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Sunday, April 24, 2016 FOOTBALL Rajab 17, 1437 AH It’s Martial law as GULF TIMES Manchester United make FA Cup fi nal SPORT Page 3

QATAR CUP SEMI-FINAL FOCUS QSL champions Lekhwiya captain Rayyan face stiff Boudaif confi dent

By Sports Reporter the semifi nals; it is straight knockout Lekhwiya exam Doha so we cannot make any mistakes.” Commenting on their game to- day, the 25year old said: “We respect Lekhwiya also have a score to settle after being dethroned by Al Rayyan ekhwiya captain Karim Boudaif Al Rayyan, they have a strong squad. is confi dent his team can pull it However, we don’t fear them, we will as the Qatar Stars League champions and their match-up today provides off against Qatar Stars League try hard to get the result we need to champions Al Rayyan when reach the fi nal. an exciting opportunity for them to put that disappointment behind them Lthey clash today in the semi-fi nals of “The Qatar Cup is totally diff erent the Qatar Cup. competition which consists only of “With Al Rayyan winning the league, three games, while the QSL campaign we have to focus on the Qatar Cup. We is a long one with the possibility of will fi ght to defend our title, especially compensation in case of losing.” after losing the QSL title,” Boudaif said. Boudiaf also stressed on the fact that The Qatari international midfi elder Lekhwiya have been training hard for was also clear about the quality of the the Qatar Cup. upcoming Qatar Cup competition. “Our ambition is to regain the Qatar “The Qatar Cup has the four best teams Cup, the squad is working hard for this. in Qatar; it will always be a challenge to I believe we have a great chance to lift it win. I expect plenty of excitement in come April 24.”

SPOTLIGHT Qatar Cup fanzone Lekhwiya coach Djamel Belmadi (C) and captain Karim Boudaif address the media at their Qatar Cup press conferernce yesterday. At bottom, Al Rayyan coach Jorge Fossati makes a point.

By Sports Reporter god for this game, now we can decide which players will play in the next launched Doha match. For this match we have our full team.” l Rayyan face their day of The Lions top striker Tabata has reckoning in their bid for a attracted a lot of interest from other domestic treble when they teams in the region. take on a resurgent Lekhwiya “It is no surprise to me that a player Ain the fi rst semi-fi nal of the Qatar Cup like Tabata with his quality has an of- today at the Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad fer from another team. I am very hap- Stadium. The match begins at 7.15pm. py that he has this interest and now After romping to the Qatar Stars most of the people in Qatar and the League title with fi ve matches to region are recognising his talent. But spare, Al Rayyan have simply gone off he is completely focused on the next the boil. They haven’t won a single game and even if he has the best off er match after lifting the Falcon Shield in the world he will focus only on the and could struggle when they meet game. He is our captain and his head is Lekhwiya, who have been involved in the game,” added the sixty-three- in the gruelling Asian Champions year-old. League where they have qualifi ed for Djamel Belmadi, the head coach of the last 16. Lekhwiya is hoping his side repeat Lekhwiya also have a score to settle what they did last season and go on after being dethroned by Al Rayyan as to win the Qatar Cup, “Tomorrow is the Qatar Stars League champions and a very big game against the champi- their match-up today provides an ex- ons Qatar, in a competition we al- citing opportunity for them to put that ready won last year. And if we want disappointment behind them. to get to the final we have to get past In fairness to Al Rayyan, head coach this difficult and strong game,” said Jorge Fossati has fully utilised his fi nishing fourth – their lowest ever po- “We are training to play a very tough Belmadi. squad in recent weeks and given fringe sition in the QSL. Since being promoted team. We know in the cup you have to “At this time we have many diff er- Al Rayyan star Rodrigo Tabata at the launch of the Qatar Cup fanzone players an opportunity to impress. to the top division of Qatari football in win or there is no future. We are opti- ent circumstances and I don’t want He did, however, play a full-strength 2010, Lekhwiya had never fi nished out- mistic about ourselves because we are to talk about the league as this is a By Sports Reporter til April 26. Fans will also have the side against improving Al Sadd – and side the top two until this season. training well. I feel our team is really diff erent competition and we are fac- Doha chance to win prizes by sharing their that match ended 2-2 after the Wolves Despite some glimpses of their best strong again. I have great respect for ing the champions. And of course we pictures on social media. scored two late goals to grab a point. form, including an eight-game win- the other team but we will go into this had a very big game in Uzebekistan (in Speaking at the launch, Al Sadd Al Rayyan’s main man this season ning run, Lekhwiya have endured match with the same winning men- the Asian Champions League against he Qatar Stars League offi - winger Hassan Haydoos said he is has been Rodrigo Tabata. The talis- something of a transitional year. And tality,” he said at the pre-match press Bunyodkor) and now we have a very cially launched its fanzone at looking forward to the competition, manic number ten has been pivotal in it’s one which could end with them conference yesterday. big game against Rayyan,” added the Katara ahead of today’s kick- which kicks off today. the fi nal third and currently tops the failing to claim silverware for the fi rst “We beat them (Lekhwiya) in the Algerian. off of the Qatar Cup. “The Qatar Cup is an important scoring and assist charts. If Tabata can time in their short history. fi rst and second leg of the QSL. In Speaking about his team’s fi tness TAl Rayyan captain Rodrigo Tabata competition not only for the fans but regain his best form, there’s no reason If Lekhwiya are to lift the Qatar Cup, football history plays no part, the wins ahead of the semifi nal, Belmadi said: was joined by Al Sadd players Saad the players too, and the fanzone is a why Al Rayyan can’t go on to lift the they’ll need midfi elder Youssef Msak- are in the past and tomorrow is the “Sometimes they believe that if some al-Sheeb and Hassan Haydoos during great way to fi nd out about the com- Qatar Cup for the fi rst time since 2012. ni to be on top form. The Tunisian in- present and in the next match we will players rest and then they are ready the ceremony. petition and enjoy the activities on Another key player for Rayyan is ternational has been the driving force write a new page in history,” added the and other times if they play a lot then The interactive fan zone off ers fans off er,” he said. Victor Caceres. The Paraguayan mid- behind Lekhwiya’s best moments this Uruguayan tactician. they are tired. But sometimes being of football a chance to take part in The fi rst semi-fi nal of the Qatar fi elder has been an unsung hero for season. Another vital player for Le- Speaking about the Al Rayyan’s de- in competition keeps you ready and it a host of fun family friendly activi- Cup Kicks will be held today when Al the Lions this season and will be relied khwiya is Nam Tae Hee. The South feat to Al Ahli in the last game of the could be the opposite but I don’t want ties with a distinctive emphasis on Rayan take on Lekhiwya at Al Sadd upon to pull the strings in the centre of Korean is a creative force for Djamel QSL Fossati added, “We didn’t have to concern myself with this. We will healthy living. stadium at 7.15pm. The second semi- the park. Belmadi’s men and has adapted well good performance against Al Ahli. We put our best team forward and hope The players also took part in the fi nal will be played tomorrow with El Lekhwiya are the Qatar Cup holders since the departure of Vladimir Weiss. could have won the game and in this for the win.” activities and had an opportunity to Jaish taking on Al Sadd at the same and go into this year’s competition aim- Jorge Fossati, the head coach of Al game we made many mistakes. I did “Al Rayyan has a lot fans and this have a photo with the famous Qatar venue. ing to lift the trophy for a second time. Rayyan is optimistic about his team’s something I didn’t like as I changed is good for football in Qatar and I hope Cup trophy. The fi nal will be held on April 29 The Red Knights have had an incon- chances ahead of the crunch encoun- half of the team from midfi eld to de- our fans come as well and create a good The Katara fanzone will be active again at Al Sadd stadium. Tickets are sistent season that culminated in them ter against Lekhwiya. fense I changed 5 players. But thank atmosphere for the game.” from 5pm to 9.30pm every day un- now available via QSL.com.qa Gulf Times 2 Sunday, April 24, 2016 FOOTBALL

EMIR CUP

Action from the Al Kharaitiyat vs Qatar Sports Club match in the second round of the Emir Cup yesterday. Al Kharaitiyat won 1-0. Picture on right shows a glimpse of the action between Al Wakrah and Al Shamal. Al Wakrah won 2-1 on penalties. In another match, Al Khor beat Mesaimeer 2-1.

EPL Iheanacho lift s Man City, Benitez denies Liverpool ‘Kelechi Iheanacho is an important young player with a lot of future. He scores lots of goals’

AFP London Results/standings Manchester City 4 Stoke City ...... 0 eenager Kelechi Iheanacho Bournemouth .....1 Chelsea ...... 4 scored twice as Manchester Aston Villa ...... 2 Southampton ...... 4 City tuned up for their Cham- Liverpool ...... 2 Newcastle ...... 2 pions League semi-fi nal with Today RealT Madrid by sinking Stoke City 4-0 Sunderland vs Arsenal 1305 in the Premier League yesterday. Leicester City vs Swansea City 1515 Iheanacho, 19, struck twice within 10 Tomorrow second-half minutes, adding to goals Tottenham Hotspur vs West Brom- by Fernando and Sergio Aguero, to lift wich 1900 City, who host Madrid in the fi rst leg of their last-four tie on Tuesday, back P W D L F A Pts above Arsenal to third place. 1 Leicester 34 21 10 3 59 33 73 Elsewhere, Rafael Benitez’s New- 2 Tottenham 34 19 11 4 64 25 68 castle United came from 2-0 down to 3 Man City 35 19 7 9 66 34 64 draw 2-2 at his former club Liverpool— 4 Arsenal 34 18 9 7 58 34 63 whose French centre-back Mamadou 5 Man United 34 17 8 9 42 30 59 Sakho has failed a drugs test—to inch to 6 West Ham 34 14 14 6 57 43 56 within a point of safety. 7 Liverpool 34 15 10 9 58 45 55 “A big team must always be focused 8 Southampton 35 15 9 11 49 37 54 on both competitions—Premier League 9 Chelsea 34 12 11 11 53 46 47 and Champions League,” said City 10 Stoke City 35 13 8 14 37 51 47 manager Manuel Pellegrini. “Every big 11 Everton 34 9 14 11 53 48 41 team must do it every year. 12 Watford 34 11 8 15 33 40 41 “Kelechi Iheanacho is an important 13 Bournemouth 35 11 8 16 42 61 41 young player with a lot of future. He 14 Swansea City 34 10 10 14 34 45 40 scores lots of goals, but he is not just a 15 West Brom 34 10 10 14 31 42 40 penalty-box player. I am sure that his 16 Crystal Palace 35 10 9 16 36 45 39 role in this team will be very impor- 17 Norwich City 34 8 7 19 35 60 31 tant.” 18 Sunderland 33 7 9 17 39 57 30 With an eye on Madrid’s visit, Pel- 19 Newcastle 35 7 9 19 38 64 30 legrini kept Belgian playmaker Kevin 20 Aston Villa 35 3 7 25 w25 69 16 De Bruyne on the bench at the Etihad Stadium and rested captain Vincent Kompany altogether. 4-1 at Bournemouth to climb to ninth. Fernando broke the deadlock with a Pedro Rodriguez and Willian were header from Jesus Navas’s 35th-minute also on target for Chelsea, with Tommy corner and top scorer Aguero added Elphick hitting back for the home side. a second from the penalty spot after Meanwhile, Dusan Tadic scored Ryan Shawcross had fouled Iheanacho. twice, in between headed goals from Pablo Zabaleta teed up Iheanacho Shane Long and Sadio Mane, as South- to slot in City’s third goal in the 64th ampton won 4-2 at relegated bottom minute and the Nigeria international club Aston Villa, for whom Ashley sealed the win by gathering Wilfried Kelechi Iheanacho rounds Stoke’s Jakob Haugaard to score the fourth goal for Manchester City during their English Premier League match yesterday. Westwood scored twice. Bony’s pass and rounding substitute Leaders Leicester City can take an- goalkeeper Jakob Haugaard to score. erning body UEFA over a doping vio- keep believing. Every game now for us But Papiss Cisse brought the visitors “Usually we should win a game in this other step closer to a fairytale title tri- City move back above Arsenal, who lation—reported to concern a weight- is massive. I have the Geordies and the back into the game with a 48th-minute situation but have to accept it. umph today when they welcome Swan- visit struggling Sunderland on Sunday, loss drug—Liverpool were pegged back Scousers on my side.” header before Jack Colback drove in a “It was an intensive game. Nobody sea City to the King Power Stadium. while Mark Hughes’s Stoke, who have by Benitez’s Newcastle at Anfi eld. Daniel Sturridge chested down a high defl ected 66th-minute leveller to take understands why Newcastle are in the But should Claudio Ranieri’s men conceded four goals in three successive “I’m really pleased because of the ball and swivelled to fi re Jurgen Klopp’s Newcastle to within a point of fourth- relegation zone.” slip up again, a week on from their 2-2 games, slip to 10th. passion and fi ght they showed. A draw side in front inside two minutes, with bottom Norwich City and prevent Eden Hazard, last year’s Player of the draw with West Ham United, second- With Sakho watching from the is fi ne for us at the moment,” Benitez his England colleague Adam Lallana seventh-place Liverpool closing on the Season, scored his fi rst two league goals place Tottenham Hotspur can take stands after the revelation that he is said. bending in Liverpool’s second goal on European berths. of the campaign—a year since his last— advantage at home to West Bromwich being investigated by European gov- “It’s a bigger step because we can the half-hour. “It’s not our best day,” Klopp said. as outgoing champions Chelsea won Albion tomorrow.

BOTTOMLINE Leicester on edge as glittering prizes await

AFP ordinary” about the way Leicester City Football As if that were not enough, the Leicester Riders tenham and Spanish giants Barcelona, struck a diffi cult. “Leicester have got smart owners and London Club, who have never been crowned champions of are currently top of the British Basketball League chord when he wrote in the Guardian last month: owners who have got lots of money so they can England in their 132-year history, have risen to the while even recently struggling Leicestershire “Something extraordinary is happening in the certainly compete fi nancially, it is just a matter of top of the Premier League this season. County Cricket Club, who are also based in the world of football. whether they want to.” eicester’s history may date back thousands The Foxes are now fi ve points clear at the sum- city, have started their new season with a victory. “Something truly magical. Something that He added: “There’s a pretty good relationship of years but, in common with many pro- mit with four games left ahead of their match While the Tigers have long been one of English makes me well up with emotion,” added Lineker, between sporting clubs, whether it be basketball, vincial English cities, there has long been against Swansea today. rugby union’s established powers, the Foxes were now a BBC television presenter, who has also cricket, football or rugby. It is fantastic and great a sense it is a place you have to leave to Today also sees Leicester’s rugby union club, quoted as 5,000/1 outsiders to win the Premier achieved fame or even notoriety for a series of for our grand city. Basketball are doing really well. achieveL ambition and fame. the Tigers, playing a European Champions Cup League before the season started having only nar- adverts promoting one of the city’s most famous “As ever the rugby club are struggling through!” Leonie Orton, sister of the late Leicester-born semi-fi nal in nearby Nottingham against French rowly avoided relegation last season. products in Walkers Crisps (potato chips). he joked. 20th Century playwright Joe Orton, once told side Racing 92. Managed by an Italian in Claudio Ranieri and Lineker, and most Leicester fans would doubt- For Leicester mayor Peter Soulsby, it’s all a far the BBC that “poverty”, “routine” and “ordinary” Now it is Leicester, not Liverpool, Birmingham owned by a wealthy Thai family, Leicester are less be happy to witness a glorious ‘one-off ’ tri- cry from how the city was making headlines 12 were the words her brother used to describe his or Manchester, who are in sight of saying they similar to many Premier League sides in having a umph’ before the established English football or- months ago. view of a home town he was happy to depart for are home to both English football’s and European strong foreign involvement in the running of their der sort themselves out. “Last year we were (re-burying) a king (Richard London. rugby union’s champion clubs, although ‘greedy’ club. Nevertheless, Leicester-born former Eng- Tigers coach and former player Richard Cock- III) and then we had international and national But the city may soon be able to boast that it is London, courtesy of Tottenham Hotspur and Sa- land striker Gary Lineker, who started his career erill said: “Hopefully they will go on and win the attention and our only concern about the football the sporting, if not dramatic, capital of England. racens, could yet take both titles away from the with the Foxes but found much greater fame and Premier League. It is like anything—sustaining club was whether they would manage to stay in Certainly, there has been nothing “routine or East Midlands city. fortune playing for Everton (in Liverpool), Tot- that and doing it over a number of years is very the Premier League,” he told AFP. Gulf Times Sunday, April 24, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

REPORT LA LIGA Bale inspires Real comeback, Angel It’s Martial law delight for Atletico

Reuters ball past goalkeeper Juan Carlos. Madrid “I’m very happy with him and he’s very happy at being able to make the diff erence,” Real coach areth Bale made up for Zidane told a news conference. as Man United the absence of Cris- “He’s a spectacular footballer tiano Ronaldo by scor- and he demonstrated that to- ing twice to inspire Real day.” GMadrid to come back from two Real have not lost to Rayo goals down and win 3-2 at Rayo since 1997 and had thrashed Vallecano in La Liga yesterday. their city neighbours 10-2 ear- Atletico Madrid kept up their lier this season. title hopes with a 1-0 home vic- Bale hit the post in the second make FA Cup fi nal tory over Malaga thanks to a de- minute but Rayo soon imposed fl ected goal by substitute Angel themselves with former Man- Correa in the 62nd minute. chester United player Bebe set- United will be favourites in the May 21 final, when they will encounter either Coach Diego Simeone could be ting up the fi rst goal. facing a three-game ban from the He took on Danilo and Pepe Crystal Palace or Watford, and Van Gaal will also hope that Martial’s late strike touchline after being sent off at before rolling the ball across for halftime when a ball was thrown Embarba to score from six me- serves to give his side a lift in their quest for Champions League qualification on to the pitch from the techni- tres. A weak header from Rap- cal area. hael Varane allowed Miku to Atletico are top on 82 points, make it 2-0. one ahead of Real. Third-placed Bale’s header lifted them and Barcelona, three points off the Benzema had to be substituted pace, play Sporting Gijon later in the 42nd minute, putting in on Saturday. doubt his chances of facing City Top scorer Ronaldo missed his on Tuesday. fi rst league game of the season The Frenchman was replaced with a muscle strain and Real by Vazquez who headed home suff ered another blow ahead of Danilo’s cross at the far post and their Champions League semi- it was Bale who had the fi nal say, fi nal against Manchester City in intercepting the ball and rac- midweek when Karim Benzema ing into the box down the left to was injured against Rayo. strike the winner. Real were 2-0 down inside Correa settled a diffi cult game 14 minutes after Adrian Em- for Atletico against Malaga fi ve barba scored from close range minutes after coming off the and Venezuelan striker Miku bench, as his shot from the edge pounced on more poor defend- of the area was defl ected into the ing from the visitors. far corner. Bale started the revival, head- Simeone watched the second ing in a 35th-minute corner half from the stands. Moments before Zinedine Zidane’s side before the interval a ball was drew level six minutes after the thrown on the pitch from the break through substitute Lucas Atletico technical area while Ma- Vazquez. laga set off on a counter attack. Welshman Bale netted again Referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz nine minutes from time, collect- asked Simeone who had lobbed ing a misplaced pass from a Rayo the ball on and sent the coach off defender before powering the after not getting an answer.

Manchester United's French striker Anthony Martial (C) celebrates exults after scoring the winning goal against Everton at Wembley Stadium in London yesterday.

AFP United will be favourites in the May ready saved from Lingard, Rashford and United were rattled and Everton looked London 21 fi nal, when they will encounter either Rooney, while Marcos Rojo had glanced to capitalise, with Tom Cleverley slam- Crystal Palace or Watford, and Van Gaal a header wide and Martial had blazed ming Lennon’s cross wide and then will also hope that Martial’s late strike over, by the time the latter powered to the crossing for Lukaku to head over. rench forward Anthony Martial serves to give his side a lift in their quest left-hand byline and cut the ball back for United might have won a penalty of scored a nerveless stoppage-time for Champions League qualifi cation. Fellaini to trundle a shot home at the near their own moments later, when Fel- winner as Manchester United But while Van Gaal can look forward to post. laini’s close-range effort was prevented edged Everton 2-1 at Wembley a return trip to England’s national sta- But although United seemed to have from crossing the line by the diving yesterdayF to reach their fi rst FA Cup fi nal dium next month, his beaten counterpart set up semi-permanent camp in the op- Jagielka’s right arm, but Taylor did not since 2007. Roberto Martinez faces a bleak future, posing half, Lukaku had spurned two see it and within minutes Everton were Martial set up Marouane Fellaini to the FA Cup having represented his last clear chances for Everton before his side level. score against his former club in the 34th hope of salvaging Everton’s season. fell behind, with one eff ort cleared off the Gerard Deulofeu had only been on the minute, but after United goalkeeper Dav- Everton skipper Phil Jagielka overcame line by Rooney and the other comfortably pitch for fi ve minutes when he whipped a id de Gea had superbly saved a penalty a hamstring injury to start at centre- blocked by De Gea. cross into the United box from the right from Romelu Lukaku, Chris Smalling’s back, but the absence of Seamus Cole- The Belgian’s aim did not improve in and saw Smalling slice it past a startled 75th-minute own goal looked to have man obliged midfi elder Mohamed Besic the second half. De Gea at his near post. Real Madrid's Gareth Bale celebrates after scoring a goal against sent the semi-fi nal to extra time. to slot in at right-back in a defence that After exchanging passes with Aaron At that stage, Everton looked the more Rayo in the La Liga yesterday. Martial, however, had other ideas, the quickly found itself under examination. Lennon, Ross Barkley was just about to likely side to prevail, with De Gea thwart- £36 million ($51.9 million, 46.2 million With Wayne Rooney dictating the play shoot from the left-hand edge of the six- ing Deulofeu and Lukaku heading wide. euros) close-season signing from Mo- from a deep midfi eld role and a front yard box when Timothy Fosu-Mensah But in the third and fi nal minute of SPOTLIGHT naco charging into the box and fi nish- three of Martial, Marcus Rashford and came through him to take the ball. stoppage time, Martial charged infi eld ing coolly to preserve manager Louis van Jesse Lingard fl itting around like mosqui- Referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the from the left, played a one-two with sub- Gaal’s hopes of ending a diffi cult season toes, United created a stream of chances spot, but Lukaku’s fi rm penalty towards stitute Ander Herrera and then steered by orchestrating United’s fi rst FA Cup before unsurprisingly taking the lead. the bottom-left corner was brilliantly home to send the United end into rap- Brighton eye success since 2004. Everton goalkeeper Joel Robles had al- palmed wide by De Gea. tures. promotion, Dons BOTTOMLINE are relegated Flores future clouds Watford’s bid for FA Cup glory AFP day for the visitors. London At the other end of the table, AFP vious FA Cup semi-fi nals, with their only third bottom Milton Keynes’ rel- London victory coming against Plymouth in 1984 egation to League One was con- in the golden era of boss Graham Taylor righton bolstered their fi rmed in dispiriting fashion. and pop star owner Elton John. bid for automatic pro- Nicky Maynard’s early opener uique Sanchez Flores will Palace are back at this stage for the fi rst motion to the Premier gave Dons the perfect start, but ignore mounting speculation time since 1995 and will be encouraged by League with a 3-1 win at goals from Sergi Canos, Lasse about his future as the under- the presence on the bench of their man- CharltonB yesterday, while Milton Vibe, Ryan Woods and Jake Bid- fi re Watford manager tries to ager Alan Pardew, who famously scored Keynes Dons were relegated to well ended their one-season stay saveQ his job with a victory over Crystal the winner when they shocked Liverpool the third tier after a 4-1 thrash- in the Championship. Palace in the FA Cup semi-fi nals today. in the 1990 semi-fi nal to reach their only ing by Brentford. Sheffi eld Wednesday were un- Flores’ team are looking to reach their FA Cup fi nal. Chris Hughton’s Brighton are able to seal a play-off place af- fi rst FA Cup fi nal for 32 years, but reports The south Londoners also have recent third in the Championship but ter Derby striker Darren Bent’s that Watford’s owners are unhappy with Wembley success against Watford to en- only goal diff erence is keeping 82nd-minute header cancelled their poor recent form threaten to cast a courage them after a 1-0 win in the 2013 them below leaders Burnley and out Barry Bannan’s stunning shadow over the big day at Wembley. Championship play-off fi nal, but their second placed Middlesbrough opener for the sixth placed Owls Despite securing Premier League sur- woeful league form in 2016 is far more with two games remaining in a in a 1-1 draw at the iPro Stadium. vival and enjoying a fi ne Cup run, Flores’ signifi cant. thrilling fi nale to the promotion That result gave hope to sev- hold on his position suddenly appears Palace are still not completely safe race. enth placed Cardiff , who dra- tenuous after just three league wins in from relegation after a 2-0 loss at Man- Burnley had moved to the top matically defeated relegated 2016. chester United in midweek left them with of the table following a 1-0 vic- Bolton 2-1 to move within four Hornets owner Gino Pozzo is not only one win from their last 18 league tory at Preston on Friday and points of Wednesday. averse to changing managers, with former “It is not the time to talk about me. I he is surely aware his job security could games. they remain in pole position af- Zach Clough gave Bolton an Atletico Madrid boss Flores his fi fth ap- can just transmit to the Watford fans that rest on winning Watford’s fi rst FA Cup And Pardew acknowledges the prepa- ter Middlesbrough were held to a early lead but Kenneth Zohore pointment in the space of 12 months I am completely focused and happy. semi-fi nal since 2007, so it was no sur- ration for Wembley has hardly been ideal. 0-0 draw by Ipswich at the Riv- equalised after Niall Maher’s red when he was hired last year to replace “I have an amazing family, amazing prise Flores rested Ben Watson, Etienne “We’re squeezing games in; the run erside Stadium. card for the visitors and Cardiff Slavisa Jokanovic, who had led Watford kids, I am happy with my profession and I Capoue, Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney we’ve had, this is our fourth game in 12 Brighton ignored a protest by nicked it through Peter Whit- to promotion from the Championship. am completely happy with Watford fans. for a 3-1 defeat at West Ham in midweek. days. That’s a tough run, when you’ve fans of relegated Charlton, who tingham’s penalty deep into But the 51-year-old Spaniard insists “This conversation is about this match “I always work until the last moment,” got a semi-fi nal, the biggest game in this delayed the match by several stoppage-time. he has tuned out the rumours to focus on and Crystal Palace. The only thing I am Flores added. “I am not the type of person club’s history for a while,” Pardew said. minutes when they threw bal- Whittingham’s winner sets how to beat Palace and set up a fi nal clash worried about is this match.” who thinks about what will happen in the “It’s going to be a tight game. We are loons on the pitch, to take the up a fascinating meeting be- against Manchester United who defeated Flores’ fall from grace is surprising af- future, I am always living in the present. two well-matched teams. lead through Sam Baldock. tween Wednesday and Cardiff at Everton yesterday. ter he was widely praised in the fi rst half “Now what I know is that it is one “When we’re in full fl ow we have Jiri Skalak and Tomer Hemed Hillsborough next weekend, with “This is the time to talk about Watford, of the season for quickly establishing month until the end of the season and I the edge on them. But their front two also netted for Brighton after the south Wales club needing a to talk about Watford fans and how im- Watford as a competitive force in their want to enjoy it. Not to be afraid of any- (Deeney and Ighalo) can do such damage Johann Berg Gudmundsson’s win in their penultimate game of portant this match is for this club,” Flores fi rst season back in the top fl ight. thing. No fears. I want to try to enjoy it.” they can make up for any defi ciency they equaliser for Charlton briefl y the season to remain in the hunt said. While publicly he remains confi dent, Watford have lost four of their fi ve pre- have defensively.” threatened to make it a nervous for a play-off place. Gulf Times 4 Sunday, April 24, 2016 FOOTBALL

BUNDESLIGA SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP Griffi ths vows to seal title for departing Bayern made to Celtic boss Deila

AFP “Since January of last year I’ve Edinburgh not really looked back. It just took that little bit of time to get some game-time under my belt eigh Griffi ths has vowed and show him what I really could wait for historic to fi re Celtic to the Scot- do,” Griffi ths said. tish Premiership title to “Our relationship has just give departing manager grown stronger and stronger. He LRonny Deila the perfect send-off . has put a lot of faith in me to be The Norwegian manager an- that lone striker at Celtic and nounced on Wednesday that he I’ve repaid him time and time would be stepping down as Celt- again with goals. “The only fi t- ic manager at the end of the sea- ting way I can say thank-you is fourth straight title son following mounting scrutiny to help the team deliver fi ve-in- of his position. a-row. Celtic are eight points clear of “Hopefully at the end of the ‘Perhaps it’s not such a bad thing, it means we’ll become German champions at home’ Aberdeen at the top of the table season he’ll look back on his but failure to twice lead his side time and have three trophies in through Champions League two years. He can count that as qualifi ers, disappointing league a success.” Bayern Munich’s players celebrate victory over Hertha performances and a defeat to Deila, meanwhile, says the Berlin in Berlin yesterday. (Reuters) Ross County in the League Cup lack of improvement from his semi-fi nal saw Deila come in for players in recent months led criticism. to him taking the decision not However, a defeat to fi erce Old to extend his one-year rolling Firm Rangers in last Sunday’s contract. “Improvement is one Scottish Cup semi-fi nal severely of my biggest values. When you weakened his position with the don’t get it, it kills me inside and Celtic support with Deila, who I lose energy,” Deila, who arrived led the club to a league and cup from Norwegian side Stromsgo- double last season, announcing det in 2014, said. his decision to leave the Park- “I don’t think there has head club three days later. been a lot of improvement Griffi ths found himself on the and, when you don’t get im- fringes when Deila fi rst arrived provement, the outside pres- two years ago but after proving sure is going to get harder and himself to the Hoops boss he has harder as well.” found himself in the form of his “That is why I think it is best career, bagging 37 goals in 47 for the club that new energy is games this season. coming into the club next season The Scotland striker said he was and now we can really focus on disappointed to hear of his Deila’s winning the fi ve games and get- decision but insisted he would re- ting fi ve in a row,” he added. pay his manager’s faith in him by “It is going to be a huge thing getting the goals to seal Celtic’s fi fth for me, the players and the whole title in a row, starting with today’s club. This is why the decision game with Ross County. has been made.”

RANGERS WIN TITLE

AFP fl ight. Bayern took the lead at Berlin’s ning. Just before half-time he tapped chance of avoiding relegation after Japan Munich Olympic Stadium when Mario Goetze’s home after Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s shot internationals Hiroki Sakai and Hiroshi pass found Vidal in space. from outside the area was blocked by Kiyotake scored in their 2-2 draw with The Chile midfi elder drilled home his Stuttgart’s Poland goalkeeper Przemys- 10-man Ingolstadt. ayern Munich must wait another shot from 22m, which took a defl ection law Tyton. Ingolstadt played for 70 minutes with week to claim an historic fourth on it’s way past Berlin goalkeeper Tho- Mkhitaryan made it 3-0 when he fi red ten men after French defender Romain consecutive Bundesliga title mas Kraft on 48 minutes. home after Kagawa’s cross to striker Bregerie was sent off for hauling down although yesterday’s 2-0 win Brazil winger Douglas Costa doubled Adrian Ramos, in for the injured Pierre- Hanover midfi elder Felix Klaus. atB Hertha Berlin left them seven points Bayern’s lead with a breath-taking strike Emerick Aubameyang, was blocked by Alfredo Morales and Moritz Hartmann clear with three games left. from the right fl ank which looped over Tyton on 56 minutes. had hosts Ingolstadt 2-0 up with only 25 Bayern could have had the league the Hertha goalkeeper on 79 minutes. Wolfsburg’s miserable league form minutes gone. wrapped up in the capital had second- But this was a far from polished continues as they are now six Bundesliga Defender Sakai fi red home on 58 min- placed Dortmund not won 3-0 at VfB performance from Bayern, ahead of games without a win after crashing 2-0 utes before midfi elder Kiyotake made Stuttgart. Wednesday’s Champions League semi- at home to Augsburg. sure Hanover claimed a point with the That result means Pep Guardiola’s Ba- fi nal, fi rst-leg, at Atletico Madrid. Iceland striker Alfred Finnbogason, on equaliser eight minutes from time. varians will secure the title if they beat They managed just six shots on goal, loan from Olympiakos, scored his sixth On Friday, Pierre-Michel Lasogga Borussia Moechengladbach at Munich’s compared to Hertha’s nine, despite the league goal in ten games, with a minute struck twice as Hamburg eased their Allianz Arena next Saturday regardless of hosts being restricted to just 26 percent gone, then set up Turkey international Bundesliga relegation fears with a 2-1 other results. possession. Halil Altintop on 57 minutes. victory at home to Werder Bremen, who “We have everything in our own hands Dortmund, who will face the Bavarians The defeat sees Wolfsburg drop to remain stuck in the bottom three. and that was a bit step towards the title,” in the German Cup fi nal on May 21, made tenth in the table while Augsburg are now beamed Guardiola, adding that Dortmund’s Bayern wait a little longer to have their fi ve points clear of the relegation places. RESULTS win had maybe done Bayern a favour. title win confi rmed with a comprehen- Cologne are up to ninth after back- Wolfsburg ...... 0 Augsburg ...... 2 “Perhaps it’s not such a bad thing, it sive win at Stuttgart. ing up their 3-2 comeback win over Stuttgart ...... 0 Dortmund ...... 3 means we’ll become German champions Borussia were 2-0 up at the break af- Mainz with a 4-1 thumping of Darmstadt Cologne ...... 4 Darmstadt ...... 1 at home.” ter Japan midfi elder Shinji Kagawa net- as French striker Anthony Modeste Hertha ...... 0 Bayern Munich ....2 Rangers’ Lee Wallace and teammates celebrate winning the No other team has ever won four con- ted early on, then 17-year-old Christian and winger Marcel Risse both scored Ingolstadt ...... 2 Hannover 96 ...... 2 Scottish Championship yesterday. (Reuters) secutive league titles in Germany’s top Pulisic scored for the second week run- twice. Hanover have only a mathematical Schalke...... 2 Bayer Leverkusen3

SPOTLIGHT Boateng looking forward to Ancelotti’s arrival in Berlin

AFP ropean championships in France. Berlin “And of course, not many people get one past him tactically.” The 56-year-old Ancelotti is one of the few ermany defender Jerome Boateng coaches to have won more Champions League says he is relishing the prospect of play- titles than Guardiola. ing under Carlo Ancelotti at Bayern The Spaniard lifted the trophy twice with Munich next season. Barcelona in 2009 and 2011, while Ancelotti has G“I’m looking forward to what’s coming our done it three times: in 2003 and 2007 with AC way,” said Bayern’s Boateng, who has been side- Milan, then in 2014 with Real. lined by a groin injury since January. Having won 2-0 at Hertha Berlin yester- The 27-year-old says he has heard from Ger- day, Bayern will win the Bundesliga title for a many team-mates Sami Khedira and Toni Kroos, record fourth year running if they beat Borussia who both played under Ancelotti at Real Madrid, Moenchengladbach at home in seven days’ time. how good the Italian is. It would mean Bayern will have won the ti- World Cup winner Boateng is excited, having tle in each of Guardiola’s three seasons in heard Ancelotti, who will replace Manchester Munich. City-bound Pep Guardiola, has a similar style to The Bavarians play Atletico Madrid away on Jupp Heynckes, who steered the Bavarians to the Wednesday in the fi rst leg of the Champions 2013 treble of Champions League, German Cup League’s semi-fi nals, having reached the last and Bundesliga titles. four in Europe for the last fi ve years consecu- “He (Ancelotti) is very calm, likes to talk to tively. the players and is good at dealing with them,” They are on course to repeat their 2013 treble said Boateng, who is set to play at June’s Eu- in Guardiola’s swansong season. Gulf Times Sunday, April 24, 2016 5 CRICKET

IPL/ SUNRISERS HYDERABAD vs KINGS XI PUNJAB Gayle could be back in Big Bash soon

AFP Mustafi zur has a ball, Melbourne ig-hitting batsman Chris Gayle (pic) could Breturn to Australia’s T20 league, with Cricket Australia saying the West Indian had not been blacklisted over a Warner sizzles with bat sexism scandal, media reports said yesterday. Gayle made headlines in January when he attempted to flirt with television reporter Mel McLaughlin during a live interview. On air, Gayle said he was happy to be speaking to as Sunrisers win again McLaughlin “just to see your eyes for the first time” and suggested they go for a drink After Rahman’s miserly spell of 2 for 9—the most economical numbers of the current IPL—restricts Kings afterwards. “Don’t blush baby,” the XI to 143, Warner blasts his third consecutive fifty off just 23 balls to help Sunrisers to third win on the trot Jamaican told her in an exchange which led to him being fined by his Australian club Melbourne Renegades. Sunrisers Hyderabad At the time, Cricket Aus- openers David Warner tralia’s James Sutherland said (right) and Shikhar such comments were inap- Dhawan run between propriate in the workplace, the wickets during adding that Gayle was not in a their 90-run opening “night club”. stand against Kings XI But Sutherland told News Punjab in Hyderabad Corp this week that it wasn’t yesterday. (AFP) Cricket Australia’s place to rule players out, and indi- vidual clubs in the domestic Big Bash League were free to choose their line-ups. “No matter what anyone at Cricket Australia thought (of the incident) at manage- ment level, board level, I think you’re on a slippery slope if you start making judgements on players who could or shouldn’t be playing in the Big Bash League or in our domes- tic competitions,” Sutherland said in comments published yesterday. “Because, when does that ever end? My view is unless there’s a very, very strong reason along the lines of anti-corruption, then it’s diff icult for us to be making those judgements.” Gayle, 36, reportedly wants to return to the Big Bash League in Australia later this year. The left-hander raised eye- brows again this week when he announced on social media that his partner Natasha Berridge had given birth to a beautiful daughter called ‘Blush’. The self-proclaimed “Uni- verse Boss” left many people wondering whether the name was genuine. He later wrote on Twitter: “Thank you all for the sweet and kind messages. Blush won’t Blush, my baby.” AFP Warner had won the toss and elected duck. Dhawan, who struggled to hit a ball Hooda run out. But Moises Henriques Scrooge-like bowling of man-of-the- Hyderabad to field first. in anger, faced 44 deliveries with just four (5 not out) and Naman Ojha (2 not out) match Mustafi zur made all the diff er- Warner, who is now the tourna- boundaries before being caught behind saw their side home. ence while Henriques (4-0-33-2) ac- ment’s leading run-scorer, smashed by Nikhil Naik off Rishi Dhawan (4-0- Earlier, the Sunrisers’ Bangladesh counted for Miller and Maxwell. he Sunrisers Hyderabad se- three maximums and seven bounda- 35-1) after adding 25 off 24 balls with Eoin pacer Mustafi zur Rahman strangled the The Sunrisers, after losing their cured their third consecutive ries to register his fourth half-century Morgan (25) for the third wicket. visitors with fi gures of 4-1-9-2, pick- opening two matches to Royal Chal- Indian Premier League victory (23 balls) in the IPL while sharing in an Morgan and Deepak Hooda (5) posted ing up the wickets of Shaun Marsh, who lengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight when they cruised to a fi ve- opening stand of 90 off 62 balls with 24 runs off 19 balls for the fourth wicket top-scored with 40 off 34 balls with Riders, have now won three on the trot wicketT victory over the Kings XI Punjab Dhawan. But just when he looking like and were looking set to help their side three fours and two sixes, and Naik (22), and move up to third on the IPL table in Hyderabad yesterday. taking his team all the way on his own, to a seven-wicket victory when Man- who shared in a sixth-wicket stand of with six points, while the Kings XI re- The Sunrisers had been on course he mishit a delivery from Sandeep an Vohra produced a brilliant catch at 50 off 36 balls with Axar Patel to rescue main rock-bottom on two points after for a crushing victory with David Sharma (4-0-30-1) and was caught by short mid-wicket to dismiss Morgan, the innings. fi ve matches. Warner (59) and Shikhar Dhawan David Miller on the long-on boundary who had faced 20 deliveries and struck The Kings XI had slumped to 89 for (45) at the wicket, but once Warner after his 31-ball knock. two fours and a six. fi ve with Murali Vijay (2), Vohra (25), Brief scores departed, the home side trundled to The visitors thought they were back in As was with the fi rst wicket, the Miller (9), Maxwell (1) and Marsh all Sunrisers Hyderabad 146 for 5 (D their target, ending on 146 for five the game when Miller swooped on a ball Kings XI picked up a wicket off the back in the hut before Patel and Naik Warner 59, S Dhawan 45) beat Kings XI with 13 balls to spare in reply to the and threw the very next ball to Naik to next ball when Miller threw down the rescued the innings as the pair gave the Punjab 143 for 6 (S Marsh 40, Axar Pa- Kings XI’s modest 143 for six after have Aditya Tare run out for a fi rst-ball stumps at the non-striker’s end to have visitors something to bowl at. But the tel 36*; Mustafizur 2-9) by five wickets

IPL/ DELHI DAREDEVILS vs MUMBAI INDIANS Daredevils down Mumbai for third straight win Agencies Iyer and De Kock combined to run New Delhi out the out-of-form Parthiv Patel for Mumbai Indians skipper one, to immediately put pressure on Rohit Sharma top-scored Mumbai’s chase. with 65 before getting run he Delhi Daredevils made it Skipper Rohit Sharma was deter- out in the final over to end three wins in a row as they mined to stick around and put on some his team’s hopes. (AFP) held onto a 10-run victory useful partnerships with Ambati Ray- over the Mumbai Indians in udu (25) and Krunal Pandya (36), but TDelhi yesterday. once they fell after good starts, Sharma The Daredevils became just the sec- began to run out of partners as the re- ond team of the season to successfully quired run rate escalated. defend a total, after the Royal Chal- Mumbai still had a chance when lengers Bangalore did it twice before. the equation was 42 off 18 with Ki- The hosts decided to include Imran eron Pollard on 8 and Rohit Sharma Tahir for the fi rst time this season, but on 50. But Chris Morris, coming back while it’s Quinton de Kock who’s starred for his third spell, conceded 10 runs for the side so far this season, it was JP in the 18th over and Zaheer followed Duminy who found some form yesterday it with the wicket of Pollard to push with a well-played unbeaten 49, allow- Daredevils ahead. ing his side to post a competitive 164-4. Morris was left to defend 21 off the Mumbai Indians won the toss and last over. Hardik Pandya slapped the chose to have a bowl fi rst, knowing fi rst ball to long-off and Rohit gave that only two matches had been won Mumbai hope by clouting the second defending, and they drew fi rst blood ball for a six. A ball later, Rohit col- by seeing off Delhi’s batting mainstay lided with Hardik Pandya near the De Kock for just nine. middle of the pitch and was run out. Sanju Samson took the responsibil- Morris trapped Harbhajan Singh lbw ity of putting on the runs in the mid- the next ball and consigned Mumbai dle overs, and put on a 37-run stand to their fourth loss in six matches. with Shreyas Iyer, before smacking a 71-run stand with Duminy. Brief scores The latter hit two sixes and three Delhi Daredevils 164 for 4 (S Samson fours in his innings and was particu- 60, JP Duminy 49*; McClenaghan 2-31) larly eff ective at the death. beat Mumbai Indians 154 for 7 (Rohit When Mumbai batted, the Dare- Sharma 65, K Pandya 36; Amit Mishra devils struck in the second over as 2-24) by 10 runs Gulf Times 6 Sunday, April 24, 2016 SPORT

LONDON MARATHON Adams gets chance to secure Olympic hat-trick

Reuters Auckland

Kenyan stars set to hot-putter Valerie Adams will have the opportunity to become the first woman to win the event at three succes- Ssive Olympics after she was named in New Zealand’s initial athletics squad for this year’s Rio de Janeiro Games yesterday. Adams, whose injury-hit 2015 season was ended by knee surgery, won gold in Beijing and London and should challenge for the title again in Rio, as she hopes to move clear of Tamara Press of the former Soviet Union as the only women to have steal the spotlight won the title twice. The 31-year-old, who was awarded the gold in London after Belarus’ Nadzeya Ostapchuk tested positive for performance en- The three quickest runners in men’s race Dennis Kimetto, Wilson Kipsang and Eliud Kipchoge hancing drugs, took bronze at the world indoor championships in Portland last month. are all from Kenya, besides the two quickest women—Mary Keitany and Gladys Cherono Nick Willis, the Beijing 1,500 metres silver medallist, joins Ad- ams at their fourth Games. Willis also won bronze in Portland. World indoor shot put champion Tom Walsh, who threw a AFP season-leading 21.78 to clinch gold in Oregon and has three of London the five leading throws outdoors this year, has also been named to compete at his first Olympics. The 24-year-old Walsh, who finished fourth at last year’s world enya’s fi nest runners aim to re- championships in Beijing, will be joined in the event by two-time store their country’s tarnished world junior champion Jacko Gill, who was ninth in Portland. reputation when they battle for “Our team is an exciting mix of multi-medal winning Olympic supremacy in the London mara- and world champions and new emerging talent selected for Kthon today. their first Games, across a broad spread of event disciplines from More than 40 Kenyan athletes have shot put to 10,000m,” Athletics New Zealand chief executive tested positive for banned substances over Linda Hamersley said. the past fi ve years and the east African na- “Since the London Olympics in 2012, we have seen tremen- tion’s government moved to avoid a poten- dous growth in the depth and breadth of our new athletic talent tial ban from the Rio Olympics by passing a which we look to continue through to Tokyo (in 2020) and 2024.” new law earlier this week to make doping a A further selection announcement is to be made in July. criminal off ence. With athletics already in turmoil after the recent Russian doping scandals, the sport could do with an uplifting story or two and this weekend’s race in the British capital should provide suitably diverting drama. Kenya boasts the three quickest runners in the men’s elite race in Dennis Kimetto, Wilson Kipsang and last year’s winner Eliud Kipchoge, while the two quickest women, Mary Keitany and Gladys Chero- no, both hail from the country. None of that group have been implicat- ed in any of the doping controversies and former marathon world record holder Kip- sang this week launched a vigorous defence of his country’s athletes ahead of what he hopes are more positive headlines after the 26.2 mile (42.2km) race. FOCUS “Sport is not special, it’s just like life,” Kipsang told the Daily Telegraph. “You fi nd that in society there are one or two crimi- nals, but it doesn’t mean the whole society Last year’s winner, Eliud Kipchoge Russian sports minister are criminals. of Kenya, is bidding to become “It doesn’t mean all athletes or the whole the first man to retain the London sport is cheating. All these guys, we have Marathon title in almost a decade. claims ‘moral right’ to been tested like seven or eight times, in and out of competition, and we should trust the Olympic participation results. Once the results come through and returns to the form of 2012 when she broke “I said two years ago in Doha that dopers “I am only 50 percent fi t now. By the time these guys are clean then the whole world the national record in London. should be jailed. I maintain that, although of the (Olympic) Trials, I hope to be 70 or DPA over a doping and corruption should know they are clean. Her challenges are likely to come from it should not be done retrogressively,” he 80 percent, then I will be good to go,” he Berlin scandal. In recent weeks sev- “We, as the athletes, want to send out compatriots Cherono, Florence Kiplagat said at the Kenya Police Championships on said. “I will be running at the fi rst Diamond eral Russian sportspeople have the message to the whole world, ‘Please let and Aselefch Mergia, with last year’s win- the outskirts of the east African capital. League meeting in Doha in two weeks then tested positive for meldonium, us not try to sum up and say all Kenyan ath- ner Tigist Tufa heading up the Ethiopian “I am a lucky athlete because this law has at the Nike Meeting in Eugene, followed by ussia sports minister which has been banned from letes are cheating’. No. We are clean.” contingent. come during my time. Our (Kenya’s) name Oslo and back to Kenya for the (Kenyan) Vitaly Mutko believes this year. Kipchoge is bidding to become the fi rst “I was very surprised by my victory last has been in the limelight for all the wrong Championships and Trials,” Kiprop said his country’s athletes “It is often prescribed where man to retain the London Marathon title in year,” Tufa said. “I want to win again and I reasons. From now on, dopers should serve after winning the race in 3:40.50. have a “moral right” we are against heart problems almost a decade, but he will face a strong did a lot to prepare myself for this race.” jail terms. But those already banned should The world champion moved back and toR be at the forthcoming Ol- and for prophylaxis,” Mutko challenge from world-record holder Kimet- just serve their sanctions,” he added. forth during the race and even had the lux- ympics in Rio de Janeiro de- said. “It is not a terrible ana- to, who is back to form after a knee injury. Kenya is a traditional global powerhouse ury of slowing down on the home stretch spite currently being suspend- bolic, it only helps to recover.” New York marathon winner Stanley Bi- Kiprop wants jail terms for dopers in middle and long distance running but before speeding past his strongest chal- ed from competition. An IAAF council meeting wott, also from Kenya, and world champi- Kenya’s three-times world 1,500 metres about 40 of their athletes have failed dope lenger, Abednego Chesebe, to win easily. “We have done everything will decide on June 17 whether on Ghirmay Ghebreslassie of Eritrea could champion Asbel Kiprop reiterated yester- test in the past four years. Chesebe was second in 3:40.90. possible to ensure that the sus- the Russian suspension will be also pose a threat. day that athletes who fail dope tests should The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) “This is only April and I am happy with pension is lifted,” Mutko said in lifted but Mutko insisted the Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele should also serve jail terms. gave Kenya a May 2 deadline to put in place my shape. We still have a long way to go. By an interview with the German country was set on reforms. be in contention as he continues to improve Commenting on the Anti-Doping Bill anti-doping systems which meet its demands. August when the Games start in Rio, I will magazine Der Spiegel yesterday. “We have replaced offi cials following a serious Achilles problem. which was signed into law on Friday by the Kiprop maintained his quest for an Ol- be in a better shape. My aim is the Olympic The Russian athletics fed- and changed suspected coach- In the women’s event, two-time winner country’s President, Kiprop described it as ympic medal in Rio Games by tearing apart fi nal. Anything else will follow from there,” eration is presently suspended es,” he said. “Our athletes have Keitany is seen as a potential winner as she a huge relief for clean athletes. a strong fi eld at the Police Championships. Kiprop said. by the governing body IAAF the moral right to be in Rio.” Kevin aims to put badminton SPOTLIGHT & Guatemala on Olympic map Thorpe fan Guy aims to leave AFP put on an exhibition at his and oth- coach since he was 16, said Guatemala City er schools, and Cordon was smit- Cordon has inspired more young ten. “I went, and I started to play,” people to play badminton in his own Olympic mark in Rio said the slight Cordon. “I began to Guatemala. n a football-mad nation of practice, and three months later I Cordon won gold at the Pan Am Reuters Spanish-speakers like Gua- had won my first tournament.” games in Guadalajara, Mexico in Bath, England Itemala, it is hard for people Over the past decade, as Cordon’s 2011, then defended his title in To- to even pronounce badminton, trophy case filled, mainly thanks to ronto in 2015. At London 2012, he much less take an interest in a championships in the Americas, the went out in the knockout rounds, ames Guy idolised Australian great sport more associated with Asia Guatemalan press began to notice but his two wins to get there were Ian Thorpe as a boy and now Britain’s than the Americas. and cover him closely. the first by a Guatemalan in the 200 metres freestyle world champi- So hats off to Kevin Cordon— Normally, it only has eyes for sport at any Olympics. on hopes to inspire a new generation ofJ swimmers when he makes his Olympic reportedly named after English football—hence why his father re- Solis urged authorities in Gua- former footballer Kevin Keegan— portedly named him after Keegan. temala, a poor country wracked debut in Rio this August. who has been playing since he was “My whole family loved football. by gang and drug violence, to The 20-year-old is one of the big hopes 11 and has surged to number 49 in As an adult I kept playing, but earmark more money for sports of a revived British team as winner of two the badminton world rankings. when I saw that badminton was federations, which are starting to golds and a silver at last year’s Worlds in He has enjoyed international opening doors for me, and in order make a name—albeit a small one— Kazan, Russia, in the same discipline that success, winning the Pan Am sin- to avoid injury, I decided to dedi- on the world stage. the ‘Thorpedo’ once dominated. gles championship twice in a row, cate myself to it,” Cordon said. One sport in which this is hap- Speaking after Team GB announced a also competing in the Beijing and Luis Barrios, a sports analyst pening is racewalking. Erick Bar- 26-strong swim squad, Guy reminisced London Olympics, and will proudly with the digital daily Soy502, rondo won silver at the London about that fi rst Olympic memory that fi red represent his Central American na- said Cordon had made a dent in games—the only Olympic medal his imagination. tion in Rio de Janeiro come August. Guatemalans’ football obsession Guatemala has ever earned. “In 2004, the ‘Race of the Century’, And to think all of this almost did and opened up some room for “For us it is very clear that watching (Dutch defending champion Pi- not happen. “I got to know badmin- racquets and shuttlecocks. sports such as badminton, race- eter) van den Hoogenband, (American ton by accident,” Cordon, 29, said “Before Kevin, badminton was walking, gymnastics and others Michael) Phelps and Thorpe doing the 200 before a session at the Olympic not widely played or well known in are doing a lot for Guatemala, and free. That was something special,” he smiled. training village in Guatemala City. Guatemala, although it is present it is a matter of raising awareness “I remember Dad saying ‘Oh, there’s a In Russia last year, Guy took the 200m The awe of competing against the big Badminton buff s in his town of in some areas,” Barrios said. to give them more support,” said new American guy on TV’. I was like ‘Who title that Thorpe won in 2001 and 2003 as beasts of swimming has faded, however, La Union, in eastern Guatemala, Jose Maria Solis, Cordon’s coach Solis. is he, never even heard of him before. I bet well as the 4x200m relay gold. He also took for a swimmer who describes himself as an he’s crap, isn’t he? 400m freestyle silver. In 2014 he won Com- ‘animal’ in the water. “My whole family “Dad said: ‘He’ll beat Thorpe in the 200’ monwealth Games gold in the 4x100 medley. Kazan marked the moment that Guy loved football. ‘He won’t beat Thorpe’. ‘He will’. I remember The 200m freestyle in Rio could be an- knew he had arrived. watching the TV and screaming and scream- other classic battle. “There was (American Ryan) Lochte As an adult I kept ing and Thorpe won. Thorpey was my hero.” Asked whether he felt young kids might and (China’s) Sun Yang (alongside). I playing, but when I Phelps, now the most decorated Olym- watch him swim there with the same wide- was like ‘Oh My God, this is sick’. Now saw that badminton pian of all time with 22 medals from three eyed excitement that he had shown all those I don’t see it as that any more,” he said. Games including 18 golds, won six titles years ago, Guy nodded. “They are good friends now and we race was opening doors at Athens in 2004 while still a teenager. “That’s pretty special. I want to inspire each other. for me, and in order He had won four golds already at the 2003 the next generation, want to grow the sport “You’re in the pool, someone’s beside to avoid injury, I world championships. in the UK,” he said. you and it’s just a bigger meet. That’s all it Thorpe, then the 200m freestyle world “This year is a big swimming year for us, is. I don’t see them as kind of my heroes any decided to dedicate record holder, had been the most successful I want people to get involved as well and more. But obviously I respect what they’ve myself to it” male swimmer at the previous 2000 Games watch us compete because it is the biggest done. To be part of that and race with them in Sydney. year of our lives.” is a complete honour.” Gulf Times Sunday, April 24, 2016 7 SPORT

GOLF Albatross puts Hend in contention at Shenzhen

AFP “It’s my sixth albatross, so it’s tioned by the Japanese and Asian weather-disrupted Texas Open in strong fi nish on the tougher back Shenzhen always nice to make an albatross, tours. San Antonio on Friday. nine to take a three-shot lead after especially in the tournament,” the Overnight leader Ichihara, chas- American Steele, the 2011 cham- the second round at the Swinging 46-year-old said in comments post- ing a maiden career victory in Chiba, pion, mixed six birdies with two Skirts LPGA Classic in San Francisco. rit Callum Shinkwin cata- ed on the European Tour website. southeast of Tokyo, fi nished in regu- bogeys and a double at the par-four The 23-year-old bided her time pulted up the leaderboard at At the end of round two, Hend was lation to lie one adrift with Aus- 15th to card two-under 70 on the with 11 consecutive pars, before roll- the Shenzhen International tied fourth with England’s Lee Slat- tralia’s Marcus Fraser—the current rain-softened Oaks layout at TPC ing in 12-foot birdies at the next two yesterday in an unfi nished tery (66) on eight-under-par 136. Order of Merit leader—a further shot San Antonio. In pursuit of his second holes as she signed for a two-under- thirdB round of play, which was pushed First-round co-leaders Alexander back after a 67. career win on the PGA Tour, he post- par 70 to move clear of the fi eld in a back by numerous weather delays. Levy of France and England’s Tommy Helped by a 40-foot save on the ed a 10-under total of 134 to match testing breeze at the Lake Merced Thunderstorms at the Genzon Fleetwood carded matching 72s to eighth hole, Kapur put himself in the tournament’s 36-hole low set by Golf Club. Golf Club in southern China meant drop into a share of ninth place along prime position to become the third compatriot Ben Curtis in 2012. “I keep my patience, so I’m so a loss of more than six-and-a-half with Spaniard Nacho Elvira (68) in Indian to win in Japan after Jeev Americans Scott Langley (68) and relaxed, and a couple putts in, and hours of play over the fi rst two days round two. Neither had time to play Milkha Singh and Jyoti Randhawa. Charley Hoff man (71) shared second that’s it,” Nomura, who won the of the tournament. Yesterday’s third in round three. “That save was a bonus and kept place on seven-under with Austral- Women’s Australian Open in Febru- round play was also suspended due Earlier in the day, American world my head in it,” said Kapur. “You can’t ian Stuart Appleby, who recovered ary, said after reaching the halfway to bad light, with only 20 players number four and two-time Mas- play average golf and win. I have to go from a nightmare start to shoot 70. mark on a nine-under 135 total. having completed their rounds. ters champion Bubba Watson fi red a out and play good golf.” Appleby four-putted from seven Australian teenager Minjee Lee, Yet, despite the unfavourable con- 69 to go into a fi ve-way tie for 16th South Korea’s KT Kim, bidding to feet at his fi rst hole, the 10th, twice coming off a victory at the LOTTE ditions, Shinkwin shot a 10-under- place, nine shots behind the leader. win for the second week running, missing from two feet before fi nally Championship in Hawaii last week, par 62 that bumped him up to second, Taiwan’s Hung Chien-yao, Ko- holing out for a triple bogey. continued her strong form when she behind South Korea’s Soomin Lee. rean Lee Sang-hee and Thailand’s The cut will fall at even-par 144, surged into a share of second with a During delayed round two play ear- Kapur closes in Japan win Khrongpha Thanyakorn were tied with South African Branden Grace, bogey-free 65. Lee was joined at six- lier in the day, Australian Scott Hend India’s Shiv Kapur fi red a two-un- with Fraser at 206, along with Ja- winner of last week’s Heritage Clas- under by overnight leader Ryu So- (pic), winner of last month’s True der-par 69 to grab a one-stroke lead pan’s Yuta Ikeda. sic, advancing on the number af- yeon (75) and Choi Na-yeon (70) of Thailand Classic, fi red an albatross from Japan’s Kodai Ichihara at the ter consecutive rounds of 72. Phil South Korea, with two-time defend- that also put him hot on Lee’s heels. Panasonic Open after yesterday’s Mickelson and Ernie Els were among ing champion Lydia Ko a further shot Hend, winner of last month’s True third round. Steele three ahead in Texas those set to miss the cut. back after two late bogeys. Thailand Classic, shot a seven-un- After 14 straight pars, Kapur card- Brendan Steele took advantage of Ko, who turns 19 today, is seek- der-par 65, equalling the low round ed back-to-back birdies on 15 and 16 relatively calm conditions at one of ing to become the youngest player to of the week with a rare combination to reach the clubhouse at nine-under his favourite venues to earn a three- Nomura goes 3 shots clear win an LPGA event for three con- of an eagle and an albatross. 204 at the $1.25 million event sanc- shot lead in the second round of the Japan’s Haru Nomura produced a secutive years.

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Nine-hole format gains Records on the line popularity Reuters London

ith more and more part-timers as Nadal, Nishikori fi nding they have less time for 18-hole golf lasting upwards of four hours, a shorter form of the Wsport could give the amateur game the shot in the arm it desperately needs. Hoping perhaps to have the same galvanis- ing eff ect on golf as the Twenty20 explosion has had on cricket interest, British Open or- battle for Barca title ganisers, the R&A, decided to take a lead this week by launching a new nine-hole event to be played at Royal Troon. ‘I’m just glad to be in the final. I’m playing well this week. I really get the support when I play here in Amateurs will get the chance to try out the Scottish links on July 9, the week before the Spain, it helps so much. I’ll need more of it for this final. I’ll be preparing as best I can for a tough one’ best golfers in the world turn up at the course to take part in the Open. To further indicate the growing interest in DPA the shorter form of the game, the prize fund Barcelona for the Farmfoods British Par-3 Champion- ship in Warwickshire, hosted by Tony Jacklin from July 26-29, has risen by 20 percent to a afael Nadal and Kei Nishiko- record 150,000 euros ($169,170). ri will both aim for records “I’m really pleased to see the R&A taking in the fi nal of the Barcelona the lead in this area,” triple major winner Pa- Open after the pair of show- draig Harrington said in a statement. caseR seeds produced straight-set “For amateur golfers to be able to play the semi-fi nal wins yesterday. Open venue in championship condition imme- Top seed Nadal beat German diately before the best players in the world is a Philipp Kohlschreiber for the 12th fantastic initiative, and I’m sure this new com- time in 13 meetings, posting a 6-3, petitive format will encourage more people to 6-3 victory to stand on the verge of a get out on the course,” the Irishman added. record ninth title in the Catalan cap- R&A research has highlighted the challeng- ital as well as a possible record-tying es many face in fi nding enough hours to play 49th clay trophy. 18 holes. Sixty percent of golfers surveyed re- Nadal is placed one spot behind cently said they would enjoy the game more if the all-time record of clay honours it took up less time. held by Guillermo Vilas from three “We... will be promoting this format as decades ago. a way of playing golf in less time which can Nishikori, winner of the last two have wider appeal among people who lead Barcelona editions and seeded sec- increasingly busy lives today,” said R&A chief ond, claimed his 14th straight match executive Martin Slumbers. at the Real Club de Tenis in quickfi re style, taking 66 minutes to eliminate Benoit Paire 6-3, 6-2. Murray hints at pulling out of If he wins his third straight title, Davis Cup QF against Serbia ATP number six Nishikori could join Nadal and Mats Wilander as the only ndy Murray has hinted he might opt men to have produced three in a row Anot to play for Davis Cup holders Great at the event. Britain in their quarter-final in Serbia later Nadal and Nishikori are both into this year after it was announced the tie their third fi nals of the season and will take place on clay. Murray led Britain are also set to play their second fi nal to their first Davis Cup success in 79 years in succession. with victory over Belgium in November, but Nadal won Monte Carlo last week- their hopes of retaining the title would be end while Nishikori lost the Miami severely damaged if the former Wimbledon fi nal to Novak Djokovic, the last champion decided not to play. event he played prior to Spain. German qualifier Laura Siegemund The Scot has a hectic schedule with the Nadal spent 91 minutes in hand- stunned top-seeded Agnieszka French Open, Wimbledon and US Open ing Kohlschreiber a fi fth loss on Radwanska of Poland in straight sets joined on the calendar this year by the clay in their series. The German was to set up a title clash with compatriot Olympic Games in Rio, and both he and plagued by 37 unforced errors while Angelique Kerber in Stuttgart. (AFP) Serbia’s world number one Novak Djokovic Nadal thrilled his home fans with 18 could withdraw from the tie in Belgrade winners and three breaks of serve. scheduled for July 15 to 17. “I’m just glad to be in the fi nal,” always feel very comfortable playing meet Fernando Verdasco, who de- unanswered games to triumph on her The German then got the deciding Murray will have already converted to the Nadal said. “I’m playing well this in Barcelona. I’ve had good luck for feated fellow Spaniard Guillermo fi rst match-point in front of a parti- break for 3-2 in the battle of two left- grass-court season with Queen’s and Wimble- week. I really get the support when I the last two years and hope for more Garcia-Lopez 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 in the san German home crowd. handers when her shot off the frame don high on his agenda, while the Olympics play here in Spain, it helps so much. of the same in the fi nal.” other semi. A former top-10 player, In today’s fi nal, Kerber will meet of her racket just fell in and Kvitova and the US Open take place on hard courts, I’ll need more of it for this fi nal. I’ll be Paire had defeated Nishikori last Verdasco has fallen on harder times fellow German surprise package Lau- hit a backhand wide. She wrapped up meaning he could play three consecutive preparing as best I can for a tough one.” year at the US Open and then in To- of late and has dropped to 86th place ra Siegemund, a 71st-ranked qualifi er matters on another mistake from her competitions on three diff erent surfaces. Nishikori totally dominated Paire kyo a month later, a home embar- in the world rankings. He has won who saw off top seed Agnieszka Rad- Czech opponent, Kvitova’s 33rd er- Asked if the decision to play their Davis and ended a two-match losing streak rassment for the Japanese ace. six ATP Tour titles during his career, wanska of Poland in straight sets 6-4, ror to Kerber’s 14. Cup tie on clay could potentially alter his from last autumn against the French four of them coming on clay. His last 6-2. Siegemund ousted top 10 players Kerber squared the series with commitment, Murray replied: “Potentially. sixth seed. Asia’s top player pre- Pouille to face Verdasco tournament win came two years ago Simona Halep and Roberta Vinci in Kvitova at 4-4 and has high hopes I need to see how my body is first. I leave vailed with fi ve breaks as Paire made in Bucharest title clash in Houston, Texas. previous matches. to lift her second trophy of the year now to go away next week to Madrid, it’s 27 unforced errors. “I am delighted to be in the fi nal after the Melbourne triumph, and a pretty much full on through until the Olym- Paire fought to save four match- French hope Lucas Pouille reached Kerber outlasts Kvitova to again,” Kerber said. ninth overall. pics for the next few months. points in the fi nal game but went an ATP top-level tour fi nal for the reach Stuttgart fi nal again “It is always tough against Petra. “I know I can do it, I have proven “It is a number of surface changes in down to defeat on Nishikori’s fi fth fi rst time in his career thanks to a 7-6 The crowd really pushed me when it,” Kerber said. “This week is very a very short space of time, so you never with a volley error. (7/4), 6-3 win over Federico Delbonis Title holder Angelique Kerber out- I was a little down after the second special. I wanted to get to the fi nal know how the body is going to react or “He can be on and off his game,” of Argentina in Bucharest yesterday. lasted two-time Wimbledon winner set. I then started well into the third and want to win it again.” how it’s going to pull up after those Nishikori said. “He’s got a great The 22-year-old, ranked 72nd in the Petra Kvitova 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 yes- which helped.” Kvitova said: “Angie played so changes. I’ll just have to see how my body backhand and serve, but he was not world, reached the round of 16 at terday to reach the Porsche Grand Kerber drew fi rst blood for 2-1 good today” and acknowledged that is. Hopefully I’ll be fine, but it’s going to making many fi rst serves today. I Monte Carlo last week as he opened Prix fi nal again. The second-seeded when Kvitova double-faulted three “I had no energy left in the end” but be a tough few months and I think all the tried to step in and attack his sec- his clay-court season leading up to Australian Open champion Kerber times in a row, and a fourth break she was happy overall with her fi rst players are aware of that right now. The ond serve. I was a little shaky in the the French Open, which starts in claimed victory over tournament overall in the set made it 6-4. The semi-fi nal spot of the year ahead of more surface changes that are put in there second set but I’m happy to win and Paris in late May. number fi ve Kvitova in 2 hours 3 second went with serve until Kvitova the Madrid Masters where she aims makes it that bit more tricky.” reach another fi nal. I love Spain and In the fi nal in Bucharest, he will minutes, breaking a 2-2 tie with four broke to love to lock the sets. to defend her title in early May. Gulf Times 8 Sunday, April 24, 2016 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT Mavs coach Carlisle irked by Durant elbow Irving’s key triple AFP through me and then we just had Dallas a few words,” Nowitzki said. “I know he’s a good kid. That’s just part of a playoff series. allas Mavericks coach There’s no hard feelings. Just in Rick Carlisle called the games sometimes, emotions out Kevin Durant on are going to run high and there’s Friday for an errant some stuff discussed that’s no gives Cavaliers 3-0 elbowD thrown by the Oklahoma big deal after the game. City star in the Thunder’s NBA “You’re not going to get an playoff win over the Mavs on award for gamesmanship in the Thursday. playoff s,” the German added. Carlisle said several moves by “You’re trying to win, trying the Thunder crossed the line, to compete. Usually game one, but he was particularly steamed game two, you kind of feel each by Durant catching Mavericks other out. By game three, you lead over Pistons center Salah Mejri on the chest hate each other.” as the two players were lined up for a free-throw attempt. Warriors star Curry expects ‘We understand what we all want individually and what will help the team’ “There were four, what I to return today would categorize as non-bas- Golden State star guard ketball physical escalations that Stephen Curry, sidelined by an DPA were initiated by them,” Carlisle ankle injury as his Warriors fell Los Angeles Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (No 2) drives to said, “including one intentional, to the Houston Rockets, expects the basket during the fi rst quarter against the Detroit unprovoked elbow at the free- to be back for game four of their Pistons in game three of the fi rst round of NBA Playoff s at throw line that I didn’t under- NBA playoff series today. yrie Irving beat the The Palace of Auburn Hills. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports stand and I’ve never seen a guy Curry has missed two games shot clock and broke like Kevin Durant ever do that to with a sprained right ankle, but the hearts of the De- a player. said he would be “very sur- troit Pistons. “Ultimately, that led to two prised” if he doesn’t return on KIrving scored 26 points, in- more escalations between the Sunday and is prepared to play cluding a key triple with 45 sec- teams,” Carlisle added. “So I’m through the pain barrier if need onds remaining, and the Cleve- concerned about that. There’s be. land Cavaliers beat the Pistons no place for that in our game.” He didn’t enjoy watching in 101-91 on Friday to grab a com- Carlisle stressed that the in- Houston, where Golden State manding 3-0 lead in their East- cidents in question weren’t re- went down 97-96 Thursday to a ern Conference opening round sponsible for the Mavs’ 131-102 jump shot by Rockets star James playoff series. loss on their home fl oor, which Harden with two seconds to play. “Kyrie is a great point guard gave the Thunder a 2-1 lead in The Rockets cut the defi cit in but more than that he’s a great the best-of-seven Western Con- the best-of-seven Western Con- player,” said teammate LeBron ference fi rst-round series. ference series to 2-1. James. “He knows how to play “Look, we didn’t play well,” Curry is hoping to be in a po- the game and make big shots. Carlisle said. sition to help his team bounce Obviously, the big shot was with “They played great. We’ve got back. “I think I can play through .7 on the clock.” to do more things to keep them a little bit of discomfort and James fi nished with 20 points from playing great. And we’ve whatnot, especially in a playoff and 13 rebounds while Kevin got to be ready for physical play situation,” Curry told reporters, Love also had 20 with 12 boards because they are initiating a lot adding that team medical staff for the Cavaliers, who hit 12- of things out there.” and coaches want him to sit “if of-29 triples and controlled the Veteran Mavericks star Dirk there is any ounce of instability boards 46-32 en route to their Nowitzki was involved in an in- or doubt.” 11 consecutive playoff victory cident when he got tangled with “Obviously, they have my best against the Pistons. Thunder guard Andre Roberson. interest, but it’s kind of hard to “Right now we’re in a great “I just thought on back- take that advice and sit out. fl ow,” James said of Irving, Love to-back plays he tried to run “It’s a tough feeling.” and himself. “We understand what we all want individually and what will help the team.” The top-seeded Cavs com- plete a 4-0 sweep of the eighth- seeds in Sunday’s game 4 in Detroit. “My focus now is on Sunday and how I can prepare these guys to close those guys out,” James said. “A Stan Van Gundy (coached) team never throws and aside from a mean- avoid an early exit on Sunday. season since Rajon Rondo went ence opening round series. Sec- quits.” ingless foul shot by Aron Baynes No team has ever rallied to win a off for 44 in 2012. Boston blew a ond-seeded San Antonio can The Cavs led 95-90 on a J.R. with 22 seconds left, the Pistons series after trailing 0-3. “We’re 20-point third-quarter cushion complete a 4-0 sweep Sunday Smith 3-pointer with 3:30 re- went scoreless for the fi nal 3:56. down 0-3 but someone has to be and was knotted at 96-apiece in Memphis. Zach Randolph had maining. Out of a timeout, “We didn’t do what we were sup- the team that comes back from with 6:50 left before Thomas 20 points and 11 rebounds, while heady Matthew Dellavedova posed to do, Pistons coach Stan it, so why not us?” Jackson said. scored 10 points in a game-end- Matt Barnes added 17 with 11 found Irving in the right corner Van Gundy said. “We went to the “We’ve been in every game. ing 16-7 run. Evan Turner had 17 boards for the seventh-seeded for a quick release 3-point dag- plays we always go with, we just We’re confi dent and have to points and Amir Johnson added Grizzlies, who were outscored ger with .7 seconds left on the didn’t do a good job. continue to play the same way, 15 for the fi fth-seeded Celtics, 26-16 in the decisive fourth shot clock to open up an eight Kentavious Caldwell-Pope fi gure out a way to put it togeth- who gave coach Brad Stevens his quarter. point advantage. had 18 points, Andre Drum- er for a whole 48 (minutes) and fi rst playoff win. Jeff Teague had PLAYOFF RESULTS “It was a great play drawn mond added 17 while Reggie take those fi ve-minute windows 23 points for the fourth-seeded by T-Lue (coach Tyronn Lue) Jackson fi nished with 13 and 12 out where when they’re better Hawks, while Kent Bazemore Series best-of-seven in time in the moment,” said assists for the Pistons, who are than us.” and Germany’s Dennis Schroder Eastern Conference Irving, who shot 11-of-20 and making their fi rst playoff ap- Elsewhere: added 20 apiece. At Detroit 3-of-6 from behind the arc. pearance in seven years. •Boston Celtics 111, At- Game 4 is Sunday in Boston. Cleveland .....101Detroit ...... 91 “With .7 and you have the tal- “We fought hard down the lanta Hwks 103: Isaiah Tho- •San Antonio Spurs 96, (Cleveland leads series 3-0) ent, execution is all that mat- stretch. We made mistakes and mas exploded for a career-high Memphis Grizzlies 87: Kawhi At Atlanta ters. “Whoever gets the shot we it came back to bite us,” Drum- 42 points and the Celtics es- Leonard tossed in 13 of his 32 Boston ...... 111Atlanta ...... 103 just want him to shoot it confi - mond said. “They’re a veteran caped the visiting Hawks to points in the fourth quarter and (Atlanta leads series 2-1) dently and we all believe in it. team and when it comes to pull within 2-1 in their Eastern the visiting Spurs pulled away Western Conference Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant celebrates making a Luckily, I got the shot off and it crunch time they’re going to Conference fi rst-round series. from the injury-depleted Griz- At Memphis basket against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half in game went in.” make the right play.” Thomas’ total was the most zlies to take a commanding 3-0 San Antonio .96 Memphis ...... 87 three of the first round of the NBA Playoff s at American Airlines Dellavedova tacked on two free Detroit will be looking to for a Celtics player in the post- lead in their Western Confer- (San Antonioleads series 3-0) Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

NHL Sharks exorcise demons, eliminate Kings

The Sports Xchange series, we had to work to get increase the defi cit when Patrick Los Angeles any kind of balance against this Marleau was awarded a penalty team,” said Pavelski, who tied shot after getting hooked on a his career high of fi ve goals in a breakaway by Jake Muzzin at 5:31 rent Burns said he rarely series. of the second, but Quick stuff ed dwells on 2014. That Pavelski added a goal at 12:24 it. Shortly after, Los Angeles was when the San Jose of the third as San Jose advanced launched its comeback. Sharks collapsed in the to the second round, where it Kopitar was credited with a WesternB Conference quarter- meets Anaheim or Nashville. goal that took two fortuitous fi nals against the Los Angeles That series is tied 2-2. bounces. Drew Doughty fi red a Kings. Melker Karlsson scored an rocked that glanced off Dwight “The only time I really think empty-netter with 22 seconds King and then off the skate of about it is when I’m asked a left in the third. Logan Couture Kopitar for the center’s second question (about it),” Burns said. and Brent Burns each had three goal of the series and reduce San “It’s been a totally diff erent year. assists for San Jose. Jose’s lead to 3-1. It’s been a great group.” Second-period goals by Anze Carter sliced it to a goal when Joonas Donskoi scored twice, Kopitar, Jeff Carter and Kris Ver- he fi elded a pass from Muzzin including the go-ahead goal in steeg rallied the Kings from a and bounced a shot off the top the third period, and the Sharks 3-0 defi cit, but the Sharks seized of the crossbar and into the net eliminated the Kings from the the lead again in the third. at 11:26. Stanley Cup playoff s with a “We were chasing the lead Versteeg tied the score with 6-3 victory on Friday at Staples all the time pretty much every 3:24 left in the second. But the Center. game, with the exception of rally would go for naught. Donskoi slammed home the game one when we scored fi rst “We never came to the dressing winner at 3:58 of the third as the and we were chasing the lead the room after a period with a lead and Sharks won the Western Confer- rest of the way,” Kopitar said. we weren’t able to establish the ence quarterfi nal series 4-1 and “You just can’t do that.” lead and play with it for the whole exacted revenge from Los Ange- Goaltender Martin Jones—a series, and we were always playing les after the Kings erased a 3-0 former King—made 19 saves for from behind,” Kings left winger defi cit by winning the fi nal four San Jose. The Kings’ Jonathan San Jose Sharks Joonas Donskoi (L) scores a goal against Los Angeles Kings during the third period of Game Five of the Western Conference Milan Lucic said. games of their fi rst-round series Quick stopped 22 shots. First Round in the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff s at Staples Center in Los Angeles, (Getty Images/AFP) in 2014. Donskoi scored on a wrist shot RESULTS This wasn’t much easier, the for his fi rst goal of the series at increase the margin for 1:44 for tripping Jones, but the Kings Los Angeles pay at 11:21 with his by Matt Nieto pushed the mar- Florida 1, NY Islanders 2 (SO) Sharks said, but the result was 1:08 of the fi rst period for a 1-0 early in the fi rst with a 5-on-3 prevented them from scoring. fi rst goal of the series to make it gin to 3-0 at 4:05. For Nieto, it Washington 0, Philadelphia 2 entirely diff erent. San Jose lead. advantage after Dustin Brown However, Chris Tierney, on an 2-0. was his fi rst goal of the series. Dallas 4, Minnesota 5 (OT) “If you look throughout the The Sharks had a chance to followed Luke Schenn to the box assist from Brent Burns, made In the second period, a tip-in San Jose got another chance to Los Angeles 3, San Jose 6 Gulf Times Sunday, April 24, 2016 9 SPORT

MLB FOCUS Raiders GM says NFL draft pressure Los Angeles Dodgers increasing

By Jimmy Durkin East Bay Times

he Raiders attacked free agency with vigor, adding fall to Rockies 7-5 key pieces that helped shrink some of their most glaring holes. Add that to general manager Reggie McKenzie’s ‘It’s hard to keep your body right when you’re swinging your arm, doing all types of crazy stuff ’ Trecent draft success - quarterback Derek Carr, pass rusher Khalil Mack and wide receiver Amari Cooper the most nota- ble _ and there’s reason to think the Raiders are feeling pretty By Andy McCullough relaxed. Not quite. Los Angeles Times Colorado Rockies centre fi elder Brandon Barnes “Honestly, I think there’s more pressure,” McKenzie said of celebrates aft er hitting a two RBI triple in the his approach to next week’s NFL draft. “I really do. You guys eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at write about how good Khalil, Amari and Derek and all these he drive missed Yasiel Coors Field. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports guys are, how can that not put pressure on me? We’ve got to Puig’s glove by inches, continue to get really good players in here. We’re looking for- banging off Coors Field’s ward to building on that.” newly constructed fence McKenzie keeps things very close to the vest when it comes Tin right fi eld and rolling across to any aspects of his draft philosophy, and he stuck to that the warning track. Puig bounced script Friday when he and coach Jack Del Rio met the media off the wall and bounded forward for their mandated pre-draft availability. with 16 steps. Colorado rookie “I really don’t want to discuss philosophy, especially Trevor Story rounded second mine,” McKenzie said. base as Puig bent to clasp the In his case, it’s real easy for McKenzie to declare plans to baseball in his right hand. take the best available player, and he did so. Scott Kazmir had winced upon “We’re not about just going for a specifi c need,” McKenzie impact, fearful of surrendering a said. “We want to get the best player that can help this foot- lead for the second time on the ball team.” evening. Then he watched as Puig That becomes a little harder now that Oakland is picking crow-hopped and attempted to at No. 14, the lowest pick they’ve held in the fi rst round since render the frustration that later 2005. occurred in this 7-5 Los Angeles “It’s a little diff erent,” McKenzie said. “I prefer to be pick- Dodgers defeat a mere footnote. ing 32nd, but you know, the lower you pick, as far as down the Puig’s rainbow throw arched line, it’s harder to fi gure out what the other teams are going over second base, over any to do.” would-be cutoff men. The base- The Raiders can more easily take the best player avail- ball landed just in front of third able route thanks to what they did in free agency, where they baseman Justin Turner. He signed cornerback Sean Smith and safety Reggie Nelson to snapped it into his glove and ap- boost the secondary, added left guard Kelechi Osemele to plied the tag on Story. Umpire beef up the off ensive line and landed linebacker Bruce Irvin Hunter Wendelstedt pumped his to provide an additional pass rusher. They also re-signed left fi st. The moment electrifi ed the tackle Donald Penn and punter Marquette King. crowd, even those clad in pur- The moves have made the Raiders a popular target for off - ple. Turner looked stunned. Puig season hype and there’s not enough insulation to keep some pumped his fi st and maintained a of that from seeping into the building. stony glare. “I remind my scouts, don’t believe the hype,” McKenzie So much that Puig has done in said. “You still scout hard, still scout them the way we always this season - the newfound punc- have. tuality, the renewed tenacity of “We’re still going to grind. That’s just the way we do it. Jack his at-bats - has earned praised. and I always talk about, we want to get to the playoff s and But nothing had elicited the awe then, that’s when the season starts. We want to try to bring of his throw in Friday’s fi fth in- home the trophy.” ning. The shadow of the play al- Del Rio, entering his second year with the Raiders, doesn’t most obscured the subsequent have to remind his players anything like that. Dodgers disappointment of the “It’s not hard to remember who won the Super Bowl,” evening, as reliever Yimi Garcia Del Rio said, referring to the division rival Denver Broncos. walked off the mound with an “We’ve accomplished a lot in terms of the work that we’ve injury and Chris Hatcher served done and we know there’s a huge mountain of work in front up a two-run triple to Brandon of us.” Barnes in the eighth. The throw by Puig operated as a metaphor _ enough caulk to fi x one crack created by the Dodgers’ infl ated his earned-run average. pitching coach Rick Honeycutt. The lead was not safe for long. Gonzalez poked a two-run sin- pitching staff , but not a salve for The Giants pounded him for 10 “As soon as I said something,” Kazmir needed 49 pitches to fi n- gle into right. Then, after Story all its troubles. runs in eight innings after which Kazmir said, “He was like, ‘You ish two innings. smashed his ball off the fence, The bullpen breakdown cost Kazmir felt compelled to stream- know what? You’re absolutely The Rockies scratched a run Puig unleashed that vaunted right the team (10-7) a chance for a line his delivery. right. It’s so tough to repeat that across in the second. With the arm and stole the show - at least, third consecutive victory. With When he revived his career in delivery.’” bases loaded, Kazmir delayed a until the Dodgers bullpen arrived. Garcia’s fastball velocity declin- Cleveland in 2013, Kazmir exag- His teammates spotted him a beat as he went to cover fi rst base, ing in rapid fashion, he gave up a gerated the swing of his arm and three-run lead in the fi rst inning. arriving a step too short to com- RESULTS run in the seventh and exited with the sweep of his front leg in order After three days of off ensive ma- plete a double play for the third a trainer. Hatcher pitched himself to generate velocity. laise in Atlanta, the group sprung out. NY Yankees ...... 6 Tampa Bay ...... 3 into danger, yielding a walk and He needed the crutch, but it to two early homers off Colorado Two innings later, Kazmir had Washington ..... 8 Minnesota ...... 4 a single before Barnes pulled the came with a downside. In the starter Jon Gray. bigger problems. Nolan Arenado, Oakland ...... 8 Toronto ...... 5 Rockies ahead. short-term, his delivery could Seager followed Chase Utley’s Colorado’s All-Star third base- Cleveland ...... 2 Detroit ...... 1 Adrian Gonzalez supplied be diffi cult to repeat. And over leadoff triple by launching his man, lifted a solo homer over Chicago Cubs 8 Cincinnati ...... 1 a home run in the fi fth. Corey the course the season, the excess second home run of the season. the left fi eld fence. The lead was NY Mets ...... 6 Atlanta ...... 3 Seager recovered from a fright- movement fatigued him. The baseball cleared the wall in down to one, and it would only Boston ...... 6 Houston ...... 2 ful series in Atlanta with his sec- “It’s hard to keep your body center fi eld 415 feet away. last three more batters. Philadelphia ...... 5 Milwaukee ...... 2 ond homer of the season. Kazmir right when you’re swinging your The Rockies raised the out- That’s when Ryan Raburn Chicago W Sox ..5 Texas ...... 0 overcame the latest edition of arm, doing all types of crazy fi eld fences this year, part of the turned on a belt-high fastball for Kansas City ...... 4 Baltimore ...... 2 Rocky Mountain pinball, escap- stuff ,” Kazmir said on Thursday organisation’s annual attempt to a two-run shot. Kazmir screamed Colorado ...... 7 LA Dodgers ...... 5 ing after giving up four runs in morning in Atlanta. combat their home’s elevation into his glove after the inning Pittsburgh ...... 8 Arizona ...... 7 fi ve innings. The bullpen col- Kazmir wanted to streamline above sea level. But the home run ended, once more unable to hold Seattle ...... 5 LA Angels ...... 2 lapsed in his wake. the process and integrate the me- hit by Gonzalez made the off - a sizeable, early lead. (10 innings) After a tidy debut against the chanics of his slide-step motion season alterations moot. He pow- His teammates picked him San Francisco 8 Miami ...... 1 Padres, a pair of starts against San into his usual delivery. During the ered a 96-mph fastball into the in two ways in the fi fth. With San Diego ...... 4 St. Louis ...... 1 Francisco distressed Kazmir and week he suggested the switch to second deck for a solo shot. the bases loaded and two out,

SPOTLIGHT Colabello suspended 80 games over doping

AFP 15 homers and 54 runs-batted-in. Toronto “This is obviously an unfortunate situ- ation that we are in with Chris,” Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said in a state- oronto Blue Jays fi rst baseman ment. “We believe in him as a person and Chris Colabello has been sus- a player. We also fully endorse the Major pended for 80 games after testing League Baseball drug-testing policy. positive for an anabolic steroid, “Chris has overcome a great deal in his TMajor League Baseball said Friday. career and has been a key contributor to this Colabello tested positive for dehydro- team. While we are certainly disappointed chlormethyltestosterone, but said in a with today’s news, we’re confi dent he’ll re- statement he doesn’t know how he came to turn ready to compete and will have taken fail the test. the steps needed to ensure that this does not “On March 13, I got one of the scariest and happen again.” most defi nitely the least expected phone Dehydrochlormethyltestosterone is the calls of my entire life,” Colabello said. “I was same steroid that Philadelphia Phillies informed by the Players Association that a rookie pitcher Daniel Stumpf tested positive banned substance was found in my urine. for, drawing an 80-game ban that started on “I have spent every waking moment since April 14. that day trying to fi nd an answer as to why or Half a dozen players have been suspended how? The only thing I know is that I would this year by Major League Baseball. That in- never compromise the integrity of the game cludes New York Mets relief pitcher Jenrry of baseball. I love this game too much! I care Mejia, who was banned for life after a third too deeply about it. positive test for steroids. “I am saddened more for the impact this Mejia is the fi rst player to receive a life- will have on my teammates, the organiza- time ban from Major League Baseball, a tion and fans of the Toronto Blue Jays,” he punishment that also prohibits him from added. “I hope that before anyone passes playing in pro leagues in other countries, judgment on me they can take a look at the including Japan, South Korea and Mexico. man that I am, and everything that I have Baseball’s anti-doping policy does allow done to get to where I am in my career.” him to apply for reinstatement after one Colabello, 32, is batting .069 in 10 games year, but he must sit out at least two seasons this season. Last season, he batted .321 with before he could be reinstated. Gulf Times 10 Sunday, April 24, 2016 SPORT

CYCLING Nibali still searching for ‘legs’ ahead of Liege Liege, Belgium: Vincenzo for a fourth Grand Tour win Nibali admitted he has yet to next month in his homeland. Valverde looking for find his best form ahead of a tilt at a second victory in the VARNISH SAYS SUTTON Giro d’Italia next month. Nibali TOLD HER TO ‘GO AND will be lining up at the one-day HAVE A BABY’ classic Liege-Bastogne-Liege The track cyclist Jess Varnish today with many putting him has alleged she was told to “go amongst the favourites, but the and have a baby” by British Cy- more success in Liege 31-year-old Italian was playing cling’s technical director, Shane down his chances yesterday. Sutton, when she was dropped “My legs are still a bit tired from the Olympic programme. Valverde’s main aim this season is to finish in the top three at Giro d’Italia so today (Saturday) was about Varnish was told last month recovery. Tomorrow will be that her contract on the Olym- another very tough day, also pic podium programme would Spain’s Alejandro Valverde (right) sprints ahead because of the weather,” he not be renewed after her failure of French cyclist Julian Alaphilippe (left) to win said. Cold, rain and perhaps to qualify for the Olympic the 80th La Fleche Wallonne, a 196km race from even snow are expected on Games in the women’s team Marche-en-Famenne to Huy in Belgium last week. (AFP) the 253km race known as ‘La sprint. Varnish had publicly Doyenne’ (the oldest). criticised Sutton and British Nibali may not fancy his own Cycling’s head coach, Iain Dyer, chances but his Astana team in the wake of that failure. arrive in Belgium with a strong British Cycling has insisted the team and two riders who were decision to drop Varnish was in good form at the Giro del made on performance grounds Trentino this week. but the 25-year-old has claimed Estonian Tanel Kangert won in the Daily Mail that Sutton told two stages and finished second her she was “too old”. overall, just two seconds behind Sutton has denied making Spanish winner Mikel Landa. the comments. Denmark’s Jakob Fuglsang was According to Varnish, she third overall at 14sec at the end went to British Cycling’s base at of the four-day race while Nibali the Manchester Velodrome to could finish only 21st, almost collect her belongings after her seven minutes off the pace. contract was not renewed and “It won’t be easy but we’ve asked to see the performance got a strong team with two wins data which had led to her being from Kangert and Fuglsang dropped. in great form, so we’ll have “I saw Shane and Iain and chances,” said Nibali, who was asked if I could have some of less enthusiastic about his own the [performance] information,” hopes. “I don’t know, we’ll see she said. “They couldn’t give it because I’m searching for my to me and said I’d been on the best form. I’m taking it day by programme too long, that I was day. “I’ve been working really too old at the age of 25. Shane hard and tomorrow’s race will said that I should just move on even help me get that bit more and go and have a baby.” and I’ll see how I am at the end.” Varnish, whose boyfriend Sicilian Nibali finished second Liam Phillips is due to com- in 2012 when he was beaten by pete for Sutton in BMX in Rio, Kazakh Maxim Iglinsky, who claimed there was a macho cul- was caught taking EPO two ture within British Cycling. She years later and subsequently said: “After 2012 I was told that, banned. “with an ass like mine I couldn’t Lo Squalo (the shark) -- as change position within the Nibali is known—won the Giro team sprint”. It basically implies in 2013 before claiming Tour de the stronger woman has to go France victory the next year as in “man one” position because AFP Liege with real hopes of winning but Italian Vincenzo Nibali. saying that Valverde was too strong at well. He also won the Vuelta a I’m quite glute dominant, shall Liege, Belgium without putting my Giro participation at Nibali will be in the fi eld as he too pre- Fleche despite he and Alaphilippe work- Espana in 2010 and is aiming we say.” risk,” said Valverde. pares for the Giro, although he was far ing together. “They say the weather will get worse, from his best form in the Giro del Tren- “Every year, we hope that Valverde is lejandro Valverde will be look- it will be tough for everyone. But I’ll start tino this week, fi nishing down in 21st less good, but he’s just a great rider,” said ing to take another step towards with the advantage of having won the overall, more than six minutes behind Martin. “Every year he remains the fa- Ardennes Classics immortality Fleche. I hope it doesn’t rain.” Spanish winner Mikel Landa. Lo Squalo vourite. But it gives us more motivation when he lines up for Liege-Bas- Rain would make the road surfaces (the shark) will be expected to challenge to beat him. Julian and I are in top shape togne-LiegeA today. slippery and increase the risk of crashes, Valverde, though. so it’s promising for Liege-Bastogne- The 35-year-old Spaniard will be the not least in a hectic fi nale that has been So too will the pair that fi nished just Liege. It’s good to have two strong riders man to beat in Belgium during ‘La Doy- changed slightly this year. behind him at Fleche, Etixx teammates for Liege. It’ll also depend on the weather, enne’ (the oldest) having claimed a record Ahead of the fi nal grind up to the fi nish Julian Alaphilippe and Dan Martin. however, because I tend to suff er when fourth victory in the midweek Fleche in Ans, near Liege, the fi nal categorised Frenchman Alaphilippe was second to it’s cold.” Wallonne, the second of the three Ar- ascent on the 253km course is no longer Valerde at both Fleche and Liege last year It’s expected to be not only cold but dennes Classics. the Cote de San Nicolas 6.5km from the and second again in Huy on Wednesday. there may also be snow. Outside of those, Last year Movistar’s Valverde followed fi nish. Instead there will be a brutal 600m At just 23 years of age, Alaphilippe Australian Simon Gerrans, winner in up his Fleche victory with a third suc- cobbled climb just 2.5km from the fi nish is a star in the making and sure to enjoy 2014, and the likes of Spanish veteran cess at Liege—two behind Belgian great with an average gradient of 10.5 percent, great success in the Ardennes and may Joaquim Rodriguez, Frenchman Romain Eddy Merckx—as well and few would bet the Rue Naniot. be El Imbatido’s biggest rival. And Alap- Bardet and Italian Domenico Pozzovivo, against another double, even if the man With a fast descent both into and off hilippe, who says his legs are feeling good the latter pair both impressive in Tren- himself is less confi dent. Rue Naniot the potential for calamity is after a tough start to the season, is already tino, could all have their say. Valverde’s main aim this season is to greatly increased, but so too are the op- focused on Liege. But one rider unlikely to be mixing fi nish in the top three at next month’s portunities to make a solo attack stick, “The weather will be diffi cult, we’ve it with the potential winners is Tour de Giro d’Italia and he is wary of putting his something that has only happened once been told. You have to remain well- France champion Chris Froome, whose participation in that event at risk during in recent years when Kazakh Maxim Ig- placed and think about saving energy,” he best previous result in Liege was 36th and Vincenzo Nibali may not fancy his own chances but his Astana the Liege slog. linsky—since banned for testing positive said. Martin is another playing down his who will be helping Polish team-mate team has arrived in Belgium with a strong team. “I’ll be at the start of Liege-Bastogne- for drugs—chased down and left for dead chances in Liege, which he won in 2013, Michal Kwiatkowski.

RUGBY Itoje stars as Saracens keep double dream alive

AFP scrum-half Robson, who in turn side-stepped Reading, Southern England Saracens’ lock Maro Itoje (left) and flanker his marker and went over. Will Fraser tackle Wasps’ lock Joe Launchbury Kiwi fl y-half Gopperth, whose conversion (centre) during the European Rugby Champions with the last kick of the game sealed a dramatic ngland lock Maro Itoje was at the heart Cup semi-final at Madejski Stadium in Reading, quarter-fi nal win over Exeter, added the extras of a committed Saracens forward eff ort southern England yesterday. (AFP) and Wasps led 7-0. Farrell then surprisingly as they saw off English rivals Wasps 24- pulled a 30-metre penalty wide of the posts. 17 in a European Champions Cup semi- Saracens, however were gaining ground fiE nal at Reading’s Madejski Stadium yesterday. through their forwards and their pressure was Victory kept Premiership leaders Saracens eventually rewarded when fl anker Rhodes on course for a domestic and European double. charged down Gopperth’s clearance kick for a The London club will now play the winners of 28th-minute try. today’s second semi-fi nal between Leicester Farrell missed the conversion from out on the and Paris-based Racing 92 in the May 14 Euro- right and Wasps still led 7-5. But a Wasps ruck pean fi nal in Lyon. off ence on the stroke of half-time saw Farrell Saracens dominated up front but could not succeed with an easy penalty that gave Sarries shake Wasps off as they unusually squandered an 8-7 lead at the break. chances. But Itoje told Sky Sports: “The resil- And when Smith infringed at a ruck early in ience in the team and the quality of the person the second period, Farrell punished Wasps with in the team helps us control games and come a successful penalty from just inside the half- through diffi cult points in the match.” way line. Saracens, losing European fi nalists in 2014 Minutes later Farrell landed near 50-metre and yet to win the continental title, led 8-7 at penalty and Saracens were 14-7 in front. Sara- half-time after a charge-down try by Michael cens though were down to 14 men when Farrell Rhodes and a penalty by Owen Farrell helped was shown a yellow card in the 51st minute for a them recover after it took Wasps just 73 sec- head-high tackle on Robson that eventually saw onds to open the scoring through Dan Robson’s the Wasps No 9 taken off the fi eld on a stretcher. converted try. Gopperth kicked the resulting penalty and Two more penalties by England goal-kicker Saracens’ lead had been cut to 14-10. Haskell Farrell and one from Gopperth followed. Farrell was involved in some shuddering collisions kicked another penalty before a Saracens pen- with England team-mates Billy Vunipola and alty try late on took them into a 24-10 lead. Itoje up front. Farrell, head bandaged after his There was still time for Wasps replacement clash with Robson, then missed a long-range Ashley Johnson to score a converted try but penalty immediately upon his return from the Saracens saw out the game. “When you run sin-bin. yourself into the ground like we did, then there But he made no mistake from in front of the is not much more that you can ask,” said Wasps posts with 12 minutes left when Wasps replace- captain James Haskell. ment Simon McIntyre was sin-binned for kick- “We have to pick ourselves up and go again ing Itoje in the face. Saracens, starving Wasps because there is still the (English) Premiership in February—when several of Saracens’ England reputation for exciting rugby by catching Sa- leased express wing Christian Wade, who of posssion, extended their with a 73rd-minute to play for.” grand slam-winning stars were on Six Nations racens cold with a scintillating try just over a scored six tries in a Premiership match against penalty try awarded after Wasps collapsed a The two sides had met twice in the Premier- duty against Italy. minute into the match. Worcester last weekend. maul that started from outside the 22. ship this season, with Saracens winning 26-16 Wasps, the last English side to be crowned Gopperth and veteran Australia fl anker Wade collected the ball on the halfway line Johnson then pounced after a good break by in December and Wasps enjoying a 64-23 rout champions of Europe in 2007, lived up to their George Smith worked a switch move that re- and beat two men before his inside pass found Elliot Daly but it was all too late for Wasps. Gulf Times Sunday, April 24, 2016 11 SPORT

MOTOGP Boxing champ arrested for Rossi clinches pole for kidnapping 9-year-old Rome: Mirco Ricci (BELOW), World Boxing Union light heavyweight intercontinental champion in 2015, was arrest- ed on charges of kidnapping Spanish Grand Prix a 9-year-old whose mother he accused of having stolen drugs from him. Rossi snatched pole from Yamaha teammate Lorenzo on his final lap by just over a tenth of a second Rome police said late Friday that Ricci was ap- AFP prehended along with his Madrid sister, mother and a 25-year- old woman, who helped him abduct the child and will even-time world champion Val- face the same charges as the entino Rossi outgunned cham- professional boxer. pionships rivals Jorge Lorenzo According to authorities, and Marc Marquez to take his Ricci and his accomplices fiS rst pole position of the season for to- abducted the boy early on day’s Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez. Wednesday and threatened Rossi snatched pole from Yamaha to kill him unless his mother teammate Lorenzo on his fi nal lap by paid 5,150 euros (5,780 dol- just over a tenth of a second with cham- lars) for the missing drugs. pionship leader Marquez completing She turned to police late on the front row in third. Thursday and a day later The Italian has won seven times in her son was freed. Police Jerez, but hasn’t started from pole since said Ricci has had several 2005. “I’m delighted. I felt comfortable previous run-ins with the law. from the start of the weekend, but espe- Yesterday’s Corriere della cially this morning,” Rossi told Spanish Sera newspaper noted that TV station Movistar+. he was arrested in July 2014 “I knew I could be competitive, but for beating up a man in the to compete with Jorge and Marc is not street and attempting to rob easy. To start from pole is always a spe- him. Days later, two men on a cial feeling and we’ll see how the race scooter shot Ricci in the legs goes, but it will be diffi cult.” for unknown reasons. Rossi insisted before qualifying that he needed to fi nish on the podium ni southern Spain after crashing out in Austin at the Grand Prix of the Ameri- cas two weeks ago to leave him already 33 points behind bitter rival Marquez in the championship standings. However, his fl ying fi nal lap caught defending world champion Lorenzo by surprise as he was shunted into sec- ond place having gone fastest in all four practice sessions. “I had a pretty good lap, but in the end Valentino at the last took the pole position,” said Lorenzo, who announced his decision to leave Yamaha for Ducati next season earlier this week. FRAMPTON TO FIGHT LÉO “The important thing is I think we SANTA CRUZ FOR WBA have rhythm on the hard tyre, we found FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE a good setting on the fi nal practice and Carl Frampton will face Léo we’ll see tomorrow in what will be a Santa Cruz in New York this hard race.” summer to fight for the Mexi- Despite failing to add to his poles in Movistar Yamaha’s Italian rider Valentino Rossi celebrates after securing the pole position for Spanish Grand Prix at the Jerez racetrack. (AFP) can’s WBA featherweight title. the two previous races in Austin and Frampton added the WBA Argentina, Marquez was content with a has are that bit ahead, but I think we can Yamaha) 1:38.736, 2. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP/ MOTO2 :1.Sam Lowes (GBR/Kalex) MOTO3: 1. Nicolo Bulega (ITA/KTM) super bantamweight strap to place on the front row having had a last be satisfi ed and we’ll see tomorrow if I Yamaha) at 0.122, 3. Marc Marquez (ESP/ 1:42.408, 2. Jonas Folger (GER/Kalex) at 1:46.223, 2. Brad Binder (RSA/KTM) at his own IBF belt by beating minute set up change between the fi nal can cope with the pace of those two.” Honda) 0.155, 4. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/ 0.028, 3. Sandro Cortese (GER/Kalex) 0.213, 3. Jorge Navarro (ESP/Honda) Scott Quigg in February but practice session and qualifying. Marquez’s Honda teammate Dani Ducati) 0.844, 5. Maverick Vinales (ESP/ 0.031, 4. Franco Morbidelli (ITA/Kalex) 0.455, 4. Francesco Bagnaia (ITA/Ma- will move up a division to face “We made a set up change between Pedrosa’s diffi cult start to the season Suzuki) 0.845, 6. Aleix Espargaro (ESP/Su- 0.072, 5. Tom Luthi (SUI/Kalex) 0.127, 6. hindra) 0.457, 5. Niccolo Antonelli (ITA/ Santa Cruz. the fourth practice session and qualify- continued as he could only seventh zuki) O.852, 7. Dani Pedrosa (ESP/Honda) Lorenzo Baldassarri (ITA/Kalex) 0.163, 7. Honda) 0.482, 6. Enea Bastianini (ITA/ Frampton has a 22-0 ing which we don’t normally do and for fastest. Ducati’s Andrea Dovizioso and 0.942, 8. Pol Espargaro (ESP/Yamaha Alex Rins (ESP/Kalex) 0.220, 8. Simone Honda) 0.604, 7. Joan Mir (ESP/KTM) career record, with Santa that reason I did consistent laps which I Suzuki’s Spanish duo Maverick Vinales Tech3) 0.984, 9. Hector Barbera (ESP/ Corsi (ITA/Speed Up) 0.245, 9. Alex Mar- 0.739, 8. Juanfran Guevara (ESP/KTM) Cruz having lost one fight of don’t normally do in qualifying to adapt and Aleix Espargaro will start on the Ducati Avintia) 1.006, 10. Cal Crutchlow quez (ESP/Kalex) 0.256, 10. Luis Salom 0.744, 9. Romano Fenati (ITA/KTM) 0.849, his 33. The promoter Barry better,” said the two-time world cham- second row. (GBR/Honda LCR) 1.145, 11. Andrea Ian- (ESP/Kalex) O.364, 11. Luca Marini (ITA/ 10. Jakub Kornfeil (CZE/Honda) 0.908, 11. McGuigan said a date will be pion. “I am happy because I knew the GRIDS FOR SPANISH GRAND PRIX none (ITA/Ducati) 1.318, 12. Loris Baz Kalex) 0.476, 12. Takaaki Nakagami (JPN/ Aron Canet (ESP/Honda) 0.931, 12. Fabio announced next week. pole would be diffi cult. The two Yama- MOTO GP : 1. Valentino Rossi (ITA/ (FRA/Ducati Avintia) 1.448 Kalex) 0.498 Quartararo (FRA/KTM) 1.048

HURRICANES CRICKET TOURNAMENT SPOTLIGHT Di Grassi wins in Paris to build Formula E lead

AFP it’s everything to make people happy and proud.” Paris Pole-sitter Sam Bird suff ered a poor start and Di Grassi, also a winner at November’s race in Malaysia, jumped ahead of the Briton almost im- ucas di Grassi clinched his third win of the mediately before seizing control. Formula E season at the inaugural Paris A series of fastest laps from the Brazilian in- street circuit race yesterday to stretch his creased his lead, but there was a fi erce fi ght be- lead at the top of the drivers’ standings. hind him for second between Jean-Eric Vergne, LDi Grassi claimed his second straight vic- Bird and Sebastien Buemi. tory after triumphing at Long Beach earlier this While Di Grassi cruised to the chequered fl ag, month, albeit in anti-climactic fashion as the Vergne secured his best result of the season in safety car was deployed for the fi nal few laps fol- second with Buemi, who started eighth, fi nishing lowing a crash involving China’s Ma Qing Hua. third after Bird lost three places when he spun The City of Light provided a spectacular back- fi ve laps from the end. drop for Saturday’s seventh leg of the 11-race “It was a very tough race, even if it didn’t look championship with a 1.93-kilometre circuit like it, inside the car,” said Di Grassi, who moved around Les Invalides, notably the site of Na- 11 points clear of Buemi in the overall standings poleon’s tomb. French Prime Minister Manuel with four races to go. “I saw my opportunity at Valls, who was down on the starting grid ahead the beginning when Sam had a bad start.” of the race, called staging such events “the best RESULTS response to the threat of terrorism”, with the race 1. Lucas di Grassi (BRA/ABT Schaeff ler Audi) 45 laps, coming just fi ve months after the Paris terror at- 2. Jean-Eric Vergne (FRA/DS Virgin) at 0.853, 3. Winners Hanan Cricket Club (above) and runners-up FCC Tedmur pose after the final of the Hurricanes Cricket tournament at the Asian tacks that left 130 dead and many more injured. Sebastien Buemi (SUI/Renault e.dams) 1.616, 4. Nico- Town Stadium. Hanan batted first and scored 139/6 in 12 overs. In reply, FCC Tedmur made 75 for 8, losing by 64 runs. “Life is the best response to the attacks—never las Prost (FRA/Renault e.dams) 2.142, 5. Stephane give in to fear, organise events in safety that bring Sarrazin (FRA/Venturi) 3.544, 6. Sam Bird (GBR/DS together thousands of fans, here or at football Virgin) 3.856 stadiums for Euro 2016,” he said. STANDINGS AFTER SEVEN OF 11 RACES “(The race) is a celebration of sport, technol- 1. Lucas Di Grassi (BRA) 126 points, 2. Sebastien ogy and the environment as well as a festival, so Buemi (SUI) 115, 3. Sam Bird (GBR) 82

Audi Sport’s Brazilian driver Lucas Di Grassi competes in the French stage of the Formula E championship in Paris. (AFP) Sunday, April 24, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Thai Lertsattayathorn wins Asian Snooker title The diminutive Thai registers a comfortable 6-2 win over Shehab to clinch the continental championship

By Sports Reporter Only last month Shehab had Doha claimed gold in the West Asian Championship held in Jordan. In 2006, he had reached the fi - ritsanut Lertsat- nal of the Asian Championship tayathorn of Thailand in Colombo, Sri Lanka, although clinched the 32nd Asian he lost out 6-3 to Issara Kach- Kritsanut Lertsattayathorn Snooker Championship aiwong. A decade later, Shehab of Thailand with the Asian Kby defeating UAE's Mohamed was aiming to put it right. Snooker Championship Sehab at the Qatar Billiards On the other hand, Lertsat- trophy yesterday. and Snooker Federation (QBSF) tayathorn is a rising star in the Academy yesterday. amateur circuit and he also kept The diminutive Thai, who hit his country's proud history in the the purple patch in Doha over tournament intact. the last week overcoming play- In the last 31 editions of the ers much higher in the ranking championship, 15 times the title hierarchy, continued in the same has gone to Thailand. vein to register a comfortable 6-2 And Lertsattayathorn success win over Shehab to win the con- made him the 11th diff erent win- tinental championship. ner from his country, but the fi rst The 27-year-old Lertsattayat- since 2011. horn, who goes by the nickname Last year at the World ‘Thorn’, had already staged huge Amateurs in Egypt, Lertsat- upsets by defeating former IBSF tayathorn had made it through World Champion Mohammad to the Last 8. In 2014, during Asif of Pakistan and top seed the World Professional 6 Reds and reigning IBSF World Ama- Championship in his homeland, teur Champion Pankaj Advani he had sensationally reached the of India in the quarter-fi nals and semifi nals after eliminating Ryan semi-fi nals respectively. Day, Mark Davis and John Hig- The Thai also got a two-year gins on route. professional tour card from Yesterday, Lertsattayathorn World Snooker and picked up the seemed to be overawed by the $1,750 prize for the maximum situation as he lost the fi rst break of the tournament. frame. But then bounced back to The champion took home win the next two to make it 2-1. $3,500 and the runner-up Shehab, won the fourth frame, $1,750. The losing semi-fi nalists but Lertsattayathorn asserted collected $500 each. himself quickly to pocket the The fi nal was pitted as a match next four frames to win the best- between the experienced vs rising of-11 frames fi nal 6-2. star. The 39-year-old Shehab has played many years in the circuit. RESULT He is the only player from UAE to Kritsanut Lertsattayathorn of reach Asian Championship fi nal. Thailand 6 bt Shehab also had two separate sea- Mohamed Shehab of UAE 2 sons as a professional on the main Frames scores: 19/ 62, 53/33, 61/51, tour in 1996-1997 and 2006-2007. 34/47, 71/22,83/3 72/24, 73/39

Arabi, Rayyan make winning starts in Qatar Cup FOCUS Aspetar opens fi rst GCC Sports Medicine Conference in Doha

By Our Correspondent enhancing sports performance.” Doha Professor Dr Tawfi k bin Ahmad Khoja, Direc- tor General of the Health Ministers’ Council for GCC States, said: “This conference should serve he fi rst GCC Sports Medicine Conference as a springboard for generating further interest opened in Doha yesterday. The event is or- in sports medicine in the GCC region. There is no ganised by the Aspetar, the orthopaedic and doubt that Aspetar – an important GCC institu- sports medicine hospital, in partnership tion – is ideally placed to assume responsibility for Twith the Health Ministers’ Council for GCC States. organising this conference, based on its extensive The two-day conference brings together lead- expertise in sports medicine. Working closely with ing multidisciplinary experts and professionals in sports medicine professionals, Aspetar can play a the fi eld of sports medicine from across the GCC to pioneering role in enhancing physical activity in the participate in a range of presentations, panel dis- community.” cussions and workshops on modern approaches to Sessions from the fi rst day covered the history sports medicine and best practice in their respec- and key milestones in the development of sports tive countries. medicine in the GCC, as well as topics including Participants will also discuss the latest develop- approaches to preventing sudden cardiac death in ments in the fi eld of sports medicine, and consider athletes, the Aspetar athlete-screening model and Al Arabi and Al Rayyan had a winning start at the Qatar Cup Volleyball Championship on Friday. At the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiya Arena, new ways to enhance collaboration and informa- a range of others. Arabi defeated El Jaish 25-16, 27-25, 25-18 in the first playoff . In the second playoff , Rayyan defeated Police 26- 24, 24-26, 25-23, 25-15, 15-12. tion sharing to support continued, rapid progress at The conference will continue until today evening, The second of the best-of-three playoff matches will be held today. PICTURES: Jayaram a regional and international level. and cover further topics including sports surgery, In his welcoming remarks, Dr Mohammad Ghaith multidisciplinary care, sports rehabilitation, sports al-Kuwari, Acting Director General of Aspetar, said, and exercise sciences, and more. Aspetar is a world “Organising this conference refl ects Aspetar’s pro- leading specialised orthopaedic and sports medi- fi le the GCC reference centre in sports medicine. It cine hospital, and the fi rst of its kind in the Middle also provides the ideal platform to share expertise East. Since 2007, with a world expert team, the hos- amongst members of Olympic committees from the pital has provided top-level comprehensive medical region in a range of disciplines including surgery, treatment to all athletes in a state-of-the-art facil- rehabilitation, injury prevention and approaches to ity that sets new standards internationally.