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Saturday, February 11, 2017 FOOTBALL Jumada I 14, 1438 AH Wenger and GULF TIMES Klopp in search of lost fl ow SPORT Page 2 CONTROVERSY suspend Sharjeel, Latif in corruption probe

AFP spot-fi xing, an illegal betting practice corrupt activity and as this investiga- Pakistan has been rocked by Dubai rife in Pakistan cricket in recent years. tion proceeds we will not hesitate to fi xing scandals over the past several Sharjeel, 27, was part of the Pakistan take further decisive action as appro- years. team which toured Australia and fea- priate.” Former Salim Malik and he pro- tured in a Test and all fi ve one-day in- PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan said Ataur Rehman were banned for life af- visionally suspended Sharjeel ternationals. players should know the pitfalls of cor- ter an investigation in 2000. Khan and under He has totalled 25 one-day interna- ruption. Malik was punished for off ering Aus- its anti-corruption code yes- tionals and 15 . “Under no circumstances will the tralian trio Shane Warne, Tim May and terdayT and dumped the pair out of the Latif, 31, was part of Pakistan’s World PCB condone actions of a few individ- Mark Waugh a bribe to underperform , only a day after squad in India last year and uals to bring disrepute to the game of during their visit to Pakistan in 1995. the Twenty20 event started. has played fi ve one-day internationals cricket or taint the image of Pakistan,” In 2010 then Test captain Salman “Sharjeel and Latif have been sus- and 13 Twenty20s. he said. Butt, and Moham- pended and the rigorous and wide-rang- Najam Sethi, chairman of the Paki- Khan later told media gathered at Ka- mad Asif were jailed and banned for fi ve ing investigation by the PCB supported stan Super League said: “It would not rachi airport that evidence of wrongdo- years for spot-fi xing while leg-spinner by the International Cricket Council be appropriate to comment on the spe- ing exists. Danish Kaneria was banned for life in a will continue as part of collective eff orts cifi cs of the case, however this investi- “We have evidence against the play- spot-fi xing case in 2012. to protect the integrity of the sport,” the gation is a clear demonstration of our ers and we are into further investiga- The suspension may eff ectively end board said in a statement. determination to drive corruption out tion,” Khan said. Sharjeel’s contract with English county No further details were released but of our sport. “Sharjeel was on my fl ight back from side Leicestershire to play the Twen- the pair were thought to be linked to “We will not tolerate any form of Sharjeel Khan (left) has been suspended for his alleged involvement in spot-fixing. Dubai but we did not meet.” ty20 Blast tournament later this year.

QATAR STARS LEAGUE Leaders Lekhwiya held by Rayyan in a tense 1-1 draw League leaders Lekhwiya drew 1-1 with Al Rayyan at Al Sadd’s Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, with the Red extending their lead at the top of the table to six points and taking another decisive step towards the 2016/17 QSL Championship

By Sports Reporter trol and fi nish a long looping ball that was delivered into the 18 yard Sadd look to close gap to Lekhwiya box. Rayyan were attempting the off side trap but Youssef evaded it Al Sadd go head to head the solution because they have eague leaders Lekhwiya and managed to bring the long ball against Al Wakrah in round much depth in their squad. I drew 1-1 with Al Rayyan down and drill it into the bottom twenty of the Stars think we will win this match at Al Sadd’s Jassim Bin right hand corner of the goal with League. The match will take because we are not scared of Hamad Stadium, with the a fi ne right footed fi nish. Just min- place at the Al Sadd stadium them.” RedL Knights extending their lead utes later Lekhwiya should have today. Al Sadd have been at the top of the table to six points been two up but were denied by the knocked out of the AFC Cham- El Jaish keen to bounce and taking another decisive step woodwork. pions league and are second back after AFC Champions towards the 2016/17 QSL Cham- Rayyan levelled the score just in the table. The Wolves will League loss pionship. minutes later when Sergio Garcia be looking to raise their team Al Shahania take on El Jaish in The game promised to be a latched onto the end of a Tabata morale with a win. round twenty of the QSL. The tantalising aff air, with Djamel free kick from 35 yards out. The Jesualdo Ferreira, head coach match will take place at the Al Belmadi’s Lekhwiya still unde- Spaniard managed to get ahead of Al Sadd, said “We prepare Arabi stadium on Saturday. Al feated this season and Rayyan’s of his marker and connect with to win in every match, At the Shahaniya are in the drop zone Michael Laudrup facing his old the ball at the near post to poke moment no one in the club is in twelfth position with sixteen club and coming into the fi xture it home from four yards out to happy because of our exit out points. The Oryxes will be look- on a seven-game winning streak. make it 1-1 and claim his eighth of the AFC Champions league. ing for the win against an out of The fi rst half was somewhat of goal of the season. The game against Al Wakrah form El Jaish. an ill-tempered stalemate, with Both teams continued to press will be just like our other games Igor Stimac, the head coach both Rayyan and Lekhwiya con- for a winner but left with a de- in the league in which we of Al Shahania had this to say ceding more free kicks and gen- served point each. Lekhwiya ex- showed strong performances.” about the upcoming game, “El erating more yellow cards than tend their lead at the top of table Speaking about the exit from Jaish is a great team, they are clear chances on goal. to six points while Rayyan fur- the Champions League, Fer- fourth in the league. They lost a Lekhwiya’s best chance of the ther cement their third position. reira added, “I am very proud couple of games and probably half came on the 26th minute of the performance of my team psychologically shocked after when Youssef El Arabi managed Honours even between in Tehran, this is a team that I losing the AFC Champions to outjump Rayyan’s defence to Umm Salal and Al Khor know, and I salute the players League qualifying game. I am latch onto a fi erce cross from the Umm Salal went head to head on the performance they gave satisfied with my team, every- right wing. Despite connecting against Al Ahli in round twenty of in Tehran.” one is giving their all, they’re well with the ball, it skimmed the the QSL at the Qatar Sports Club Al Wakrah are bottom of the staying for video work after top of the cross bar and went out Stadium yesterday evening. After table with thirteen points from training so that is all that I need for a goal kick. two second-half goals, one from nineteen games. The Waves will from my players.” Rayyan’s only real chance of each side, saw game end 1-1. Umm be looking to get a much-need- “We don’t need to hide that we the half was a controversial one. Salal’s Yannick Sagbo opened the ed win against a diff icult team. are looking forward to winning Rayyan took a quick throw in scoring with a spectacular free Kais Yâakoubi, the head coach the game. I’m very confident despite one of Lekhwiya’s play- kick while Brigadiers’ striker Ali of Al Wakrah, had this to say in my players I can feel the ers asking for play to be stopped Ferydoon retaliated with a goal of about his opponents, “We are mentality of the players. And due to an injury. Rayyan’s Sergio his own to make it 1-1. playing Al Sadd coming out of if we win it can take us out of Garcia instead proceeded to take a Champions League defeat so the danger zone,” added the the ball and run at goal, leaving Late comeback earns their morale might not be very Croatian. Lekhwiya’s defence scrabbling to Muaither a point against Khor high. But strong teams never El Jaish, fresh from being get back. Garcia managed to get a Muaither came back from two give up. We are not scared of knocked out of the AFC Cham- decent shot away but Lekhwiya’s goals down to claim a hard- them and we will fight for the pions League are finding it goalkeeper produced a fi ne save fought point against Al Khor, three points.” diff icult to win matches as they to deny the Spaniard. with the Round 20 QSL fi xture “I think we lost two points are now fourth in the table. The Lekhwiya came out looking the fi nishing 2-2 at Al Khor Stadium. against Gharafa, especially in Soldiers will be gunning for the much better team in the second Both sides headed into game the second half I think we didn’t win to get themselves back on half, camping in Rayyan’s half desperate for the full three give many crosses. We have to track. and keeping their defence busy. Action during the QSL match between Al Rayyan and Lekhwiya yesterday. PICTURES: Shemeer Rasheed points, with Al Khor looking to give Ibara many crosses so he Sabri Lamouchi, the head Lekhwiya couldn’t break down avoid dropping into the bot- can score. This match against coach of El Jaish, made no Rayyan’s defence though and in shot trickled through Lekhwiya’s tom three and Muaither aiming Al Sadd will be very hard to qualms about the situation his the 60th minute Rayyan stepped defence after a defl ection. De- to climb out of the danger zone, win for us and vice versa be- team is in, “It’s a tough moment up a gear and the momentum be- spite having plenty of space and sitting second from bottom. cause now we are defensively for El Jaish now especially after gan to swing in their direction. time, Tabata hit the ball fi rst time Muaither also carried form into stronger,” added the Tunisian exiting Champions League. Rayyan should have taken the and sent it high over the crossbar the game, which showed in the head coach. Now against Shahania, we need lead in the 64th minute when for a goal kick from 14 yards out. second half, while Al Khor’s fi rst Speaking about absences to win this game to get back their captain, , In the 77th minute and against half performance showed they Yâakoubi added, “They have in the league and we need to found himself through on goal the run of play, Lekhwiya took the have bounced back from their three or four players who can’t score goals because you can and one-on-one with Lekhwiya’s lead thanks to a goal from Youssef 6-0 drubbing against Lekhwiya play this match but they have only win if you score goals.” goalkeeper after a scuff ed Soria El Arabi who managed to con- in Round 19. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, February 11, 2017 FOOTBALL

ENGLISH CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Africa Cup winner adjusts to new-look Wenger, Klopp in Champions League

AFP ed from eight to 16 clubs with Johannesburg participants guaranteed at least $550,000 each. For clubs dreaming of going all search of lost fl ow p to 18 players at the the way and succeeding where just-completed Africa Mamelodi Sundowns of South Cup of Nations could Africa did last year, the “carrot” Arsenal are 12 points off , Liverpool have a run of five EPL games without victory be involved in the new- is a $2.5mn fi rst prize. lookU CAF Champions League Sundowns are among nine AFP when it kicks off this weekend. clubs given byes on merit into the Among them is Georges Bok- round of 32, with record eight- we, one of two unused goalkeep- time champions Al Ahly another. ers in the Cameroon squad that Preliminary participants in- rsenal manager Arsene Wenger defeated Egypt in the fi nal last clude V Club of the Democratic and Liverpool counterpart Ju- Sunday in Gabon. Republic of Congo, 1973 winners rgen Klopp have their backs to Bokwe was kept out of the of the African Cup of Champions the wall as their teams go in starting line-up by the consist- Clubs, forerunner to the Cham- searchA of restorative victories in the Pre- ent brilliance of Spain-based pions League. mier League this weekend. Fabrice Ondoa, who was includ- The Kinshasa outfi t face Royal Arsenal have fallen 12 points off the ed in the team of the tournament. Leopard of Swaziland and can call pace after successive losses against Wat- But Bokwe is the fi rst choice on Joyce Lomalisa Mutambala, a ford and leaders Chelsea, while Liverpool for regular Champions League defender with unhappy memories are a point further back following a dis- entrants Coton Sport from of the 2017 Cup of Nations. mal sequence of fi ve league games with- northern Cameroon cotton town He was the only player sent out victory. Garoua. off in the 32-match tournament, Klopp’s men entertain second-place Coton qualifi ed for the 2008 having come off the bench in Tottenham Hotspur at Anfi eld today and fi nal, losing to Al Ahly of Egypt, a win over Morocco and been Dutch midfi elder Georginio Wijnaldum is but have fared poorly recently yellow-carded twice within 17 hopeful they will rise to the occasion. with fi rst round exits in the past minutes. “To be fair, in the big games it’s been two seasons. Former title-holders in the the best kind of football we’ve played this Drawn against Atlabara of second-tier CAF Confederation season, so I think it’s easier for everyone South Sudan in the two-leg Cup, Stade Malien of Mali, FUS to perform in those kind of games,” he preliminary round this year, the Rabat of Morocco and AC Leop- told the Liverpool website. Cameroon outfi t are favoured to ards of Congo Brazzaville, play “Sometimes you’re in a fl ow and some- secure a last-32 place. this weekend. times not. We’re in a situation where While Coton have the experi- Stade face Barrack Young we’re not in a fl ow, but we must have con- ence of 15 previous Champions Controllers II of Liberia, FUS fi dence and faith we can change it. League campaigns behind them, meet Johansen of Sierra Leone “We showed it against Chelsea (in a 1-1 Atlabara suff ered a preliminary- and Leopards play UMS Loum of draw last month), but we have to show round loss in a lone previous Cameroon. that against other teams we’re playing challenge. Others in action include three against.” Coton and Atlabara are among clubs who won the now defunct Liverpool, who have dropped out of the 46 clubs in action this weekend African Cup Winners Cup, Enu- top four, lost 2-0 at third-bottom Hull as an exciting new chapter in the gu Rangers of Nigeria, Horoya of City last weekend, following previous Champions League unfolds. Guinea and Al Merrikh of Sudan. losses against Bournemouth, Burnley and Total prize money has soared Enugu tackle JS Saoura of Al- Swansea City. from $5.7mn (5.4mn euros) to geria, Horoya confront Goree of But they have a strong record against $12.5mn, a 119.30% increase. Senegal and Merrikh challenge other sides in the top six, having taken The group phase — where the Sony Ela Nguema of Equatorial 13 points from a possible 21 in matches cash kicks in — has been expand- Guinea. against the other teams in the Champions League mix. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp gestures on the touchline during the EPL match against Hull City in Kingston upon Hull, north Following a disappointing 0-0 draw at east England, on Saturday. (AFP) strugglers Sunderland, Tottenham reas- Wales appeal FIFA poppy fi ne serted their title credentials with a nar- row 1-0 home win over Middlesbrough ‘Be like Spurs,’ Wenger tells Arsenal fans The Football Association of Wales (FAW) will appeal against the last weekend. fine imposed by FIFA over the displaying of commemorative Spurs went through a slump of their own AFP symbols during a Wales game, the organisation announced in October and November, winning just London yesterday. The FAW was fined 20,000 Swiss francs ($19,960, once in 10 outings in all competitions, but 18,750 euros) after a wreath and poppy mosaic were displayed have won 11 of their 14 matches since. in memory of Britain’s war dead during a World Cup qualifier Spurs manager Mauricio Pochet- rsenal manager Arsene Wenger against Serbia in Cardiff last November. “The Football Associa- tino, like Klopp, favours a high-energy, has left himself exposed to the tion of Wales can confirm that it has received written reasons high-pressing style of football and he has Awrath of the club’s fanbase by from FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee relating to sanctions backed the German to come through his urging them to be more like the sup- imposed during our World Cup qualifier against Serbia on No- team’s current slump. porters of their arch rivals Tottenham vember 12, 2016,” the FAW said in a statement. “Following this, “I cannot speak for another coach, but Hotspur. the FAW have now informed FIFA of our intention to appeal the Klopp with his experience, he is clever Wenger is under pressure after succes- decision.” The FAW follows England’s Football Association and like other managers to provide good bal- sive defeats left his side 12 points below the Scottish Football Association in appealing against punish- ance,” Pochettino said. Premier League leaders Chelsea, deepen- ments handed down by FIFA for commemorative acts. “If you win, you are a genius; if you ing divisions between the pro-Wenger don’t win, you are criticised. You need and anti-Wenger factions among Arsenal’s Conte can’t put a price on Chelsea to be natural, spontaneous and believe in support. the way you play, use your methods. Ahead of today’s home game with Hull star Hazard “It’s an easy answer: only work in City, he urged supporters to rally behind the way you believe you can achieve big their team — and used local rivals Tot- In this February 4, 2017, picture, an Arsenal fan holds up a banner calling on Arsenal Chelsea head coach An- things.” tenham as an example. manager Arsene Wenger to quit during the EPL match against Chelsea. (AFP) tonio Conte could not be “We are in a fight. We absolutely have to persuaded to put a price ARSENAL ‘IN A FIGHT’ be united or we have no chance to do “You have Tottenham, everyone is in the Spurs are currently three points above on star man Eden Hazard Arsenal’s title hopes appeared to be end- it,” said the Frenchman, in comments fight and everyone is behind their team. Arsenal in second place and on course yesterday. The Belgian ed for another season by last weekend’s that were plastered across the sports We have to do exactly the same, even if to finish above their north London winger scored a magnifi- 3-1 defeat at Chelsea, which left Wenger’s pages of British newspapers yesterday. we had two disappointing results.” neighbours for the first time since 1995. cent solo goal in Chelsea’s side below Spurs and Manchester City in 3-1 win over Arsenal last fourth place. weekend, taking his tally for Amid mounting dissent within Arse- “We are in a fi ght there. We absolutely “For me now it’s important to continue FIXTURES the campaign to 10 goals nal’s fanbase, Wenger has urged everyone have to be united or we have no chance to to push and to exploit this momentum. If Today and leaving his side nine associated with the club to rally behind do it.” you send the right signal for us and not for Arsenal v Hull points clear atop the Pre- his team ahead of today’s home game With Chelsea not tackling Burnley at the other opponents, it’s very important.” Liverpool v Tottenham mier League. His previous against Marco Silva’s revitalised Hull. Turf Moor until Sunday, Arsenal, Liver- Manchester United will be hoping for Middlesbrough v Everton manager, Jose Mourinho, “You cannot be a fan until last Tuesday pool and Spurs all have opportunities to slip-ups from their rivals ahead of their Manchester United v Watford valued Hazard at “£100 mil- (when Arsenal lost 2-1 at home to Wat- eat into their advantage. home game with Watford, having closed to Stoke v Crystal Palace lion ($124.8 million, 117.3 million euros) per leg”, but Conte shied ford) and not be a fan any more and not be But with 16 wins from their last 18 within two points of the top four by win- Sunderland v Southampton away from off ering a valuation. “I’m not very good to put a price behind the team this Saturday. It doesn’t league games, there appears to be no ning 3-0 at Leicester City last weekend. West Ham v West Brom on a player,” the Italian told a press conference at Chelsea’s make sense,” Wenger said. stopping the leaders and head coach An- Buoyed by a timely FA Cup win over Tomorrow training ground in Cobham, southwest of London. “I think Eden, “All the other clubs, everywhere we tonio Conte has urged his side to maintain Derby County in mid-week, ailing cham- Burnley v Chelsea for sure, is a great player. A top player. He’s in a level very high. fi ght with Man United, Man City, Liver- their current momentum. pions Leicester face a crunch clash at Swansea v Leicester But I don’t see the problem, because we don’t want to sell him. pool, they have big expectations as well “Now we are on top of the table, but this Swansea, with both teams a solitary point Monday He hasn’t a price now.” and big histories. league is very tough,” Conte told BBC Sport. above the relegation zone. Bournemouth v Manchester City

BOTTOMLINE Bournemouth must rise to another big challenge

Reuters clubs, seven of which they have won. cup games, culminating in a 6-3 loss at London Their three previous head-to-head Everton last weekend. results in the Premier League — 5-1, It was the second time during that 4-0 and 4-0 — have suggested a gap run that they scored three goals and ver since “little” Bournemouth, in class that Bournemouth’s manager failed to win. with their stadium capacity of Eddie Howe must convince his players City, meanwhile, seem to have under 11,500, reached the top they can bridge this time. pulled out of a nosedive from third to tier of English football for the “The times we’ve played City they’ve fi fth place, scoring nine times in three fiE rst time two years ago, they have had been excellent,” Howe said. games as they added league wins over to cope with the psychological chal- “We respect their players but we can’t West Ham and Swansea to their FA Cup lenge of facing the biggest clubs in the be fearful. We’ve aspired to play at their defeat of Crystal Palace. land. level and the challenge is to match them.” Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus has In general they have coped well at A stunning last-gasp victory over had an outstanding introduction to their own homely stadium, beating Liverpool by four goals to three in De- England with three goals in two games Liverpool and champions Leicester cember was the sort of performance and has even been keeping Aguero out City there this season and holding Ar- Howe’s team can draw inspiration from. of the side. senal and Tottenham Hotspur to draws. Even then, however, conceding three Sitting only a point behind Totten- Last season, Manchester United were hinted at their weakness. Only Swansea ham, who face a tricky game at Liv- beaten and there was even a memorable City have let in more this season than erpool on Saturday, City could be in a victory away to Chelsea. Bournemouth, who average almost two position on Monday to reclaim second Overcoming their Monday guests goals against per game. place before attention shifts to an FA Manchester City, however, has so far The recent run is even worse. Since Cup tie with Huddersfi eld Town and proved a leap too far. City have nev- beating Swansea on the last day of 2016, then the Champions League, in which Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe (centre) applauds supporters on the pitch after their loss to Everton in their EPL match at er lost in nine meetings between the they have conceded 19 in six league and they face AS Monaco on February 21. Goodison Park in Liverpool earlier this month. (AFP) Gulf Times Saturday, February 11, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA Juve march on as Barca eye return Allegri England rumours swirl

AFP to the top in Cup Milan

he prospect of Massimiliano Allegri following Chelsea manager Antonio Conte to the Premier League appear on the Tincrease as Juventus travel to Cagliari fi nal rehearsal tomorrow looking to tighten their grip on Serie A. Champions, who trail Real Madrid by a point, visit Alaves today Conte led the Turin giants to three consecutive league titles before Allegri AFP riguez and Pepe leaving Gareth Bale as took over the helm when former Juven- Madrid Madrid’s only injury absentee. tus midfi elder Conte took the helm of Toni Kroos will be missing, though, Italy for Euro 2016. through suspension. Juventus hold a seven-point lead on City rivals AC Milan travel to Lazio arcelona have the chance to go Despite languishing eight points title rivals Roma with Napoli in third on Monday buoyed by a precious 1-0 top of La Liga for the fi rst time adrift of safety at the bottom of the ta- at nine points adrift and Allegri is well midweek win at Bologna, with nine since October in a Copa del ble, Osasuna have shown signs of im- on his way to securing a record-setting men, which ended a run of three de- Rey fi nal dress rehearsal when provement since Petar Vasiljevic took sixth consecutive scudetto. feats. theyB visit Alaves today. charge in January. But already, rumours are swirling. “We’re very happy but we have to ask Alaves edged out Celta Vigo on Osasuna have taken the lead in each Allegri confi rmed weeks ago he is ourselves why we went down to nine Wednesday to reach the fi nal for the of their last three games and captain learning English and when asked spe- men,” said midfi elder Andrea Poli. fi rst time, whilst nine-man Barca had Oier Sanjurjo believes they are on the cifi cally about reported interest from Milan were without Gabriel Paletta to survive a second leg onslaught from verge of turning their season around. Premier League clubs he said earlier from the 37th minute and also lost Juraj Atletico Madrid in midweek to make a “We are strong. We have begun to this week: “I’m not confi rming and I’m Kucka to a second yellow card on the fourth straight fi nal. show that we are competing,” he said. not denying.” hour. However, Barca’s quest for a sec- “What we want is for all that to Reports suggesting Allegri could be “There’s a good atmosphere, I can’t ond treble in three seasons faces more come together for once and be reward- the long-term replacement for Arsene remember a game with so much adren- severe tests this week as a visit to ed in a win.” Wenger at Arsenal might be premature, aline as that,” added Poli. Mendizorroza is followed by a Valen- Third-placed Sevilla need to spoil but they appeared the same day Na- “On Monday we have to go to tine’s Day trip to Paris Saint-Germain Jese Rodriguez’s home debut for Las poli coach Maurizio Sarri denied hav- an win.” on Tuesday in the Champions League. Palmas on Sunday after joining his ing met Juventus offi cials. Sarri, who Lazio, however, are one of a few The champions trail Real Madrid by home town club on loan from PSG if steered Napoli to second spot in his teams capable of troubling Roma and a point, who also have two games in they are to remain on Barca and Ma- fi rst season in charge last term when Napoli for one of the league’s three hand, but, with Madrid not in action drid’s coattails in the title race. former club striker Gonzalo Higuain Champions League places. They sit until later today at Osasuna, victory Atletico hold the upper hand in hit a new league record of 36 goals, has fourth, 14 points behind leaders Ju- will take Barca top for a few hours at the battle for the fourth Champions a new contract until 2020 waiting to be ventus and fi ve behind third-placed least for the fi rst time since October League spot, but six sides are sepa- signed. Napoli. 22. rated by just seven points. But he said: “I don’t have time to Striker has been crit- Barca boss Luis Enrique has almost Two of them go head-to-head on think about the (new) contract. All I icised for a lack of goals against “big” a fully-fi t squad to choose from as Ser- Friday as Espanyol host Real Sociedad, can tell you is I’ve called my lawyer to sides, but said: “I’m under a little bit gio Busquets and Andres Iniesta made who can leapfrog Atletico with a win. fi nd out whether to sue the person who of pressure to score against a big side... their return from injury as second- Atletico aren’t in action till Sunday wrote that I met with (offi cials from) it’s a very important game against Mi- half substitutes in midweek, whilst when they host Celta Vigo at the Vice- Juventus. lan, they beat Bologna with nine men.” Neymar returns from suspension. nte Calderon. “This is completely false.” Napoli host Genoa on Friday look- “We are delighted that Busquets With or without the rumours, Juven- ing for a 13th consecutive league win, and Iniesta have recovered,” said Barca Barcelona players celebrate after Luis Suarez scored their first goal against FIXTURES tus look unstoppable in Italy. days before a Champions League last midfi elder Ivan Rakitic. Atletico Madrid during the King’s Cup semi-final second leg match at Camp Nou Today Allegri’s men swept aside a battling 16 clash at Real Madrid. “They are very important players in Barcelona on Tuesday. (Reuters) Real Betis v Valencia Inter Milan to win 1-0 last week and Despite the gap to Juve, club presi- and (having been out) they can give Alaves v Barcelona moved further ahead with a 2-0 win at dent Aurelio De Laurentiis said: “Even even more of what they bring to the time in two weeks when they face rock in just over three months. Athletic Bilbao v Deportivo la Coruna Crotone, postponed due to the Italian though Juventus are more clinical than team now.” bottom Osasuna, who are still without However, the break has allowed Zi- Osasuna v Real Madrid Super Cup fi nal, in midweek. us, I still believe in (fi nishing in) fi rst However, Enrique has followed a a home win all season. dane to recover a series of important Tomorrow Inter are still smarting and host Em- place. strict rotation policy throughout a The European champions’ clash at players from injury with the visit of Villarreal v Malaga poli hoping to get back to winning ways “Sarri’s football is unique in Europe. demanding fi xture schedule in Janu- Celta Vigo last weekend was called Napoli in the Champions League also Leganes v Sporting Gijon without the triple attacking threat of We should all recognise that we can go ary and February so the likes of Gerard off by wind damage caused to Celta’s to come on Wednesday. Las Palmas v Sevilla Mauro Icardi, Ivan Perisic and Marcelo to Real Madrid believing in our chances.” Pique, Jordi Alba and Sergi Roberto Balaidos stadium. Full-backs Marcelo and Dani Atletico Madrid v Celta Vigo Brozovic. could be rested. Zinedine Zidane’s men now face Carvajal have returned to training Monday Croatia midfi elder Perisic was shown FIXTURES Madrid are in action for the fi rst having to play half their league season along with Luka Modric, James Rod- Eibar v Granada a straight red card for insulting the ref- Today eree and was banned for two games. Fiorentina v Udinese Icardi was handed the same sanction Tomorrow for launching a foul-mouthed tirade at Crotone v Roma WADA alarmed by lack of La Liga drug testing the referee, as well as kicking the ball at Inter Milan v Empoli him, without hitting him. Palermo v Atalanta AFP 10-month political deadlock that Madrid and Barcelona. not sign the agreement, as this has Inter have appealed the sanctions Sassuolo v Chievo Madrid left the country without a ruling “The lack of testing in a country with prevented eff ective anti-doping pro- and are expected to have an answer be- Torino v Pescara government from December 2015 to one of the leading football leagues grams from being run at the national fore Sunday’s afternoon kick-off , when Sampdoria v Bologna October last year. worldwide for a period of almost 12 level in Spain in a number of sports.” coach Stefano Pioli will also be without Cagliari v Juventus he World Anti-Doping Agency However, AEPSAD admitted on months is alarming, and will do little AEPSAD said 57 players from Spain’s Brozovic after he suff ered a broken toe Monday expressed “alarm” yesterday Thursday that unlike in other sports to instill confidence in clean sport top flight have been subject to tests in Turin. Lazio v AC Milan Tafter it emerged no binding where international federations had at a time when it is needed most,” this season. drug testing has taken place in foot- taken over responsibility to carry WADA said in a statement to AFP. However, the validity of those tests ball by Spanish anti-doping authori- out drug testing, football governing “WADA encouraged an agreement is nullified if carried out by AEP- ties for nearly a year. bodies FIFA and UEFA had refused between AEPSAD and International SAD’s Madrid laboratory due to the Messi v Neymar ‘Superclasico’ heads to MCG Spanish anti-doping agency AEPSAD to do so. Sport Federations (IFs) that would agency’s non-compliant status. has been declared non-compliant FIFA’s jurisdiction is restricted to ensure testing would be carried out “The few sporadic checks carried ’s Argentina will take on Neymar’s Brazil in a ‘Superclasico’ with the WADA code since March national teams, whilst UEFA carry on national level athletes in Spain out are therefore without validity,” friendly in Melbourne in June, Australian off icials said yesterday. The top 2016. out testing only on clubs involved in during the period of non-compliance. reported Spanish newspaper El two teams in the FIFA rankings will clash in the 100,000-capacity Melbourne A delay in updating Spain’s anti- the Champions League and Europa “It is deeply disappointing that Confidencial, who broke the story on Cricket Ground, the world’s biggest cricket stadium, on June 9. “There’s no doping law has been blamed on a League, including the likes of Real some International Federations did Thursday. bigger occasion in football than when Brazil takes on Argentina, and it’s coming to Melbourne,” said Victoria’s state tourism minister, John Eren. “The match is set to feature current FIFA World Player of the Year, Lionel Messi, and Brazilian star Neymar Jr,” a state government statement added. The Aus- BUNDESLIGA tralian newspaper reported in December that Brazil or Argentina was likely to stay on and play Australia, who are headed to the Confederations Cup in Russia later in June. The great South American rivalry has been dominated in recent years by Brazil, who have not lost to Argentina since 2012. Messi, Bayern get ‘grubby’ at Patriots-inspired Ingolstadt 29, last played at the MCG a decade ago when Argentina beat Australia 1-0. PSG can compete on Barca’s level: Di Maria AFP that you have to overcome set-backs United striker Chicharito, who has a Berlin and now, like New England, we have to groin injury. Paris Saint-Germain should have no fear of another Champions League manage a ‘lucky punch’,” said Henke. New signing, teenage Jamaican clash with Barcelona despite a poor record against the Spanish champions Bayern will be near full strength, winger Leon Bailey hoping to start af- ahead of their last 16 meeting on Tuesday, insists PSG winger Angel di Maria. trugglers Ingolstadt will take but are reeling from the news club ter making his debut off the bench in Barca have held the upper hand in six previous meetings over the past five inspiration from the New Eng- captain Philipp Lahm will be retiring last Friday’s 1-0 defeat to Hamburg. seasons, losing just once and progressing to the semi-finals from their two land Patriot’s stunning Super at the of the season, following Tues- Borussia Dortmund are at bottom quarter-final clashes in 2013 and 2015. However, ahead of Barca’s latest trip Bowl fi ghtback when they host day’s announcement, and has refused side Darmstadt on Saturday with the to the French capital, Di Maria, who experienced plenty of El Clasico highs BayernS Munich today with the Bun- the vacant sports director role. league’s top-scorer Pierre-Emerick and lows against the Catalans in four seasons with Real Madrid, believes desliga leaders expecting a ‘grubby’ Bayern’s Poland striker Robert Aubameyang aiming to add to his tally PSG now have the quality to compete with the Spanish giants for a first ever Bavarian derby. Lewandowski, who has scored eight of 17 goals. European crown. “PSG have players of enormous quality. People like Marco Bayern host Arsenal at the Allianz goals in his last seven league games in Fourth-placed Dortmund lost their Verratti, who is wanted by Real Madrid and Barcelona, give the team some- Arena next Wednesday, but before a tally of 15 for the season. ‘punch’, says coach Thomas Tuchel, thing extra,” Di Maria told Madrid sports daily Marca yesterday. “When he the Champions League last 16 clash, Ingolstadt hope to have Australia after drawing four of their last six isn’t there, the team feels (his absence). I think that PSG can easily compete Munich must take care of Bundes- striker Mathew Leckie back from inju- league games and needed penalties to with Madrid or Barcelona.” liga business and travel 80 kilometres ry, but Israel midfi elder Almog Cohen beat Hertha Berlin in the German Cup (50mi) north to their neighbours. is struggling with a knee knock. on Wednesday. Bayern can expect tough times at In- “We have good spirit and quality on German FA want Dortmund south stand golstadt’s tiny Audi Sportpark, which FORSBERG RETURNS the pitch, but what we are missing at ban, fi ne holds 15,000, against the hard-working Second-placed RB Leipzig host rel- the moment is a bit of luck, the punch, hosts — just like at bottom side Darm- Bayern Munich’s Douglas Costa (left) egation-threatened Hamburg with the will to decide games,” said Tuchel. The German football association (DFB) on Friday demanded a one-match stadt in last December’s scrappy 1-0 win celebrates his goal against Wolfsburg top-scorer Timo Werner, who has It will be interesting to see if he plays ban for Borussia Dortmund fans from their south stand and a 100,000 euro after Xabi Alonso’s goal. during their German Cup match on netted 11 goals, set to return after Germany’s World Cup winner Mario fine after crowd trouble in several games including last week’s win over RB “We’ve already seen what it was like Tuesday. (Reuters) missing last week’s defeat at Borussia Goetze who was left on the bench for Leipzig. The DFB’s control committee said it had proposed the stand closure at Darmstadt. It will be a grubby game Dortmund with fl u. last Saturday’s 1-0 win over Leipzig. and fine given that Dortmund were repeat off enders and had received a on Saturday,” said Bayern’s Germany Bayern have won all three previous The striker sat out training on Thurs- suspended sentence last July for similar problems. Fans last week unfurled star Thomas Mueller with Ingolstadt league meetings between the clubs day with a leg knock, but should be fi t, FIXTURES banners attacking Leipzig, owned by energy drink makers Red Bull, as well second from bottom. and poached a 2-1 win on their pre- while Swedish playmaker Emil Forsberg Today as their sports director Ralf Rangnick and Red Bull owner Dieter Mateschitz. Arjen Robben says this is the “week vious visit in May 2016. But the hosts returns after a three-match ban. Bayer Leverkusen v E. Frankfurt “Slaughter the bulls,” read one, “Beer instead of soda” read another in refer- of truth” for Bayern’s European aspi- hope for an upset — inspired by last Eintracht Frankfurt are at Bayer Ingolstadt v Bayern Munich ence to Leipzig’s owner. Dortmund fans lit flares during the game, while rations and Ingolstadt hope Bayern are Sunday’s Super Bowl winners. Leverkusen with coach Nico Kovac’s Werder Bremen v Borussia M’gladbach outside the 80,000-seat stadium some fans attacked arriving Leipzig sup- distracted by the Arsenal clash. The New England Patriots fought third-placed side enjoying a remark- Darmstadt v Borussia Dortmund porters. They had also caused trouble in three other matches this season, “On paper, it’s obvious how this back from 21-0 down to beat Atlanta in able turn out after narrowly avoiding RB Leipzig v Hamburg the DFB said. The south stand, nicknamed the “Yellow Wall”, is the largest game will go,” said Ingolstadt’s coach a fairytale display and Ingolstadt’s as- relegation last season and have won Schalke v Hertha Berlin standing stand in Europe with a 25,000 capacity. Dortmund have until Mon- Maik walpurgis. sistant coach Michael Henke took heart. their last three games. Tomorrow day to either accept the proposal or reject it in which case the decision will “Anything else would be a surprise, “You can take a lot of motivation Leverkusen, who have lost their last Wolfsburg v Hoff enheim be taken by FA’s sports court. but that is exactly our goal.” from it. The Super Bowl has shown two, are still without ex-Manchester Freiburg v Cologne Gulf Times 4 Saturday, February 11, 2017 SPORT

NBA Bucks’ Parker out for rest of season with torn knee ligament person, just to go through the AFP, Los Angeles: Milwaukee same injury again is extremely Bucks forward Jabari Parker tough.” tore a ligament in his left knee Parker was hurt in the third and will miss the rest of the quarter of Wednesday’s loss Thunder topple NBA season, the team said to the Miami Heat when his Thursday. knee buckled as he drove to The extent of the injury was the basket. confirmed in an MRI exam on The second overall pick in the Thursday. Parker will require 2014 NBA draft was helped surgery and is expected to be from the floor by teammates, sidelined for approximately 12 and the injury initially diag- months. nosed as a sprain. Cavs, Celtics and It’s the second time the Prior to the injury he was 21-year-old has torn his left averaging 20.1 points, 6.2 anterior cruciate ligament in rebounds and 2.8 assists per his left knee. game this season. Two years ago a similar injury Veteran center John Henson cut short his rookie season. said the news was a big blow Milwaukee coach Jason Kidd for a Bucks team that has said there will be some tough dropped 11 of their last 13 Mavs rally for wins mental hurdles for the 21-year- games. old. “It takes the spirit from you. After knocking off the reigning champions and Eastern Conference leaders, the “It’s always tough anytime you Any time you see a kid like have a serious injury,” Kidd that go down,” Henson said.”I Thunder next host the Western Conference leaders Golden State said.”For anybody, whether think he’s the most improved you’re an athlete or a normal player in the NBA. It sucks.” NBA to launch video game league Results

Boston 120 PORTLAND 111 AFP, New York: The NBA is pete as user-created avatars, DALLAS 112 Utah 105(OT) teaming up with Take Two with the teams backed and OKLAHOMA CITY 118 Cleveland 109 Interactive to launch a profes- operated by actual NBA clubs. Houston 107 CHARLOTTE 95 sional video game league “We believe we have a unique Philadelphia 112 ORLANDO 111 based on the game publisher’s opportunity to develop NBA 2K series. something truly special for The new eSports league will our fans and the young and be the biggest collaboration growing eSports community,” to date between traditional NBA Commissioner Adam and digital sports, with com- Silver said. ponents mimicking the actual “We look forward to combin- NBA such as a player combine, ing our best-in-class NBA draft, regular-season games sports team operators with and playoff s starting in 2018. Take-Two’s competitive The founding teams will be gaming expertise to create composed of five professional a brand new league experi- eSports players who will com- ence.”

NHL Hornqvist, Murray star for Penguins

Agencies ahead goal early in the third pe- New York riod and Washington held off a challenge from Detroit to pick up its 11th straight home win. atric Hornqvist scored T.J. Oshie had two goals and two goals and Matt Mur- Marcus Johansson, Brett Con- ray had 27 saves as Pitts- nolly and Nicklas Backstrom burgh Penguins beat also scored for the Capitals while Colorado.P Braden Holtby made 14 saves. Phil Kessel had a goal and an Andreas Athanasiou scored Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) drives to the basket past Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving during the fourth quarter of their NBA game at Chesapeake assist, Chris Kunitz scored into two goals and Henrik Zetterberg Energy Arena. PICTURE: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports an empty net and Justin Schultz once for the Red Wings. and Matt Cullen had two assists Rangers 4, Predators 3 AFP baskets put Oklahoma City up James said.”What he’s doing is a free agent. In Charlotte, James Harden apiece for the Penguins. Chris Kreider’s 22nd goal early Los Angeles 103-99 with 4:59 to play. unbelievable, averaging a tri- “It’s going to be a fun game,” scored 30 points, pulled down Gabriel Landeskog had a goal in the third period put New York Irving answered with a driv- ple-double this year. Westbrook said.”It’s an exciting 11 rebounds and handed out and Calvin Pickard stopped 26 ahead in a victory against Nash- ing layup, but after a Westbrook He proved tonight why he is game that a lot of people have eight assists to lead the Houston shots for the Avalanche. ville. J.T. Miller scored twice and he relentless Russell jump shot, Thunder reserve an MVP candidate.” been waiting for. Rockets to a 107-95 victory over Canadiens 5, Coyotes 4 (OT) Michael Grabner once for the Westbrook produced Jerami Grant blocked a shot at The Cavs suff ered just their I’m looking forward to it.” the reeling Hornets. Max Pacioretty had two goals Rangers other goals while Henrik his 26th triple-double the other end. second defeat in their last eight In Dallas, the Mavericks ral- The Rockets trailed by four at and two assists, Andrei Markov Lundqvist made 34 saves. Cody of the season Thurs- Westbrook sank another games. lied from a 21-point third-quar- halftime. and Alex Radulov each scored and McLeod, Calle Jankrok and Ro- Tday to lead the Oklahoma City jumper to stretch Oklahoma After coach Tyronn Lue said ter defi cit to stun the Utah Jazz But they out-scored the Hor- Alex Galchenyuk buried a wrist man Josi scored for the Predators. Thunder to a 118-109 triumph City’s lead to 107-101 with 3:42 James, Irving and Kevin Love 112-105 in overtime. nets 36-22 in the third and led shot from the slot in overtime to lift Islanders 3, Flyers 1 over the NBA champion Cleve- remaining. might all sit out to rest, all three Dirk Nowitzki’s jump shot by double digits for much of the Montreal over Arizona. Carey Price John Tavares, Jason Chimera land Cavaliers. James missed a fadeaway stars played, with Lue saying with three seconds remaining fi nal quarter. made 20 saves for the Canadiens. and Casey Cizikas scored goals Westbrook poured in 29 jumper before Westbrook fed all told him they were feeling sent the game into the extra ses- Harden, who fi nished just Christian Dvorak had two goals, and Thomas Greiss stopped 33 of points with 11 assists and 12 re- Adams for an easy basket. “pretty good.” sion. two assists shy of his 15th tri- and Max Domi and Alex Goligoski 34 shots to lead New York over bounds. After another block, West- Lue said he didn’t regret the Harrison Barnes scored eight ple-double of the season, con- also scored for the Coyotes, who Philadelphia. Wayne Simmonds Victor Oladipo added 23 brook had the ball again, dishing decision to play the trio. of his 31 points in overtime as nected on eight of 21 attempts got 35 saves from Mike Smith. scored the only goal for the Flyers. points and seven rebounds and to Oladipo for a layup that gave “It was a tough game for us. the Mavs withstood 36 points from the fi eld to help the injury Ducks 5, Sabres 2 Canucks 3, Blue Jackets 0 center Steven Adams of New Westbrook his 10th assist and Four games in six nights, it was from Utah’s Gordon Hayward depleted Rockets notch a third- Corey Perry had two goals and Daniel Sedin, Loui Eriksson Zealand added 21 points and 13 clinched his triple-double. just good to fi ght through and and snapped the Jazz’s four- straight victory. an assist to lead the Anaheim and Jayson Megna scored goals, rebounds for Oklahoma City, Westbrook matched the not give in,” he said. game winning streak. They made 13 three-pointers, Ducks to a 5-2 win over the Buff a- and Ryan Miller made 33 saves as who improved to 31-23. third-highest total for triple- After knocking off the reign- Boston guard Isaiah Thomas including seven in their third- lo Sabres. Rickard Rakell, Antoine Vancouver shut out Columbus. Kyrie Irving led the Cavs doubles in a season. ing champions and Eastern scored 15 of his 34 points in quarter surge, and harried the Vermette and Andrew Cogliano Columbus goalie Sergei Bobrovsky with 28 points. LeBron James Oscar Robertson collected 26 Conference leaders, the Thun- the fourth quarter as the Celt- Hornets into 22 turnovers. also scored for the Ducks. John stopped 21 of the 24 shots he faced. chipped in 18 to go with seven in 1960-61 and 1963-64. der next host the Western Con- ics erased a 17-point defi cit to “The defense was better Gibson made 21 saves. Bruins 6, Sharks 3 assists but was held scoreless in Only Robertson, with 41 in ference leaders Golden State. beat the Trail Blazers 120-111 in tonight, a lot better,” Harden Jack Eichel and Rasmus Ris- Playing in front of a sparse the fourth quarter. 1961-62, and Wilt Chamber- That game on Saturday will Portland. said. “The communication, tolainen scored for the Sabres. crowd because of a blizzard, Bos- Irving’s layup tied it at 99- lain, with 31 in 1967-68, have be Kevin Durant’s fi rst return to Seven Celtics scored in dou- the awareness, just everything Robin Lehner made 39 saves. ton got a goal from David Backes 99 with less than six minutes posted more in a campaign. Oklahoma City since he forsook ble fi gures as the team won for as a whole we were really good Capitals 6, Red Wings 3 at 52 seconds and never trailed in remaining, but two Westbrook “Russ is a heck of a player,” the Thunder for the as the eighth time in nine games. tonight.” John Carlson scored the go their win against San Jose.

7th Qatar International Arabian Peninsula Horse Show

Sheikh Nasser al-Thani receives the trophy from Jabor al-Kuwari after his horse Hayfa Al Nasser was adjudged second in Class 2B for two- year-old fillies in the 7th Qatar International Arabian Peninsula Horse Show at Al Shaqab yesterday. Ghezlan Al Waab, owned by Sheikh Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club deputy chairman Hamad bin Abdulrahman al-Attiyah (centre) at the 7th Abdulla Khalid al-Thani, won the category. PICTURES: Juhaim Qatar International Arabian Peninsula Horse Show yesterday. Gulf Times Saturday, February 11, 2017 5 SPORT

FED CUP Czechs open title defence against Spain today AFP tie in almost four years while Spain, play their standard game,” Czech cap- “Obviously we have a tough oppo- Paris fi ve-time winners, haven’t made the tain Petr Pala said after the draw. “Bar- nent in Germany but it’s diff erent in semi-fi nals since 2008. Their chances bora will have to break her opponent’s the Fed Cup because it’s a team event,” have not been helped by a stomach in- rhythm in some way, and to change hers said doubles world number one and he Czech Republic begin their bid jury to national number two Carla Sua- so (Muguruza) wouldn’t know what will Australian Open champion Bethanie for a fourth successive Fed Cup rez Navarro which means that world come next.” Mattek-Sands of the US. title this weekend but in eight No. 70 Laura Arruabarrena will likely In tomorrow’s reverse singles, Plisk- In Geneva, France, runners-up in World Group ties, only two of the feature as the second singles player. ova will face Muguruza in a clash of 2016, tackle Switzerland in a tie which world’sT top 10 players will take part. In stark contrast, the Czechs can boast the number-one players and Strycova will provide Belinda Bencic with mixed Both of those will feature in Ostrava a four-woman team who are all ranked in is then due to take on Arruabarrena. emotions. When these two nations last with world number three Karolina the top 50 and the squad does not even Czechs Lucie Safarova and Katerina played in 2014, Bencic was just 16 and Pliskova leading Czech hopes of a sixth include two-time Wimbledon champion Siniakova were drawn for the doubles defeated Alize Cornet and Virginie Raz- Fed Cup in seven years and 11th overall Petra Kvitova who is recovering after be- rubber against Sara Sorribes Tormo and zano before France saved themselves against a Spanish squad led by Garbine ing confronted by a knife-wielding in- Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez. with victory in the deciding doubles rub- Muguruza, the seventh-ranked French truder at her home in December. The United States begin their bid for ber. Three years on, the injury-plagued Open champion. Barbora Strycova will take on Mu- a fi rst semi-fi nal since 2010 in Maui Bencic has slumped to 81 in the world. But in Hawaii, the 17-time champi- guruza in today’s opening rubber as the with a new captain in place, Kathy The 16th-ranked Timea Bacsinszky ons United States will be missing world defending champions host Spain. World Rinaldi replacing Mary Joe Fernandez. will lead Switzerland’s singles chal- number one Serena Williams as well as number 17 Strycova will face 7th-ranked Without the Williams sisters as well lenge while 36-year-old Martina Hing- the injured Madison Keys, the ninth- Muguruza as the Czechs start their quest as the convalescing Keys, the United is should feature in tomorrow’s dou- ranked player, against Germany who for a fourth straight title in the eastern States will be led by world number 20 bles, 22 years after she made her debut are without Angelique Kerber, the sec- Czech steel hub of Ostrava. Coco Vandeweghe, fresh from making in the tournament. ond highest-ranked player in the world. Third-ranked Karolina Pliskova of the the Australian Open semi-fi nals. At Minsk, World Group debutants In World Group II, top 10 players Si- Czech Republic will then play against Garbine Muguruza of Spain (left) and Karolina Pliskova of Czech Republic pose Germany’s top singles hope will be Belarus host Netherlands who are bid- mona Halep, Dominika Cibulkova and 70th-ranked Lara Arruabarrena. after the Fed Cup draw ceremony in Ostrava yesterday. (AFP) Laura Siegemund, the world 38 who has ding to reach back-to-back semi-fi nals Svetlana Kuznetsova are missing for Ro- Pliskova and Strycova led the Czechs yet to play a Fed Cup tie, after Kerber for the fi rst time since 1969. Aliaksan- mania, Slovakia and Russia respectively. to their third Fed Cup title in a row — when the team beat France in Stras- far, the last one in 1998. opted not to travel to Hawaii ahead of dra Sanovich, ranked at 128, is Belarus’ The Czechs have not lost a Fed Cup and fi fth in six years — last November bourg 3-2. Spain have won fi ve titles so “I think we should succeed if the girls her return to the tour in Qatar next week. top singles player.

GOLF Murray to return to Davis Cup action against France ritain’s world number pleased I took some time off . one Andy Murray will But away to France, after Miami, Bplay against France in the I’m into the swing of things and Davis Cup quarter-finals in April I’ve had enough rest.” Wiesberger grabs after missing the first-round Murray was instrumental in victory against Canada last Britain winning the Davis Cup weekend. in 2015 when he won all 11 rub- “The tie against Canada was bers in four rounds. In Murray’s tricky,” Murray, who was sur- absence, Britain beat Canada prisingly beaten by Germany’s 3-2 last weekend while France Mischa Zverev in the fourth defeated Japan 4-1. round of the Australian Open, The two nations met at the lead aft er birdie told Sky Sports. “I needed to same stage in 2015 with Britain have a break, I was definitely winning at home on grass at tired when I got back from Aus- Queen’s Club. France are likely tralia and my body was pretty to choose clay for the tie. blitz in Malaysia FORMULA ONE Pirelli end tyre test The Austrian is the first player in European Tour history to card nine straight birdies in a round but with preferred lies in place, when players are allowed to improve the ball’s early aft er Vettel crash Reuters Pre-season testing for all 10 lie without penalty on certain parts of the course, he will not make the record books Milan Formula One teams gets un- derway in Barcelona at the end of February with the champi- Reuters irelli had to cut short a onship starting in Australia on Kuala Lumpur Formula One wet tyre test March 26. Pat Ferrari’s Fiorano track in Italy yesterday after four- ernd Wiesberger reeled off nine times world champion Sebas- BP to fuel McLaren birdies in a row in a superb second tian Vettel crashed into barriers F1 team after split round of 63 to grab a one-shot the day before. lead over Masters champion Dan- A Pirelli spokesman said the from ExxonMobil nyB Willett at the Maybank Championship modifi ed 2015 Ferrari had been BP and its Castrol brand will in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. badly damaged in the crash on supply the McLaren Formula The 31-year-old lit up the Saujana Golf the artifi cially-soaked circuit One team with fuel and lubri- and Country Club with the birdie blitz outside Maranello and spare cants this season in addition to from the seventh to 15th holes to go 12-un- parts were not immediately rivals Renault. der after 36 holes to boost his prospects of available. Honda-powered McLaren a fourth European Tour title. Reports in Italy said Vettel said in a statement yester- Wiesberger is the fi rst player in Eu- had suff ered some bruising but day that BP will also supply ropean Tour history to card nine straight was otherwise unhurt. products for sportscar maker birdies in a round but with preferred lies in The two-day test of the new McLaren Automotive. place, when players are allowed to improve wider tyres had been sched- McLaren are the second- the ball’s lie without penalty on certain uled for just one car, with most successful team in For- parts of the course, the Austrian will not Red Bull and champions mula One history but have not make the record books. Mercedes also due to be won the constructors’ title since “I hit really good shots and I just felt involved in future weeks. 1998 and have struggled to be calm out there,” he said after returning a The teams are testing for competitive in their latest part- card that included 11 birdies and two bo- Pirelli with modifi ed 2015 cars nership with Honda. geys. “It felt kind of natural, I hit pretty to ensure they do not gain any The team last won a race in good shots and really only holed two long competitive advantage for the 2012. The announcement had ones which were the last birdie of the nine season ahead. been expected and contin- on 15 and about a 20-footer on 11.” Ferrari’s Italian reserve driver ues a shake-up that started in “Apart from that I just hit them pretty Antonio Giovinazzi had been December when ExxonMobil close and felt like I had a good idea of what due to carry out yesterday’s sec- ended its 21-year partnership the ball was going to do on the green today ond session in the SF15-T car. with McLaren and switched to again which was nice,” added the Austrian, The spokesman said the lost day Red Bull. who began the day six shots off lead. would be made up at some point Red Bull use engines provid- Englishman Willett hit six birdies and in the future. ed by Renault with Tag Heuer a bogey in his 67 to sit at 11-under, two Formula One is introducing branding. The factory Renault shots clear of Frenchman Mike Lorenzo- bigger front and rear tyres this team announced last month Vera and American David Lipsky. Lorenzo- season but there has been con- that BP and Castrol were re- Vera sank six birdies and an eagle in his 65, cern for some time about how placing French oil company while Lipsky was bogey-free in his 67. “I played really good yesterday and it Leading scores (AUS) 66-71, Shiv Kapur (IND) 70-67, long it takes drivers to warm up Total as their offi cial fuel and Marc Warren of Scotland surrendered was a little bit scrappy today, but there was Anirban Lahiri (IND) 69-68, Matteo the Pirelli wet weather tyres. lubricant supplier this season. his overnight lead with a three-over-par a storm brewing a few hours ago and the 132: Bernd Wiesberger (AUT) 69-63 Manassero (ITA) 71-66, Alexander Levy The problems were high- Former world champions Red round of 75, following three bogeys and a wind was fl icking around so it was tough 133: Danny Willett (ENG) 66-67 (FRA) 69-68, James Morrison (ENG) lighted at last season’s drenched Bull were also previously fuelled triple bogey on his last six holes. to get the club right so I scored nicely this 135: David Lipsky (USA) 68-67, Mike 70-67 and chaotic Brazilian Grand Prix by Total. Champions Mercedes, Reigning US Masters champion Willett afternoon,” he said. The tournament’s Lorenzo-Vera (FRA) 70-65 138: Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) 66-72, in November, with Frenchman whose engines power three of lurked closely behind Wiesberger after fi n- defending champion Marcus Fraser from 136: Shubhankar Sharma (IND) 68-68, KT Siddikur Rahman (BAN) 69-69, Robert Rock Romain Grosjean spinning his the 10 teams, are partnered with ishing with a 67, to end with an 11-under- Australia came out with an aggregate score Kim (KOR) 68-68 (ENG) 71-67, Romain Wattel (FRA) 68-70, Haas into the wall on his way to Petronas while Ferrari have been par total of 133. of 143 and missed the cut. 137: Marcel Siem (GER) 66-71, Sam Brazel Marc Warren (SCO) 63-75 the starting grid. with Shell for decades. Spieth one off pace at weather-hit Pebble Beach AFP it into the clubhouse on four-under par. up an hour in a bid to avoid the worst of “If you were playing at Spy today, it defi- Los Angeles Noh — seeking a second USPGA Tour title to the weather, Day said his group played only nitely helped a little bit, especially with some go with the Zurich Classic of New Orleans four holes in the rain. of the cover in the trees, but you’ve just got crown he captured in 2014 — had the only However, he said, “the wind was pretty to take what you can get and try and win the ormer world number one Jordan bogey-free round of the day. He carded a 68 stiff ”. “I think the hardest part about today tournament at the end of the week.” Spieth was one off the pace with two at Spyglass Hill, as did Lamb and Dahmen. was to commit to a shot,” Day said of the Given the weather conditions, Day was Fholes to play when first-round play Spieth was three-under through 16 holes diff iculties posed by the weather. “Commit- thrilled with his opening round. was suspended in the weather-whipped at Monterey Peninsula, where had notched ment was huge.” “I feel pretty good with how things are Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. five birdies and two bogeys. Seventy-four players in a field of 156 had going, coming out today and shooting a Eighty-one players had yet to complete When play was suspended, the more completed their rounds and organisers couple under par,” said the 29-year-old, the opening round when play was halted sheltered Spyglass had the lowest scoring hope to get the tournament back on track, a 10-times winner on the PGA Tour. “The for the day on the Pebble Beach Golf Links, average at 1.24 strokes over par, followed though weather forecasts predict a 50% hardest part about today was actually com- Spyglass Hill and Monterey Peninsula by Monterey Peninsula (1.84) and Pebble chance of rain over the weekend. mitting to the shot more so than anything courses. The wind was whipping at Pebble Beach (2.46). “We only played four holes in the rain,” because you had a lot of side winds. I’m Beach and heavy, steady rain had rendered Australia’s world number one Jason Day said after mixing four birdies with two looking forward to Spyglass tomorrow.” all three courses unplayable. Day put together a two-under par 69 at bogeys. “It’s hit and miss... sometimes you Among other high-profile names compet- South Korea’s Noh Seung-Yul and Ameri- Monterey Peninsula that included four bird- can get lucky with the draw, especially ing this week, four-times champion Phil cans Joel Dahmen and Rick Lamb all made ies and two bogeys. With tee times moved where you are playing. Mickelson was one under after 17 holes. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, February 11, 2017 RUGBY

CONFIDENT Cardiff shadows no longer haunt England: Jones

AFP vincing 19-16 win at home to France appearances to their credit. Cardiff last weekend but Jones believes his Not surprisingly Wales boss Rob England coach Eddie men will be inspired, not intimidated, Howley, who will have the fi t-again Jones speaks to his by a typically raucous and capacity on the bench as well, players during a ngland coach Eddie Jones be- crowd in Cardiff . thought this was one area where his side training session lieves his side have “moved on” “We’re prepared to win and we’re had the edge. “I think the quality and yesterday. (Reuters) from their harrowing 2013 loss prepared for any shenanigans that experience in that back-row will have a in Cardiff as they once again might go on — and we’re looking for- signifi cant impact on the game,” he said. prepareE for a Six Nations match away ward to it,” he said. “They’re a cunning Jones has also made one change in to Wales. lot the Welsh aren’t they? They always the backs with right wing , Four years ago England, then have been. They’ve got goats, they’ve impressive off the bench against coached by Stuart Lancaster, arrived in got daff odils, they’ve got everything. France, replacing Jonny May. search of a only to be rout- Who knows? We were disappointed Howley named wing ed 30-3 as Wales took the Six Nations about how we played against France (thigh) and outside-half title instead. They went some way to and it’s an opportunity to play in one of (ribs) in his side after they both suf- putting that loss behind him with a 21- the great stadiums of the world.” fered injuries in a 33-7 win over Italy in 16 win on their last visit to the Welsh But the ground will be open to the el- Rome on Sunday, with the inclusion of capital two years ago. ements on Saturday after Jones refused props and Rob Evans the But earlier this week Jones said he permission for the stadium’s retract- only changes to his starting side. wanted to fi nd out why England were able roof to be shut, something Wales But Howley then left open the pos- “petrifi ed” of playing in Cardiff even favour as they believe it aids their pre- sibility of North and Biggar dropping though the record of Anglo-Welsh ferred running game and amplifi es the out by saying: “Those two players will matches there in the Six Nations era noise of a partisan full house. be given every opportunity to be fi t. stands at four wins apiece. Jones has brought in Jack Cliff ord, fi t They are two experienced and impor- On refl ection, Jones believes his after a chest injury, into a back row fea- tant players for us.” reigning Grand Slam champions will turing No 8 Nathan Hughes and blind- could replace North not be overawed by the surroundings side fl anker , best known as while Sam Davies, who enjoyed a fi ne on Saturday as they look to extend a lock, with Tom Wood dropping down second half off the bench against Italy, their national record of successive Test to the bench. is ready to take over from Biggar again. wins to 16. “We think he (Cliff ord) is a really Howley said England’s 15-game “There’s always shadows in the good player and he will give us a bit winning streak had given them “huge corners. They’re always there and can more pace in the back row,” said Jones. confi dence and self-belief”. always come out,” Jones said. “We’ve Hughes, Cliff ord and Itoje have a “They got across the line against spoken about those shadows this week, mere four Test back-row starts between France,” he added. “In the fi rst (Six Na- but I think the team has moved on.” them, whereas the Wales loose forward tions) games at the weekend, there is England launched the defence of trio of , always a rustiness, but no doubt they their Six Nations title with an uncon- and have a combined 130 will be ready for this game.” SIX NATIONS Ireland can’t wait Goujon only change in to take on Italy

AFP France squad for Scots Milan voiding delays, and another slug- gish start, away to a determined ‘It’s normal if changing everything means that we’re not satisfied with what happened — when you AItaly will be key as Ireland look to salvage their Six Nations title hopes with lose a match by three points in England in the last nine minutes. For the most part the lads delivered, a win in Rome today. Ireland’s status as potential tournament even though once again we need to develop more character to finish matches in the right way’ winners, following an historic first win over the All Blacks in November, suff ered a massive blow in a 27-22 loss to Scotland that left them fourth in the table. Tomorrow’s Six Nations Delayed by 15 minutes in arriving at game against Scotland will the stadium following the unplanned be 27-year-old flanker Loann re-routing of their team bus, Ireland were Goujon’s first start since he ruff led and shipped three tries in the was injured in France’s 52-8 opening 15 minutes at Murrayfield. win over Samoa in November. Coach Joe Schmidt has demanded it not be repeated. “I have challenged them for a better start in Italy,” said New Zea- lander Schmidt. “It’s incredibly disappoint- ing the way we started last weekend. “I do think it’s a challenge for a profes- sional player that they can be adaptable in diff erent circumstances, so they can still start well and cope. So we’ve certain- ly given them that challenge this week, and hopefully we see a better start.” Schmidt has resisted the temptation to rush inspirational fly-half , who missed the Scotland defeat with calf trouble, back against an Italy side coached by former Ireland fullback Conor O’Shea. As was the case at Murrayfield, Paddy Jackson will be the starting outside-half. No. 8 Donnacha Ryan and prop were the only changes to Ireland’s starting XV ahead of their 27th meeting with Italy, 22 of which they have won. Ireland’s 58-15 win in last year was their fourth in succession, following a 22-15 Azzurri win at the in 2013. Yet the Azzurri have blossomed under O’Shea, whose professional ap- proach and belief in a rejuvenated side was repaid with an historic 20-18 win over South Africa last November. AFP match-day 23, the only other changes also better than England’s with fewer Barclay gets Scot nod At 24 years and 233 days, Hogg will It off ered fans an early glimpse of Marcoussis, France seeing forwards Christopher Tolofua errors and tackles missed. But for the surpass Richie Gray as the youngest potential successes further down the road. and Julien Le Devedec come onto the third time in a matter of three months, Meanwhile, back-row forward player to reach a half-century of Scot- Indeed, for 40 minutes against Wales last bench in place of hooker Clement May- they lost a closely-fought encounter John Barclay replaced the injured Ryan land caps. “Congratulations to Hoggy week hopes were high as Italy’s defence lanker replaces nadier and lock Arthur Iturria. against a top side following test de- Wilson in the only change to the Scot- on what will be a special milestone,” held firm on their way to a 7-3 half-time in coach Guy “It’s normal (not to make many feats to Australia (25-23) and New Zea- land team for the Six Nations clash Cotter said. “It’s a fantastic personal lead thanks to Edoardo Gori’s 29th-minute Noves’s solitary change to his changes) if changing everything means land (24-19) in November. against France. Glasgow’s Wilson start- achievement, especially at such a try and the conversion from Carlo Canna. FFrance team announced yes- that we’re not satisfi ed with what hap- “It’s true that against Australia we ed Scotland’s opening 27-22 win over young age, which is a good indication Ill discipline returned to haunt the terday to face Scotland in the Six Na- pened — when you lose a match by three could have won but didn’t; against New Ireland at Murrayfi eld last weekend, of how talented an individual he is and hosts, Italy conceding three penalties tions tomorrow. points in England in the last nine min- Zealand we had a chance at the end and but has since succumbed to an elbow how important he’s been to Scotland in quick succession. They then paid for France made a positive start to their utes,” said Noves. “For the most part lost by little; against England we lost at infection. Hooker Fraser Brown and fl y- teams over the past fi ve years. He’s a prop Andrea Lovotti’s visit to the sinbin tournament campaign last week but the lads delivered, even though once the end: it’s annoying,” said Noves. half retain their places de- very exciting player and, at just 24, he on the hour by allowing a rampant Wales still went down 19-16 to England at again we need to develop more charac- They welcome a buoyant Scotland spite both going off injured during the has a huge amount to off er Scotland to run in three late tries. Twickenham and Noves has kept faith ter to fi nish matches in the right way.” who were in fi ne form a week ago as fi rst half of the match against the Irish. for many more years to come.” O’Shea did complain that Irish referee with almost his entire starting line-up. Noves said Goujon would give his they eased past highly-fancied Ireland “France in Paris is a monumental Hogg is joined in the back line by JP Doyle had not given Italy a fair crack It means young Bordeaux-Begles side more power. “We wanted a lit- 27-22 at Murrayfi eld. challenge,” said Scotland head coach wings and Tommy of the whip when it came to dishing out scrum-half Baptise Serin, who only tle more density in the pack, although “They had a tough year or two but . “They have improved Seymour, with Alex Dunbar and Huw sanctions — Wales were given only five made his France debut in June, retains they’re two very similar players,” said now their work is starting to bear markedly since (head coach) Guy Jones in midfi eld and Russell alongside penalties against to Italy’s 15. his place ahead of Maxime Machenaud. Noves. “The aim is to be a bit more fruit,” Noves said of the Scots. “You Noves took charge and will be smart- in the half-back roles. But he said discipline is key if Italy are Goujon, 27, will win his 15th cap as powerful.” can see that physically and technically ing since their narrow defeat to Eng- Aside from Barclay’s inclusion, to retain a winning chance, with the ball he replaces veteran Chouly, 31, who Noves keeps faith with tighthead they’re not the same Scotland of a few land at Twickenham last weekend. the pack is unchanged, with Brown and the referee. drops to the bench. It’s Goujon’s fi rst Uini Atonio despite the New Zealand- years ago.” This will be an excellent test for this keeping his place following his 25th- “We want to change the perception start since he was injured in France’s born front-rower being penalised sev- Two yeas ago, Scotland fi nished group of players: mentally, physically, minute departure against Ireland due because we need to make sure that both 52-8 win over Samoa at the beginning eral times against England. His second bottom of the table with fi ve defeats tactically, and of our skill-sets under to an eye problem. red and blue (shirts) are being looked of November. half replacement Rabah Slimani made from fi ve but they have come on leaps pressure. We will need to be at our re- “We’re (France’s) next opportunity to at in exactly the same way,” said O’Shea Although losing to last season’s an instant impact and scored France’s and bounds since then under New lentless best once again.” get their campaign up and running and following the Wales match. “And we have Grand Slam winners a week ago, only try of the game. Zealander Vern Cotter. Barclay’s place on the bench is they’ll be intent on throwing every part to make sure we change the perception France posted some impressive sta- “We wanted to see if Uini has un- They were a minute away from taken by fl anker John Har- of their considerable fi repower at us this of people who look at us so that we’re tistics during the match, making more derstood what we’ve told him and knocking Australia out of the World die, whose club-mate Sunday,” Cotter added. “We’ll have to off iciated on a level playing field.” yards, more offl oads and beating more whether he’ll perform diff erently. We Cup quarter-fi nals in late 2015, fi n- will make his international debut if he match their ferocity while ensuring we O’Shea, who played 35 times for defenders than England over the 80 wanted to off er him an olive branch,” ished above France in the Six Nations comes on. The unchanged team sees take that — and all the other battles we Ireland, has made only four changes for minutes. Noves said of the 26-year-old former last year and, having run Australia line up again at full-back can expect in this game — on our terms, Saturday as he seeks “consistency” while All that was lacking was points on the Samoa youth international. close again in November, they toppled following his two-try, man-of-the- whether that’s in collisions, in set- promoting internal competition. board and Noves has retained 21 of his France’s defensive statistics were Ireland last week. match performance against Ireland. piece, at the breakdown or in the air.” Gulf Times Saturday, February 11, 2017 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT MILESTONE Kenyan Peres sets half-marathon record Russia’s Savinova AFP Dubai

enyan Peres Jep- chirchir yesterday broke the world record for the women’s half loses London 2012 marathonK with a time of 1 hour 5min 6sec, shaving three seconds off the old record. The 23-year-old, who won the world title over the distance last year, set the new record in winning the Ras al-Khaimah half-mara- Joyciline Jepkosgei ensured a thon in United Arab Emirates. Kenyan clean sweep, with a time gold for doping The victory highlighted a of 1:06:08, a personal best by al- spectacular return by Jepchirchir most three minutes. who was sidelined with pneu- In the men’s contest, world The latest blow to Russia’s sporting image should give South African Caster Semenya monia for two months at the end half-marathon championship of 2016. silver medallist Bedan Karoki the 2012 Olympic title to add to the one she claimed in Rio last year The old record was set by Ken- sped away in the fi nal three kilo- yan Florence Kiplagat in Barce- metres to win in 59min 10 sec, AFP lona two years ago. ahead of Yigrem Demelash of Lausanne Behind Jepchirchir, three- Ethiopia (59:19) and Kenyan Au- time race winner Mary Keitany gustine Choge (59:26). came close to the old record with Jepchirchir’s record still has to he international sports tribunal a personal best time of 1:05:13. be ratifi ed by the IAAF. yesterday stripped Russian run- ner Mariya Savinova-Farnosova of the London Olympics 800 Tmetres gold medal and banned her until No drones, Hong Kong marathon 2019 for doping. The latest blow to Russia’s sporting spectators urged image should give South African Caster Spectators at Sunday’s Hong a drone there, automatically Semenya the 2012 Olympic title to add to Kong marathon have been they want to wave and slow the one she claimed in Rio last year. urged not to put runners in down and then there are The Court of Arbitration for Sport said danger by flying drones at one people from behind coming there was “clear evidence” that Savinova of the city’s biggest sporting into them.” was involved in doping from before the events. Ko added a television helicop- European Championship in Barcelona in Three people were arrested at ter would alert police to any 2010 until the 2013 world championships the Hong Kong Formula E race incidents. in Moscow — including for the 2012 Lon- in October for allegedly op- He also asked runners not to don Games and the 2011 world champi- erating drones and marathon stop for selfies, which were onships in Daegu. organisers are keen to avoid blamed in 2013 for a string of Her coach, Vladimir Kazarin, told a repeat. accidents. TASS news agency that Savinova was With thousands expected to The route in the densely popu- “emotionally depressed” and would line the 42 kilometre (26 mile) lated city, which has little flat probably not appeal. route, bosses appealed to land, hugs the coast and much Savinova, now 31, has not raced since people not to bring drones. of it follows expressways that 2013 and was one of fi ve Russian athletes “We ask people not to do it off er little chance for specta- named in a World Anti-Doping Agency because it’s really dangerous tors to gather. report which called for a life-time ban for the runners,” said William The race ducks underneath against her. Ko, chairman of the organising the famous harbour in a road She was also seen in a 2014 German committee, yesterday. tunnel before ending on Hong television documentary on Russia’s “Once runners realise there’s Kong Island. doping, apparently admitting to taking banned substances. Russian doping whistleblower Yulia File picture of Russia’s Mariya Savinova reacting after she won gold ahead of second-placed South Africa’s Caster Semenya in the Stepanova secretly fi lmed Savinova ap- women’s 800m final at the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium, Britain on August 11, 2012. DESIRE pearing to admit taking the banned ster- oid oxandrolone. A four-year ban against Savinova was South Africa’s running sensation Se- The German documentary led to the backdated to start on August 24, 2015. menya was second at the 2011 world WADA inquiry and to the International CAS said all prizes won between July championships and the 2012 Olympics Revived Clement Association of Athletics Federations sus- 26, 2010 and August 19, 2013, are for- and stands to get more honours if the pending Russia from international com- feited. That will include the Olympic golds are reallocated. petition. and world titles a silver medal from the Another Russian fi nalist from the 2012 eyes third hurdles In the fi lm, Savinova said she had no Moscow world championships and a gold fi nal, Yelena Arzhakova, has already been choice but to take banned drugs. medal from the 2010 European champi- banned and Ekaterina Poistogova, who “That is our system and in Russia that onships. took the bronze medal, is under investi- world title only works with pharma (doping),” she Kazarin, who has been suspended over gation for doping. said on the recording. his involvement in doping, said: “Natu- The CAS acted as the main tribunal in rally, we’re emotionally depressed. All the case as the Russian athletics federa- CENTRAL ROLE these (investigations) continued for more tion is suspended by the world body be- She also said her husband, Russian than two years and we’re all tired of it. cause of the doping controversy. 1,500m runner Aleksey Farsonov, had “I think now it’s useless to go to Russia has denied any offi cial involve- “very good contacts to the doping control the civil court. If CAS decided (to ban ment in the scandal. laboratory” in Moscow. File picture of Savinova with her 800m Savinova) nothing can be done,” he told The IAAF has said Russia will not be WADA has since said the Moscow lab- gold medal during victory ceremony. Russia’s Tass news agency. allowed to compete at the world cham- oratory played a central role in Russia’s The IAAF said it would no comment on pionships in London this year because “state-sponsored” doping. a whistleblower and said hundreds of the case as Savinova still has 45 days to there are still major problems in its anti- It’s former director has also become failed doping tests were covered up. decide whether to make an appeal. doping system.

BOTTOMLINE World champ Johaug suspended 13 months for doping File picture of USA’s Kerron Clement. The Norwegian Sports Con- federation said yesterday it Reuters of dancers stomped on a nearby had suspended cross-country Melbourne stage to electronic music. ‘Cultural’ change needed skier Therese Johaug for 13 “It’s a privilege. Any time Bolt months after she tested posi- gets attached to anything, you tive for steroids. erron Clement’s run in need to give it your best shot. The suspension however will al- the mixed 400 metres “I honestly love (the atmos- low Johaug, a seven-time world relay at the Nitro Se- phere). It’s new to track and fi eld in Russia to lift ban: Coe champion, to participate in the Kries would be unlikely and it’s great to be a part of it. Pyeongchang Winter Olympics to make his career highlights reel “Hopefully other people take Reuters sion) came as a huge surprise to in February 2018. but he was glad to take a mod- notice and do the same thing. Melbourne RUSAF. And of course WADA The 28-year-old has been est step towards London where Track and fi eld needs to be fun has still to look at RUSAF as be- temporarily suspended since he will bid for an unprecedented for athletes because we don’t ing code-compliant. October 18 after testing posi- third hurdles world title. need more stress.” ussia still needs to “There needs to be some cul- tive for traces of the anabolic The Olympic 400m hurdles Clement is enjoying a second demonstrate a “cultur- tural shift as well... but we’re steroid clostebol, banned champion came to Melbourne fl owering of his career, having al shift” in its commit- moving in the right direction.” by the World Anti-Doping as a member of Usain Bolt’s ‘All- captured a 400m relay gold and ment to clean sport if Coe said the IAAF was con- Agency, during an out-of- stars’ for the inaugural team- 400m hurdles silver at the 2008 itsR track and fi eld athletes hope sidering allowing Russian ath- based event at Lakeside Stadi- Beijing Olympics before a litany competition drug test on to compete under the nation’s letes to compete as neutrals at September 16. um, a glitzy, brash and ultimately of injury problems set in. fl ag again, IAAF President Se- the global showpiece but cast Johaug said the steroid was low-pressure aff air for many of He came close to hanging up bastian Coe said yesterday. serious doubt on the ability of contained in a lip cream called the athletes. his spikes during a lean period Russia’s athletics federa- RUSAF to rejoin world athletics Trofodermin, which she used Clement’s relay team, boast- in 2013 as he struggled to reach tion (RUSAF) has been banned this year. to treat burns during a train- ing only one other 400m spe- peak form after undergoing her- since Nov. 2015 after an inde- “This year? Probably not, but ing session in Italy. cialist in Jamaican Christine Day, nia surgery and missed out on a pendent World Anti-Doping we may still see individual Rus- National ski team doctor was always up against it and the medal at the London Games. Agency (WADA) probe exposed sian athletes in the world cham- Fredrik Bendiksen, who has American crossed the line 19 He took a break in 2014 and a state-sponsored doping on a pionships in London in a neutral insisted he did not realise the seconds after Christine Ohu- holiday in the Caribbean with massive scale. capacity,” he added. cream contained clostebol, ruogu’s England won the mixed friends to freshen the mind be- An IAAF task force confi rmed “There’s no guarantee. They has taken full responsibility relay during the second instal- fore coming back in 2015 with this week that the ban will re- have applied and we need to look and resigned in October. ment of the three-meeting series renewed determination. main in place until at least No- at all of those in a case by case In its ruling, the Confederation on Thursday. It culminated in a brilliant vember, meaning Russian ath- study by our own board and let’s appeared to accept Johaug’s Like many of the participating race in the 400m hurdles fi nal letes will not compete at the see where we get to.” argument that she had acci- athletes, Trinidad-born Clement in Rio where he dipped toward world championships in London File picture of IAAF President Sebastian Coe. Russia’s credibility in the dentally ingested the steroid, is some distance from reaching the line to edge Kenya’s Boni- in August, having already been fi ght against drug cheats suf- rather than deliberately at- peak form and a trip Down Under face Mucheru Tumuti by 0.05 of excluded from last year’s Rio RUSAF was a very diff erent fed- (in Russia) of a need for change, fered another blow in December tempted to cheat. was an unusual starting point for a second. Olympics. eration since the ban was en- particularly with traditional with the release of the second “I understand that the rules his season. The win was gratifying for an The working party’s head, Rune forced, Coe said the IAAF com- coaching methods. report by Canadian professor on doping have to be strict,” But the invitation from eight- athlete whose appearance in a Anderson, said Russia’s eff orts mission was not satisfi ed that “But we need to make sure Richard McLaren, which said Johaug said in a statement. times gold medallist Bolt was too music video for American singer to build a credible anti-doping enough checks and balances that that is consistent with what Moscow had “hijacked inter- “However, it leaves a bitter hard to resist and 31-year-old Beyonce generated more buzz regime still faced various head- were in place. is also being said and expressed national sport” over a fi ve-year taste in my mouth to be Clement was curious about the than his achievements on the winds, including problems en- “We work very well with the publicly. period. suspended for 13 months for unorthodox mix of sport and en- track in the few preceding years. forcing provisional doping bans, new president of RUSAF (Dmitri “Some progress had been The report found more than using a lip balm. I’m going tertainment the event promised. “I’m really psyched for the limited drug testing at national Shlyakhtin),” the Briton told re- made... but there are still some 1,000 Russian competitors in 30 to spend the next few days “Today was fun. I love my world championships, that’s my level and “troubling incidents” porters in Melbourne. areas where we want to see more sports were involved in an “in- thinking with my lawyer about team, we fi nished last but it’s main focus for the season,” said when testing was taking place. “And the view of the commis- progress. stitutional conspiracy” to cover what to do,” she said. just great to be here,” Clement Clement, who also has two world Although “confi dent” that sion is that there is a recognition “I don’t think (the deci- up positive tests. told Reuters trackside as a troupe gold medals in the 400m relay.

Saturday, February 11, 2017 GULF TIMES CRICKET

HYDERABAD TEST SPOTLIGHT Amla leads blitz as South Africa Kohli hits double seal whitewash ton to help India tighten screws -keeper Saha also makes hay in Hyderabad with second Test ton

AFP Hyderabad India captain Virat Kohli plays a shot on way to his double century at the Rajiv Gandhi nother Virat Kohli double cen- International Cricket Stadium tury powered India to a record in Hyderabad yesterday. total against Bangladesh in the Aone-off Test in Hyderabad yes- terday — but only after he had to be per- suaded to challenge his dismissal. In reply, Bangladesh were 41 for one at stumps on day two after losing opener Soumya Sarkar for 15 in one of the fi nal overs of the day as their bruising intro- duction into in India contin- ued. Skipper Kohli became the fi rst bats- South Africa’s plays a shot during the fifth and last One man to score double centuries in four Day International against Sri Lanka in Centurion yesterday. consecutive series as he reached 204, the standout performance in India’s 687-6 Reuters Suranga Lakmal. declared which featured three centuries. India’s Saha Centurion A tiring Amla perished in the The hosts became the fi rst internation- celebrates penultimate over but not before al team to record three successive scores after reaching increasing his scoring rate, tak- of more than 600 after posting totals his century. ashim Amla made a ing only 19 balls to add his last 50 of 631 in Mumbai and 759-5 in Chennai sparkling 154 and his runs. against England last year. fours and two sixes, helping India main- opening partner Quin- made 41 and Bangladesh’s misery was compounded tain an impressive run rate of over four. ton de Kock a rapid 109 captain AB de Villiers teased the when Sarkar was caught by Indian wick- Jadeja also raced to his fi fth Test fi fty as Hin a batting blitz that earned South crowd with some unorthodox etkeeper Wriddhiman Saha off the bowl- he celebrated the mark with his custom- Africa an 88-run victory over Sri strokeplay but lasted only 11 balls. ing of Umesh Yadav in the third last over ary sword dance. Lanka at Centurion yesterday and Sri Lanka lost early but of the day. Earlier Kohli’s 222-run fourth-wicket a 5-0 whitewash in their one-day opener Niroshan Dickwella of- Tamim Iqbal (24) and Mominul Haque partnership with Ajinkya Rahane (82) set international series. fered the touring side, at the end (one) were at the crease, with the visitors the hosts on course as they broke their South Africa, who have now of a three-month tour, hope of an still trailing India by 646 runs. previous highest score against Bangla- won 11 successive ODIs to go top unlikely victory as he bludgeoned The headlines belonged to the Indian desh of 610, set in Dhaka in 2007. of the world rankings, set their 39 runs off 19 balls before holing batsmen whose big knocks were centred Murali Vijay (108) and Cheteshwar Pu- visitors an imposing target after out to De Villiers at mid-off from around Kohli’s heroics at Hyderabad’s jara (83) were other notable contributors being sent into bat by racking up the of . Uppal Stadium, which witnessed its for the world’s number one Test team, 384 for six in their 50 overs. Sri A 93-run partnership for the highest-ever Test score on a day bursting who have never lost to the minnows in Lanka fell well short in reply, fi n- fi fth wicket steadied the innings with records. eight outings. ishing on 296-8. and Sachith Pathirana made 56. “Virat backs everybody. He encourages “Our batsmen got big scores in New Amla and De Kock shared a But with Sri Lanka falling well us to play our natural game. He always Zealand and have the self-belief to do it partnership of 187 as the South behind the required rate and the gives us confi dence and it’s a big plus for again,” said Hasan, whose side lost the African openers got stuck into match heading towards a tame fi n- the team,” said centurion Saha, who was the fi rst Test in Wellington after posting some mediocre bowling. More ish, 31-year-old Asela Gunaratne involved in a 39-run partnership with his 595 in the fi rst innings. than 50 % of the home side’s runs brought up his maiden ODI cen- skipper. came from boundaries. tury and fi nished unbeaten on 114. Kohli, whose 246-ball knock was laced SCORECARD It took Sri Lanka until the 27th Chris Morris was the pick of the with 24 boundaries, surpassed legends India 1st innings (overnight 356-3) over to make a breakthrough, De hosts’ bowlers, fi nishing with 4-31 including Donald Bradman and Rahul L. Rahul b Ahmed ...... 2 Kock being caught on the bound- in his 10 overs. Dravid, who had scored double tons in M. Vijay b Taijul ...... 108 ary by Sandun Weerakkody off three consecutive series. C. Pujara c Rahim b Hasan ...... 83 Kohli also scored double centuries in V. Kohli lbw b Taijul ...... 204 A. Rahane Hasan b Taijul ...... 82 his three most recent series against West W. Saha ...... 106 SCORECARD Indies, New Zealand and England. R. Ashwin c Sarkar b Hasan ...... 34 He needed a stroke of luck though to R. Jadeja not out ...... 60 South Africa A. Gunaratne not out ...... 114 reach his landmark after successfully Extras (lb5, w1, nb2) ...... 8 Q. de Kock c Weerakkody b Lakmal 109 S.Pathirana c De Villiers b Morris ...... 56 reviewing a confi dent lbw shout on 180 Total (6 wickets; 166 overs) ...... 687 H. Amla c Mendis b Madushanka ...... 154 L Madushanka run out (Behardien) ...... 7 from Bangladesh spinner Mehedi Hasan Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Rahul), 2-180 (Pujara), F. du Plessis c Lakmal b Madushanka 41 J. Vandersay b Morris ...... 7 which was initially given out. 3-234 (Vijay), 4-456 (Rahane), 5-495 (Kohli), A. de Villiers c Kumara b Vandersay ..... 14 S. Lakmal not out ...... 20 Saha revealed that Kohli was ready to 6-569 (Ashwin) J. Duminy c Dickwella b Lakmal ...... 10 Extras (b4, lb9, w11) ...... 24 walk and had to be persuaded to review Bowling: T. Ahmed 25-2-127-1 (1nd, 1w), K.I. F. Behardien c Gunaratne b Lakmal .....32 Total (8 wkts, 50 overs) ...... 296 the decision which was overturned by the Rabbi 19-1-100-0 (1nb), S. Sarkar 1-0-4-0, M. C. Morris not out ...... 3 Did not bat: L. Kumara third as TV replays showed the Hasan 42-0-165-2, Shakib Al Hasan 24-4-104- W. Parnell not out ...... 1 Fall of wickets: 1-25 (Tharanga), 2-43 0, T. Islam 47-6-156-3, S. Rahman 3-0-10-0, ball was sliding down the leg side. Extras (b4, lb5, nb1, w10) ...... 20 (Mendis), 3-55 (Dickwella), 4-70 (Weerak- Mahmudullah 5-0-16-0 “Virat thought that he was out but I Total Did not bat: B. Kumar, U. Yadav, I. Sharma (6 wkts, 50 overs) ...... 384 kody), 5-82 (De Silva), 6-175 (Pathirana), told him that you have probably stretched Bangladesh 1st innings Did not bat: A. Phehlukwayo, K. Rabada, 7-183 (Madushanka), 8-199 (Vandersay) your front foot more...So he took a call T. Iqbal not out ...... 24 Bowling: Rabada 10-0-55-0 (5w), Morris and was saved,” said Saha. S. Sarkar c Saha b Yadav ...... 15 Fall of wickets: 1-187 (De Kock), 2-250 10-1-31-4 (1w), Parnell 7-0-51-2 (1w), Imran The 28-year-old skipper was eventual- M. Haque not out...... 1 (Du Plessis), 3-271 (De Villiers), 4-309 (Du- Tahir 10-0-57-1 (2w), Duminy 5-0-28-0, ly trapped lbw off Taijul Islam, who ended Extras (lb1) ...... 1 miny), 5-371 (Amla), 6-379 (Behardien) Phehlukwayo 7-1-44-0 (2w), Behardien with three wickets, early in the fi nal ses- Total (1 wicket; 14 overs) ...... 41 Bowling: Lakmal 10-0-71-3 (4w), Kumara 1-0-17-0 sion which then saw the Indian middle Fall of wicket: 1-38 (Sarkar) 7-0-60-0 (1nb), Madushanka 8-0-70-2, De Result: South Africa won by 88 runs order plunder runs. Bowling: Kumar 5-2-7-0, Sharma 5-0-30-0, Silva 4-0-24-0, Pathirana 6-1-43-0, Vander- Series: South Africa won the five-match Saha (106) shared an unbeaten 118- Ashwin 2-1-1-0, Yadav 2-1-2-1 say 10-0-61-1 (1w), Gunaratne 5-0-46-0 (1w) series 5-0 Still to bat: run seventh-wicket stand with Ravindra Mahmudullah, Shakib Al Hasan, Sri Lanka Toss: Sri Lanka M. Rahim (capt), S. Rahman, M. Hasan, T. Jadeja (60) as they made hay against a tir- U. Tharanga c Rabada b Morris ...... 7 Umpires: Shaun George (RSA), Richard ing bowling line-up during what is Bang- Islam, T. Ahmed, K.I. Rabbi Toss: India N. Dickwella c De Villiers b Parnell ...... 39 Kettleborough (ENG) ladesh’s fi rst-ever Test on Indian soil. TV umpire: Umpires: (RSA) and Joel K. Mendis c De Villiers b Morris ...... 1 (ENG) Wicketkeeper-batsman Saha scored S. Weerakkody c Rabada b Parnell ...... 10 Match referee: Richie Richard- Wilson (WIS) his second Test century to entertain a D. de Silva b Imran Tahir...... 11 son (WIS) raucous home crowd, including seven TV umpire: Chris Gaff aney (NZL)

PSL SPOTLIGHT Qatar Quetta pip Qalandars by eight runs U19 trials

Agencies apiece before Quetta claimed at 12 by on Yasir national Stadium. get was reduced to 173 runs and The Asian Cricket Council has Dubai the fi nal three wickets for just 11 Shah’s ball, who also managed Batting fi rst Peshawar Zalmi similarly overs were reduced to extended an invitation to Qatar to runs to complete a thrilling win to run Mohamed Nawaz out on scored 190/9 after Kamran Ak- 18. take part in the upcoming Asian Earlier, the his own ball after he scored just mal scored a 48-ball 88. In reply, Brad Haddin anchored the in- under-19 cricket tournament to be atar-owned Lahore took their time to post a below- one run. reached the nings for United but was caught held in Kuwait. Qalandars lost their par 136 for the loss of nine wick- Sunil Narine did not waste revised target (175/3), following behind by Kamran Akmal off a According to the Qatar Cricket opening match in ets. any time and bowled Sarfraz Duckworth/Lewis Method, in ball by . Association operations manager the Pakistan Super South African Rilee Rossouw Ahmed at just one run. 17.4 overs. United were 81 for the loss of Manzoor Ahmad, the tournament LeagueQ by eight runs as the was the only notable performer Asad Shafi q lost his wicket to Islamabad’s chase started on one wicket at the end of the 10th is scheduled in the second week of Quetta Gladiators defended a in the otherwise uneventful Narine as he was bowled out at a bad note as Sharjeel Khan (1) over and were chasing a target October this year. modest total of 136 in Dubai fi rst inning as he put up 60 runs 29 runs in the 10th over. fell cheaply. But then a 104-run of 191. He said that the QCA will hold a yesterday. on the board before he lost his Ahmad Shehzad made his second-wicket stand between The teams had resumed play selection trial on Feb 25 to pick the The Qalandars were bowled wicket to Mohamed Irfan on way back to the pavilion early Dwayne Smith (55) and Haddin after briefl y stopping due to team. The selected players will then out for 128 with eight balls re- Umer Akmal’s catch. Irfan also after scoring just fi ve runs off took them over the line. Though heavy drizzle which had forced undergo an intensive training camp. maining in the second match of took out Tymal and Kevin Pi- eight balls, he was caught by the former fell to the ground staff to cover the Ahmad said players who are born Pakistan’s premier Twenty20 eterson. Mohammad Rizwan on Sohal and the latter was dismissed pitch. on and after September 1, 1998, will tournament. took out Has- Tanvir’s ball. by Chris Jordan, During play, United had only be eligible for the trials. The English-Kiwi pair of Ja- Rilee Rossouw top scored with san Khan at 16 runs and Ah- On Thursday, Islamabad (26*) and Sam Billings (7*) en- steadied their innings after los- Interested players should get in son Roy and Brendon McCul- 60 for Quetta. mad Shehzad at fi ve runs as he United rode on Brad Haddin’s sured there was no hiccup. ing Sharjeel Khan at the start of touch with the QCA by e-mail to lum put on 34 runs in a blazing bowled consistently well and 39-ball 73 to clinch a seven- The team made 100 runs at the second over, and were 56 for register for the trials on one of the opening stand for the Qaland- momentum. Roy top scored merely conceded 26 runs in four wicket win over Peshawar Zal- the end of the 11th over for the the loss of one at the end of the following addresses: cricqatar@ ars, who thereafter lost wickets with 27, while Grant Elliott and overs. mi in the opening match of the loss of one wicket. Due to the 7th over in the opening match of gmail.com or [email protected] regularly to hand Quetta the Sunil Narine chipped in with 26 Thisara Perera was caught tournament at the Dubai Inter- brief pause in the game, the tar- the Pakistan Super League.