents and teachers.” dulghani Tower on Monday. and coaches to discuss enhancing Nasser al-Meraisi, a parent of AThe ceremony was attended by Me- means of collaboration in sup- one of the Academy’s student- shaal al-Emadi, head of Corporate Spon- port of the academic and athletic athletes, commented on how sorship, and offi cials from Qatar Stars performance of the Academy’s these meetings give parents a League (QSL). The trophy was received at student-athletes. The meeting chance to fi nd out in more detail AAB by CEO Serdar Toktamis and COO also helped the Academy’s teach- about the performance of their RK Murugan. ers and coaches communicate son, whether from the academic, The 57cm tall and 22cm wide Qatar their expectations of the student- athletic or behavioural aspects. Cup Trophy, with its sparkling golden fa- athletes, build close rapport with He also made note of how his cade was a delighting sight. the parents and boost trust with son’s performance has improved Al-Emadi, while thanking Abdul- the local community. from one meeting to the other, lah Abdulghani for supporting the Qatar Commenting on the meeting, which he attributed partly to Cup, said that the shape of the Qatar Cup Aspire Academy vice principal parent meetings, given that they Trophy was inspired by the fl ag of Qatar Ahmed Hussein said: “One of the facilitate the opportunity for and the country’s national anthem is en- goals from such meetings is to parents to learn more about how graved on the back of it. reinforce the dialogue between they can support the positive de- Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros. is the parents and the teaching fac- velopment of their wards. Offi cial Automobile Partner of the Qatar ulty at Aspire Academy, which Aspire Academy regularly or- Cup, the fi nal of which will be played at contributes positively towards ganises such meetings to provide Al Sadd Stadium between Lekhwiya and the performance of our student- opportunities to keep parents El Jaish tomorrow. athletes as it helps identify areas updated regarding the perform- As part of the sponsorship, AAB will of strength as well as areas of im- ance and progress of its students have a Toyota Booth in the Fan Zone at Al provement.” and the steps being taken in sup- Sadd Stadium, and will put Land Cruiser supported major activities in the coun- a strong national feel and show their re- Automotive Market with customers ap- He added: “We have received port of the Academy’s mission to and Prius on display. try, be it sports, cultural, social, educa- spect to the great nation of Qatar. preciating the quality, durability and reli- positive feedback from parents develop Qatar’s future genera- AAB, as part of its corporate policy, has tional, etc., with the intention to provide AAB is a leading company in the Qatari ability of Toyota products. regarding the positive attitudes tion of elite athletes.

Thursday, April 28, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

EMIR CUP Smaller teams look to cause upsets in third round ‘Teams are equal at this stage and it will be one that has the stronger desire and the determination that gets the victory’

By Sports Reporter Doha

he knockout nature of the Emir Cup gives even the small- er teams the belief and the chance to upset some of the biggerT teams. With none of the Qatar Gas League (QGL) teams qualifying for the quarter-fi nal stages, it will be only the Qatar Stars League teams who will battle it out for this season’s last piece of silverware. Today the teams who fi nished 5th to 8th – Umm Salal, Al Ahli, Al Sailiya and Al Arabi - in the QSL will enter the fray. Last week Al Gharafa, Al Khor, Al Wakrah and Al Kharaitiyat won their respective matches against their QGL opponents but now they will be up against tougher QSL opponents. Sailiya coach Sami Trabelsi believes that even smaller teams can progress far in this tournament if they apply themselves well. “Our team is capa- (L-R) Sailiya coach sami Trabelsi, Wakrah coach Jose mauricio, Khor coach Jean Fernandez and Ahli coach Yousef Adam during the pre-match press conferences yesterday. PICTURES: Mamdouh ble of achieving that target. We admit that there is diff erence in level to the bition is to go as far as we can in this opposition to play against and they Fixtures stronger teams but if we play with dis- tournament. We know that this will be have shown that in the League,” he cipline and control then we can win a tough match. Wakrah are a dangerous added. Al Wakrah vs Al Sailiya against them. We believe it is possible opponent despite their recent string of Khor will looking to cause and upset Al Kharaitiyat vs Al Arabi for any team to win because of the na- results,” said the Tunisian. when they take on Ahli today. And Khor Al Khor vs Al Ahli ture of the tournament,” said Trabelsi Wakrah coach Jose Mauricio believes coach Jean Fernandez also believes that Al Gharafa vs Umm Salal during the pre-match press conference that both teams have an equal chance this competition off ers smaller teams yesterday. of winning this match. “In the two a chance to upset the bigger names. “The Emir Cup is diff erent from the games that we played in the QSL, both “Ahli fi nished sixth in the league while Umm Salal,” added Fernandez. Qatar Stars League. Here players are teams ended up winning one each. I we managed tenth place. But this com- Ahli coach Yousef Adam believes playing with less pressure because it’s believe that the game will be equal and petition is completely diff erent. Both that the team with the stronger desire fewer matches and that gives every the team that manages to play with teams have equal chances and we are will walk away victorious. “Teams are team a chance,” he added. complete concentration will emerge not afraid of playing against Ahli,” said equal at this stage and it will be one Sailiya will take on Wakrah today victorious,” said Mauricio. Fernandez yesterday. that has the stronger desire and the de- and Trabelsi is aware of the threat that “Both teams want to win this match “We have to treat them with re- termination that will be able to get the his opposition poses despite them and that will make this encounter a spect because they are a strong team victory,” said Adam yesterday. Now to having fi nished 11th in QSL. “Our am- tough one. Sailiya are always a tough and have beaten teams like Rayyan and see what happens on the pitch. Arabi coach Gianfranco Zola (L) and Kharaitiyat coach Amar Osim.