NHL | Page 7 OLYMPICS | Page 9 Ducks down Rio shrugs and out aft er off doubts Predators for 100-day win decider countdown

Friday, April 29, 2016 FOOTBALL Rajab 22, 1437 AH PSG chasing Ligue 1 GULF TIMES points record against Rennes SPORT Page 4 2016 CUP FINAL 7:15PM, AL SADD STADIUM Lekhwiya face Jaish in tactical showdown We want to win everything We have the determination After a long domestic season, this is a great chance for both sides to lift some silverware we can: Belmadi to win it: Lamouchi

By Sports Reporter Cup fi nal since the tournament was , the head coach of Sabri Lamouchi, the head coach Doha rebranded three years ago. They will be Lekhwiya, wants his team to keep of El Jaish, is happy with his team’s looking for a repeat of their success in carrying on the winning mentality, “It’s performance this season, “It a totally the 2014 addition of the tournament, a final and each final should be played diff erent game because simply it’s a he 2016 fi nal will when they lifted the crown. to win and in the semi-final we played final and in a final you have to win. I see Lekhiwya face rivals El El Jaish progressed to the Qatar Cup very well. I want the players to play would like to congratulate my team Jaish in the showpiece fi nal fi nal with a 3-2 victory over Al Sadd, with the same attitude.” for having an amazing season and today the 26th of April at Al whom they pipped to second place in Speaking about the vast range of at- getting to the final.” SaddT stadium. Both sides have battled the QSL standings. Jaish’s attacking tacking options he has at his disposal, “El Jaish is a young club, with young through long strenuous domestic sea- trio of Hamdullah, Romarinho and Belmadi added, “It’s a nice problem players and not the same infrastruc- sons to meet with a chance to lift some Rashidov linked together on the night I wish I had this more in the season. ture as other clubs. Step by step we silverware in the Qatar Cup fi nal. and all three players had a hand in the Youssef Msakni, and are building a strong club. Last year, The Red Knights put on a tactical Jaish goals. , who is on fire. we lost two finals and this year we masterclass in their 3-1 victory against Defensively Jaish have been reso- More importantly in AFC Champions have the determination to go on and Al Rayyan, a side who they lost to on lute this season and only conceded 29 League we don’t concede many goals win it,” added the Frenchman. both occasions during the QSL sea- goals in 23 QSL games this year. Cen- and against Rayyan we conceded “We know the quality of the opponent, son. Djamel Belmadi set out a defen- tral to that defensive stability has been only one. We want to play and we they have lots of quality but at the sive side, with one recognised striker. Captain Abdurahman Abubakar. The want to win everything that we can.” same time they have some weak- However Lekhwiya were masterful Lekhwiya coach Djamel Belmadi (L) and Jaish coach Sabri Lamouchi. Qatari international has been a main- “Muntari is an important player for us. nesses and my players know that. on the break, putting the current QSL stay in the Jaish side this year, and the It is important to find a local player Some of my players are playing their champions to the sword with three an international has grabbed ten league number ten in the Qatar Cup fi nal. 25-year-old has matured into a no who can play in the national team. first final and if we play with the same goals of superior quality, before Rayy- goals this season, his second highest As for their opponents El Jaish, they nonsense defender. It’s important for us as a club that we concentration, passion and attitude an grabbed a consolation strike. tally since joining Lekhwiya in 2011. have been one of the most consist- It promises to be a fantastic tactical have more than ten players in the like we did in the AFC Champions No player will be more important in Nam popped with a fi ne individual ent sides in the QSL this season. Sabri duel when these two giants of Qatari national team and our vision is global,” League I’m sure we can have a good attack for Belmadi than the aforemen- in the semi-fi nal and Lekwiya will Lamouchi’s side has upheld their envi- football come together with the Qatar added the Algerian coach. game,” added Lamouchi. tioned Nam Tae Hee. The South Kore- be expecting more of the same from their ous record of appearing in every Qatar Cup on the line. Gulf Times 2 Friday, April 29, 2016 FOOTBALL

Alibaba’s Ma laughs off Guardiola criticised over UEFA suspends Liverpool Three-game ban for violent Blanc annoyed by criticism buying AC Milan reports Mueller, Ribery’s omission midfielder Sakho for 30 days conduct ends Alli’s season of PSG players’ Vegas trip

China’s richest man Jack Ma has laughed off Pep Guardiola’s decision to leave Germany striker Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho was yesterday Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli will not play Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc insisted reports he is to buy Italian football giants AC Milan, Thomas Mueller on the bench for Wednesday’s provisionally suspended for 30 days after failing again this season after he was given a three-game yesterday that his players did nothing wrong by posting a convoluted joke online mixing basketball 1-0 defeat at Atletico Madrid in the first leg of a drugs test, European football’s governing body ban for violent conduct by the Football Association going to Las Vegas after their French League and football. “Is AC Milan in Italy’s Milan?” the Aliba- their Champions League semi-final was roundly UEFA announced. The France international report- yesterday. The 20-year-old, elected England’s Young Cup victory last weekend. Blanc said that his ba founder posted on his verified Weibo account, criticised by German media yesterday. “Super edly tested positive for a fat burner after Liverpool’s Player of the Year last weekend, was retrospectively players can do what they want on holiday, ahead a Chinese equivalent of Twitter. “I heard Tyson of solo from Atletico! Poor selection from Pep”, read 1-1 draw against Manchester United in the Europa punished after punching Claudio Yacob in the of the Ligue 1 champions’ return to action tonight the Lakers went to Milan. I’m not sure whether it’s the headline on Bild’s front page, questioning League on March 17. A date for the hearing has yet stomach during Spurs’ 1-1 draw with West Bromwich against Rennes. PSG made it three French League AC Milan,” he went on. “If so, Yao Ming of the China why the Bayern coach began the game without to be fixed. Liverpool left Sakho out of their Premier Albion on Monday. He will therefore miss Spurs’ Cup triumphs in a row last weekend, despite be- Super League will suff er!” Basketball legend Yao is Mueller, “his best scorer away from home in the League game against Newcastle last Saturday, clari- final three Premier League games against Chelsea, ing reduced to 10 men, thanks to Angel Di Maria’s retired and has never played in the Chinese Super Champions League”, or French winger Franck fying that he will not be selected during his UEFA Southampton and Newcastle United, in which winner against Lille. Some of the players, includ- League, the country’s top football competition. Ma, Ribery. Kicker magazine said it was “risky and process. The 26-year-old centre-back is said not to Mauricio Pochettino’s side will look to keep their ing Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Javier Pastore, were who is worth more than $33 billion according to wrong” to overlook Mueller, “not only his second have known the composition of the weight-loss flickering title hopes alive. Alli, signed from third-tier allowed to go on holiday to Las Vegas after the the latest Bloomberg Billionaires ranking, followed leading scorer but also a leader” on the pitch, with supplement and has informed the club he acted Milton Keynes Dons last year, has been one of the final. “My players do what they want. They his comment with three laughter emoticons and a the German having scored 31 goals this season in good faith. Sakho, who moved to Anfield for £18 stars of the season, scoring 10 league goals, and is had three days off , I gave them to them, and I link to a report that he was to buy a majority stake including eight in the Champions League. It also million ($25 million) in 2013, is in danger of missing expected to be selected in Roy Hodgson’s England think that’s a good thing,” an irritated Blanc told in the Italian club from disgraced former Italian lamented Ribery’s omission from the starting the finale to Liverpool’s Europa League challenge. squad for Euro 2016. He reacted on Twitter by writ- reporters. “There is no problem with it, when I give prime minister Silvio Berlusconi. But he did not ex- line-up. “Pep Guardiola’s risky plan didn’t work,” His participation at the Euro 2016 finals in France is ing: “Gutted that my season is over. Shouldn’t have three days’ rest. I do not have to comment on plicitly deny the report. The Alibaba group already was the headline on the online edition of daily also in serious doubt, with Didier Deschamps set to reacted like I did. Will learn from this and come back what my players do, whatever they are--young or owns a stake in Chinese and Asian champions Die Welt, for whom the exclusion of Mueller and announce his 23-man squad on May 12, more than stronger.” Spurs’ draw against West Brom left them more experienced. It is their privacy, they do what Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao. Ribery was like “an own-goal” for Bayern. two weeks before Sakho’s provisional ban expires. seven points adrift of leaders Leicester City. they have to do.”

SPOTLIGHT Platini to appear before CAS today to appeal against Infantino wants to his six-year ban AFP London

ichel Platini (pic below) appears before the Court of Arbitration for MSport today to appeal his six-year FIFA ban for ethics violations, with his future see 40 teams play in football hanging on the outcome. The stakes could not be higher for the suspended head of European football. A favourable verdict and the 60-year-old will take his place in the stands at the Stade de France for the Euro 2016 opener between hosts France and Romania on June 10. A negative verdict will mean the former in 2026 World Cup Juventus star barred from entering the national stadium, his glittering career in the sport having come to an ignominious end. ‘Football is not only Europe and South America. Football is the world. I’m not a “This is the last avenue of appeal,” Platini’s lawyer Thibaud D’Ales conceded. dictator so I can’t impose anything but I’m trying to convince everyone. I believe The Frenchman has been sanctioned over an infamous two million Swiss franc we have to increase the number of teams ... because we have to be more inclusive’ ($2 million, 1.8 million euro) payment he received in 2011 from then-FIFA president Sepp Blatter. FIFA’s ethics committee in December banned both men from all football activities for eight years. The suspensions were cut to six years in February. Both men insist they did nothing wrong and that the payment was part of a legitimate oral contract tied to consulting work that Platini did for FIFA between 1999 and 2002. The aff air has already cost him a shot at becoming head of world football as he was forced to pull out of the race to become FIFA president in an election won by his number two at UEFA, Gianni Infantino. UEFA has said it will not replace Platini until all his appeals are exhausted, so if the former French star is successful at CAS he could reclaim his job in time to preside over Euro 2016. Platini’s entourage is hoping for a deci- sion “before May 3” when UEFA holds its congress in Budapest. Blatter, who is due to testify at the hearing, has also appealed to CAS and is awaiting a date for his hearing. The Lausanne-based tribunal consists of three legal experts, one each representing Platini and FIFA and a president. Platini has chosen Yale and Harvard educated Swedish lawyer Jan Paulsson, with world football’s ruling body selecting Bernard Hanotiau of Switzerland. The hearing will be chaired by Luigi Fumagalli, a University of Milan-educat- ed Italian international law expert. As part of his defence, Platini’s legal team will produce an invoice for the suspect payment in an attempt to prove there was nothing untoward about the transaction. “Five people from the off ices of FIFA were involved in this payment, which was processed by the Finance Committee and reported to the Executive Committee. It is far from a hidden payment,” said D’Ales. Platini’s name has also emerged in the Panama Papers, a leaked set of 11.5 million documents that provide detailed information about more than 214,000 off shore compa- nies listed by the Panamanian corporate service provider Mossack Fonseca. But D’Ales denied this had any relevance to today’s hearing: “His fiscal situation was FIFA president Gianni Infantino (left) with the Prime Minister of Thailand, Prayut Chan-O-Cha (right), during their meeting in Bangkok yesterday. Infantino, who replaced the disgraced long-serving known by the Swiss authorities. This has Sepp Blatter as FIFA chief in the elections in February, is in the Thai capital to participate in celebrations to mark the 100th anniversary of the Football Association of Thailand. (AFP) nothing to do with it.”

Reuters cause we have to be more inclusive.” Infantino said it should try but that it was be- after it was engulfed last year by a massive cor- Seoul/Bangkok Asia has four automatic spots at the World coming “increasingly diffi cult to hold a World ruption scandal. He said he was in favour of Cup, with a fi fth up for grabs in an inter-con- Cup”, adding that he saw more scope for co- co-hosted World Cups, opening the door for federation playoff , and Infantino said that hosting by more than one country. smaller countries without massive infrastruc- IFA President Gianni Infantino dangled number could rise to at least six under an ex- Addressing the FIFA crisis, he added: “In ture to hold the event. the carrot of more World Cup spots for panded format. FIFA we went through a diffi cult time. We have Thai football has been mired in division and Asia during a visit to Seoul and Bang- FIFA has struggled to fi nd new sponsors approved reforms, we’ll bring back transpar- controversy after a cascade of scandals linked to kok, pressing his case for an enlarged since its crisis erupted and Asia’s fi nancial ency, we’ll bring back good governance, we’ll deposed Football Association of Thailand chief 40-teamF tournament. muscle could see the region play a bigger role. bring back compliance.” Worawi Makudi. Worawi, who had dominated Infantino, who met with sponsors Hyundai Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Motors Corp., the game in Thailand for years, is suspended Motor Group in South Korea on Wednesday South Korea’s two largest automakers and af- from football activities by a FIFA ethics panel. before travelling to Thailand yesterday, said his fi liates of the Hyundai conglomerate, have ex- FIFA chief hails Leicester His successor is Somyot Poompanmoung, visit was aimed at rebuilding trust with cor- tended their partnership with FIFA until 2022. City’s ‘fairytale’ campaign the pugnacious multi-millionaire who led porate partners and presenting his vision of a China has also shown its ambition on the Thailand’s police force until his retirement “new FIFA”. World football’s scandal-hit gov- global football stage with Dalian Wanda Group, The FIFA President also hailed Leicester last September. In a glowing endorsement of erning body is in the midst of the worst crisis the country’s biggest commercial property de- City’s “fairytale” rise to the top of the Premier Somyot, Infantino said: “He’s known as a per- in its 112-year history, with more than 40 in- veloper, becoming the fi rst Chinese top level League as an example of football’s ability to de- son of principles, of integrity.” dividuals and entities, including many former sponsor of FIFA last month. A source close to light with “beautiful stories”. In the “new FIFA” he said there was zero FIFA offi cials, charged with corruption-related the deal said the 15-year sponsorship agree- He said the Foxes’ improbable table-topping tolerance for “wrongdoings that might have off ences in the United States. ment with Wanda would be worth “hundreds feats proves cash is not always king. “That’s why happened... I am convinced he (Somyot) is the Infantino, elected in February to replace the of millions of dollars”. we all love football, it’s the magic of football. And right person to lead football in Thailand.” disgraced Sepp Blatter, told reporters in Seoul Infantino said the nature of football took fairytales like the fairytale of Leicester are exact- Somyot has vowed to clean up the sport, al- that adding eight more teams to the World Cup the sport beyond borders to new frontiers and ly showing us that football is unpredictable,” he locate funds fairly, raise refereeing standards from 2026 was “perfectly justifi ed”. that the organisation could work as a vehicle to said. “Football brings us every year, everywhere and boost the quality of the Thai game—he is “Football is not only Europe and South bring people together, though his suggestion in the world, these kind of beautiful stories.” also a close friend of Leicester owner Vichai. America. Football is the world,” he said. “I’m for a goodwill match between the two Koreas Leicester are one win away from securing the His predecessor Worawi for years faced down not a dictator so I can’t impose anything but fell somewhat fl at. league title, defying 5000-1 odds. fraud and bribery allegations, as well as a peti- I’m trying to convince everyone. I believe we In Bangkok yesterday, he was asked whether The FIFA boss is on a charm off ensive to re- tion by tens of thousands of football fans urg- have to increase the number of teams ... be- Thailand had a shot at hosting a World Cup. store the battered organisation’s reputation ing Thailand’s junta to kick him out of his job. Gulf Times Friday, April 29, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Leicester look to wrap up Premier League title with Niguez’s 11th-minute win over United Leicester City will complete their fairytale run with the Premier League title if they win at Manchester United on Sunday. They could also be assured of the title next day when their only remaining rivals stunner gives Atletico Tottenham Hotspur falter against Chelsea

DPA London

fter weeks of “will they? can they?” Leicester City go into this weekend know- slender advantage ing that victory at Manchester United will see them win the Premier League title for theA first time in their history. ‘It is not a great result for us. It is always unpleasant to have not scored an away goal. We played Claudio Ranieri’s side can turn a dream into real- ity with one more big performance on Sunday. very well and had enough scoring chances, so I am pleased with the performance. We have to And with a seven-point lead over Tottenham and three games to go, they have the luxury of knowing play more intelligently in the return match, we only need a goal to take the game to extra time’ that they may not even need to win to do it, with Spurs having to win all three of their matches to even stand a chance. For Spurs to deny them, Leicester would need Atletico Madrid’s Saul to lose two of their last three, and though they play Niguez scores past Bayern Chelsea on the final day, they have won seven of Munich goalkeeper their past nine matches and lost just three times Manuel Neuer. (Reuters) all season. Midfielder Andy King believes Leicester have the ability to cope with the pressure of getting over the line. “It’s one game at a time, everyone keeps say- ing it,” he told Leicester’s website. “We’ve got a tough game at Manchester United, who are aiming for a top four position, which is obviously massive for them. We’re confident of putting in a good performance. That will stand us in good stead and we’re looking forward to it.” Leicester will again be without the suspended Jamie Vardy while United are likely to play their strongest team as they chase a top-four spot. Five points behind Manchester City in fifth, United could employ the fit-again Wayne Rooney in midfield, as they did in the FA Cup semi-final win over Everton last weekend. “I think you’re obviously more involved in the game, you have a bigger influence from that position,” Rooney told United’s off icial website. “I enjoyed it.” By the time Tottenham go to Chelsea on Monday night, the title race could be over. It could also end at Stamford Bridge if Leicester don’t win and Spurs fail to achieve a better result than the leaders. Spurs midfielder Son Heung Min said they will fight to the end. “We have to keep going with our heads up, the season is not finished and we keep going,” he said. “Leicester will play before us now but seriously we have to look just at us. Tomorrow is another day and we have to focus for next Monday against Chelsea. It will be a very diff icult game but we will carry on looking forward, work very hard and see what happens.” At the other end, the battle for survival is a case of one out of three as Sunderland, Norwich and Newcastle all try to stay up. Just one point sepa- AFP “I always had my eye on the goal. Simeone refused to get carried away Uruguayan atoned for his initial er- Guardiola had controversially rates the trio, though second-bottom Newcastle, Madrid It’s the most beautiful and most after watching his side cling on in ror by clearing off the line. left Thomas Mueller on the bench who have played a game more, face a must-win important goal I’ve scored,” Saul the second half. “The result gives us Bayern were dominant in posses- despite his 31 goals in all competi- match with Crystal Palace. told BeIN Sports Spain. the possibility to play in Munich in sion, but struggled to create clear- tions this season. Sunderland, who moved out of the bottom three sensational solo eff ort Bayern lost the fi rst legs of their a fantastic stadium with a chance,” cut chances against an Atletico The future Manchester City last weekend, travel to Stoke while Norwich are from Saul Niguez handed semi-fi nals in the previous two sea- said Simeone. “The fi rst half was side that now hasn’t conceded at boss eventually called upon the away to an Arsenal side still looking to lock down Atletico Madrid a precious sons to Real Madrid and Barcelona closer to what we wanted and the home in their last seven Champions German World Cup winner and an automatic Champions League spot. 1-0 advantage over Bayern on their way out of the competition. second-half was much closer to League knockout ties. Franck Ribery in search of a vital Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce has warned AMunich from the fi rst leg of their And the German champions what they wanted from the start.” Alaba shot wide from distance, away goal. his side not to take anything for granted at Stoke, Champions League semi-fi nal at the must turn the tie around if coach Bayern couldn’t have made a while Douglas Costa’s free-kick Costa came close again seconds even if the home side have conceded four goals in Vicente Calderon on Wednesday. Pep Guardiola is to avoid missing worse start once more in the Span- nearly caught out Jan Oblak at his after Mueller’s arrival as his at- each of their past three games. The Spanish under-21 interna- out on the Champions League in ish capital as, roared on by a vocif- near post. tempted lob over Oblak dipped just “I’ve known Mark (Hughes, the Stoke manager) tional skipped past four Bayern his three-year stay in Munich be- erous support, Atletico fl ew out of Yet, it was Atletico who squan- over the bar. for many, many years ... and he will not be a players before fi ring into the far fore joining Manchester City next the blocks early on. dered a big chance to make it 2-0 Oblak was called into action happy man, you believe me,” he told Sunderland’s corner to give Atletico the perfect season. Niguez had already had a long- before the break when Antoine again to parry an Arturo Vidal pile- off icial website. start after 11 minutes. “It is not a great result for us. range eff ort saved by Manuel Neuer Griezmann’s shot from a narrow driver from distance. “We are in good form at the moment and if play Bayern dominated for long spells It is always unpleasant to have before he opened the scoring in angle was turned behind by Neuer. Yet, once more Atletico had the anything like we did at Norwich we will give them thereafter, but the closest they came not scored an away goal, but we stunning style. Bayern were completely domi- best chance to put the tie beyond one hell of a game. to a vital away goal was a thunderous still have 90 minutes,” said Guar- The 21-year-old picked the ball nant after the break as Atletico tired the German champions in the fi nal “But I would expect Mark will have Stoke really long-range eff ort from David Alaba diola. “We played very well and up near halfway and skipped past and dropped deeper towards their stages as Torres hit the post from revved up and he will want to stop this very poor that came back off the crossbar. had enough goal chances, so I am four half-hearted Bayern challeng- own goal. Griezmann’s fi ne through ball and run of performances.” Atletico will travel to Bavaria for pleased with the performance. We es before curling a left-footed shot Alaba smashed a wonder strike Neuer saved Koke’s follow-up ef- Third-placed Manchester City are away to South- the return next Tuesday looking to have to play more intelligently in in off the inside of the far post. off the underside of the bar from fort. Oblak made simple saves from ampton, sixth-placed West Ham travel to West complete the job to reach their sec- the return match, we need patience Atletico nearly gifted Bayern an fully 35 yards before Javi Martinez’s Mehdi Benatia and Vidal in stop- Brom, seventh-placed Liverpool play at Swansea, ond fi nal in three years and exact and we only need a goal to take the equaliser immediately as Jose Maria powerful header from Costa’s cor- page time as Atletico held out to Everton meet Bournemouth and Watford face rel- revenge for their defeat to Bayern in game to extra time.” Gimenez’s miscued clearance pin- ner was gratefully grasped by Oblak record their 33rd clean sheet of the egated Aston Villa in the weekend’s other matches. the 1974 fi nal. However, Atletico boss Diego balled around the area before the low to his right. season.

FOCUS Semi-fi nals in the balance aft er cagey fi rst legs Semi-fi nals are rarely won in the boosts our confi dence to have created so “We could have scored, but getting a fi rst leg but they can be lost and many chances in 45 minutes.” goal doesn’t guarantee a place in the fi - every team in the Champions Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer also la- nal,” coach Zinedine Zidane said, play- League last four retains a chance mented it was “a pity we didn’t earn our ing down the importance of his side not of reaching the Milan fi nal reward with an away goal”, and Bayern getting an away strike. “We’re halfway must now walk a tight-rope this Tues- through the tie. We’ve got the next game DPA day as they seek to avoid a third semi- at home and we know what we’re capa- Berlin fi nal exit to Spanish opposition under ble of doing at the Bernabeu.” coach Pep Guardiola. Real have a strong record of capital- “The result isn’t great,” Neuer admit- izing on away goalless draws in Europe he fi rst legs of the Champions ted. “But we still have 90 minutes, and having progressed on seven occasions League semi-fi nals this week I hope we’ll make it with the support of out of eight. Only Spartak Moscow, in were edgy aff airs with all four our fans at the Allianz Arena.” the 1991 European Cup quarter-fi nal, combatants being more con- But breaking down the notoriously bucked the trend. cernedT with staying on their feet than de- strong defence of Atletico, who have City are in their fi rst-ever semi-fi nal livering a knock-out punch themselves. not conceded in the last fi ve games, will at this level and are not yet writing off Manchester City and Real Madrid prove diffi cult. And securing the two- their chances of continuing their run. played out a near soporifi c goalless draw goal win needed to progress looks a chal- “We know that if we score a goal, things on Tuesday and on Wednesday, Atletico lenge—Atletico have not lost by such a will be tough for them,” Jesus Navas said. Madrid squeezed out a 1-0 win over Bay- margin since the middle of last season. “We are an attacking team, and that’s ern Munich. “This result gives us the chance of go- what we’ll be aiming to do.” Since 2011, no team has progressed ing to Munich with possibilities,” coach And coach Manuel Pellegrini, who to the Champions League fi nal hav- Diego Simeone said. “In the fi rst half, will leave the club in summer, was also ing played the second leg of the semi at we did what we set out to do, while in in bullish mood. “I don’t think Real are home, so both Bayern and Real must re- the second half, they were closer to what favourites to progress,” he said. write recent history without the benefi t they sought at the start.” “We have the same options. They have of an away goal to aid their cause. Should Atletico progress, a rematch the advantage of playing away fi rst— “In the second half we created lots of the 2014 fi nal they lost to neighbours they tried to manage the pace of the of chances but failed to score,” Bayern Real could be in store in Milan on May 28, game—but we play the same way away as Bayern Munich will find it tough to break down the notoriously strong defence of Atletico Madrid in next week’s return leg captain Philipp Lahm said. “We hadn’t if the 10-time winners complete the job at home and we came away from Sevilla of their Champions League semi-final in Munich. The Spanish side have not conceded a goal in their last five games. (AFP) expected to create many chances, but it at home to Manchester City. and PSG with good results.” Gulf Times 4 Friday, April 29, 2016 FOOTBALL

BUNDESLIGA PREVIEW Bayern close in on title as relegation battle heats up The Bundesliga title can And with a seven-point lead “We must keep wanting more, dreams at home to midtable SV know that Darmstadt is a team Bayern Munich coach be settled, the race for the over second-placed Borussia we must maintain this consistency Hamburg and away to relegated which works through spirit and ef- Pep Guardiola looks Champions League spots Dortmund, Bayern can wrap up and fervour, we must keep wanting Hanover respectively. fective fi ghting.” on during Wednesday tightens and the survival fight the championship with two games to perform. If you do that, every- A crunch relegation fi xture on Frankfurt travel without sup- night's UEFA gets desperate in an action- remaining by defeating Borussia thing else just falls into place.” Monday sees 16th Werder Bremen porters as punishment for previous Champions League packed Bundesliga weekend Moenchengladbach at home to- There is a crucial showdown in host 15th VfB Stuttgart as famous fan misdemeanours while Darm- semi-final first leg morrow. the race for the Champions League names fret over their future. stadt, four points above the relega- clash against Atletico DPA “Now it is up to us,” coach Pep spots as third-placed Bayer “We’re fully aware of how cru- tion play-off place, can eff ectively de Madrid in Madrid. Berlin Guardiola said of the position after Leverkusen seek a seventh straight cial this game is,” Werder defender secure safety with a victory. While Bayern lost 1-0 in defeating Hertha Berlin last week. league win when they welcome Papy Djilobodji said. “We’re going The survival battle begins tonight Madrid, they have been “We need one more victory.” Hertha Berlin, who are fourth, in to do all we can to claim the points, when Augsburg, who have motored in complete control of ayern Munich can clinch a Dortmund will hope to maintain tomorrow’s late game. I can guarantee that.” up to 12th on the back of three suc- the German domestic record fourth consecutive the pressure by defeating midtable “It was good against Bayern, Werder and Stuttgart’s precari- cessive wins, host Cologne. league throughout. Bundesliga title tomor- Wolfsburg at home and build mo- even if the result didn’t work out,” ous situation could be even worse And in the other weekend game, With a seven-point lead row but at the other end of mentum for the May 21 German forward Sami Allagui told the Her- by kick-off should second-bottom Hoff enheim look to extend a fi ve- over second-placed theB table several clubs continue to Cup fi nal against Bayern. tha homepage. “And I think it will Eintracht Frankfurt win a regional game unbeaten streak at home Borussia Dortmund, fi ght for their top-fl ight lives. “I know that people are already be better against Bayer.” derby at Darmstadt tomorrow, when they welcome Ingolstadt. Bayern can wrap up While Bayern stumbled in the pretty certain about where the ti- Mainz and Schalke are currently with a three-goal victory enough Hoff enheim are not yet secure in the championship with Champions League semi-fi nal fi rst tle will go,” coach Thomas Tuchel in the remaining Europa League to take Eintracht to 15th on goal 14th but have played impressively two games remaining leg at Atletico Madrid on Wednes- said. “We can only infl uence how places but are only four points diff erence. under the guidance of young coach by defeating Borussia day, they have been in complete we perform as a team, and we behind Hertha. Should the Berlin- “We will need all our playing Julian Nagelsmann and can take Moenchengladbach at control of the domestic league gladly do that in our own special ers lose in Leverkusen, they could and fi ghting qualities in Darm- another step towards safety with home tomorrow. (AFP) throughout the campaign. way. reignite their Champions League stadt,” coach Niko Kovac said. “We a victory.

LA LIGA PREVIEW SERIE A PREVIEW Final Champions League rush for No margin of error Napoli, Roma as Juve savour title Juventus have wrapped up Roma were seven points be- another Italian Serie A title, hind then leaders Napoli, and for Barcelona ahead but the race for European led the Giallorossi past Fioren- berths and the fight against tina and Inter Milan. relegation continues in a Roma take 71 points into heated season finale their game at Genoa on Mon- day, before Napoli (73) play at DPA home to Atalanta to complete Rome match-day 36. Juve, holding a 12-point lead of visit to Real Betis on Napoli, celebrated a fi fth uventus enjoyed an extra straight title after Monday’s Spanish leaders Barcelona need to win at midtable Real Betis tomorrow if they day off during the week training session and were back to celebrate another Se- at work yesterday, gearing up wish to keep Madrid teams Atletico and Real at bay in the race for the Liga title rie A title, while Napoli for Sunday’s home game with Jand Roma were training hard in fourth last Carpi. their fi ght for direct entry into The league newcomers the next Champions League. clinched a crucial 1-0 win Luis Suarez, Neymar and The third-placed Giallorossi over Empoli to go three points Lionel Messi lost their magic edged Napoli 1-0 on Monday to clear of the three-team drop tough in the later half of the close within two points of them zone where Palermo (32) and season as Barcelona slipped with three games remaining. Frosinone (30) are fi ghting for in the Champions League The win was important be- survival. Carpi’s victory also against Atletico Madrid cause Roma now have the up- sealed the fate of bottom club per hand over Napoli in their Verona (25). head-to-head, the tiebreaker if Palermo are at home to they end up level on points. Sampdoria, while Frosinone The top two fi nishers go visit sixth-placed AC Milan, straight into the Champions who strive to retain the last League group stage while third Europa League place as they place brings with it a play-off close a disappointing season. tie--which shortens vacations The Devils could also get into and can result in demotion to the tournament by winning the the Europa League. May 21 Italian Cup fi nal, where, “With enthusiasm and no however, they face Juve. pressure from chasers we Sassuolo are just one point could play other good games,” behind Milan as they take on Roma coach Luciano Spalletti Verona; fourth-place Inter said. “But I think it is very hard visit Lazio and number fi ve because we have to gain two Fiorentina play tomorrow at points on [Napoli] and we have Chievo. Completing the round seen what they are made of.” are Udinese v Torino (tomor- Spalletti took over from row) and Empoli v Bologna Rudi Garcia in January, when (Sunday). Palermo open ‘biscuit tin’ of conspiracy in survival battle AFP fighting against relegation Rome must by very angry about this match.” Palermo then invited the alermo have opened league’s disciplinary tribunal the Serie A “biscuit to “monitor with great atten- tin” of conspiracy by tion the next matches and Pimplying there is a all the teams involved in the plot to send them down into battle to stay up, to avoid the second division as the similar episodes”. battle for survival heats up. Palermo’s volatile presi- The Italian season would dent, Maurizio Zamparini, not be complete without said he feared that “they such speculation, bizarrely want to send Palermo into known as biscuits by the me- Serie B”. “I don’t know why, dia, and Palermo president but I fear that’s what is go- Maurizio Zamparini duly ing on,” he added, without obliged by crying foul after elaborating. fellow strugglers Carpi beat The Italian league gener- Empoli 1-0 on Monday. ally avoids comment on con- The win kept Carpi, who spiracy theories and has not are 17th and hovering just replied, but Carpi president against Atletico. However, they might who scored the best goal of his promising DPA 'We know that we have to above the drop zone, one Stefano Bonacini hit back. “I Madrid struggle to get past Betis keeper Antonio career against Bayern. win our last three games, Adan, who is determined to foil Barca in Atletico will again be without injured place and three points clear have the good grace to never nothing more and nothing order to help his former club Real Madrid. key defender Diego Godin. of Palermo, who won a key speak about referees in a hile the two Madrid teams less. They are going to be “I am really going to try to stop Barca in Meanwhile, Real Madrid are at Real So- relegation battle away to negative or positive way,” he have been expanding their their tracks,” Adan said. ”Real is the club of ciedad, with Cristiano Ronaldo again sit- Frosinone (19th) on Sunday said. “We are not interested energies in the Champions three very hard matches, my heart, so I will be delighted if I manage ting out in a bid to overcome a hamstring to revive their own chances in whatever statements oth- League semi-fi nals, Spanish we know that. But I really to help them.” injury in time for Wednesday’s showdown of staying up. The bottom ers release. We are fighting Wleague leaders Barcelona had a full week to Betis are 13th, safely nine points above against Manchester City. believe that we have the three in the 20-team table for our safety tooth and nail.” prepare for tomorrow’s visit to Real Betis. capacity to pull it off ' the relegation zone. Karim Benzema is also doubtful after are relegated. Most commentators Barca are level on points with Atletico Also tomorrow, Atletico host lowly Rayo aggravating a knee injury in Tuesday’s 0-0 Palermo’s off icial website feel that Zamparini would Madrid and just one above third-placed Vallecano in an Estadio Calderon where draw at City. (www.palermocalcio.it) listed have only himself to blame Real with three games left. Luis Enrique is considering bringing they beat Bayern Munich 1-0 in the Cham- The Whites have won their last nine what it called “three absurd for Palermo’s demise after In the event of a tie at the end of the back veteran right-back Dani Alves af- pions League semis on Wednesday. league games and are clearly in good heart. season with either or both of the Madrid ter sidelining him recently and opting for Popular coach Diego Simeone will be Fourth bottom Granada host Las Palmas episodes” during Carpi’s win overseeing an astonishing teams, Barca would retain the Liga title be- Sergi Roberto instead. tempted to freshen up his tired team by in the other game, and cannot aff ord de- and provided screenshots of eight coaching changes this cause of their better head-to-head results Barca scored 14 goals and conceded bringing in reserves like Jesus Gamez, feat as they are just one point ahead of the incidents where the Sicilian season. Davide Ballardini, against the Madrid challengers. none in their last two matches, impressive Matias Kranewitter, Thomas Partey, drop zone. club claimed that the referee the latest incumbent, is one “We know that we have to win our last destructions of Deportivo La Coruna (8-0) Angel Correa and Luciano Vietto, with The weekend’s other games are: third- had made the wrong call. of two coaches who have three games, nothing more and nothing and Sporting Gijon (6-0). Tuesday’s second leg at Bayern in his last Gijon v Eibar, Athletic Bilbao v Celta It also included a comment had two stints at the Sicilian less,” Barca coach Luis Enrique said. “They The big wins proved that they have mind. Vigo, Espanyol v Sevilla, Deportivo La from Empoli coach Marco Gi- club since August, having are going to be three very hard matches, we emerged from the crisis which brought “We have no time to relax now, we just Cornua v second last Getafe, Valencia ampaolo, who told Skysports been sacked in January and know that. But I really believe that we have three straight league defeats and a quar- have to carry on training and playing, until v Villarreal and Malaga v bootom club Italia: “The other teams re-hired two weeks ago. the capacity to pull it off .” ter-fi nal exit from the Champions League the very end,” said youngster Saul Niguez, Levante. Gulf Times Friday, April 29, 2016 5

IPL Williamson confi rmed as New Rohit and Pollard help Zealand skipper

Wellington: New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed yesterday that top-order bats- Mumbai thrash Kolkata man Kane Williamson will take over the captaincy in all three formats of the game follow- ing the retirement of Brendon Rohit struck 68 off just 49 balls, as the hosts chased down the target comfortably McCullum. The 25-year-old had been expected to succeed Mc- IANS Uthappa (36) got KKR off to a y-fl Cullum having already led the Mumbai ing start scoring 59 without los- side in one-day internationals ing any after the com- when the former captain was pletion of powerplay. rested or injured, and at the iding on skipper Rohit The home team missed a gold- recent World Twenty20 Sharma’s unbeaten 68 en chance to dismiss the KKR tournament in India. alongside Kieron Pol- skipper as pacer Mitchell Mc- He will become New lard’s quick-fi re 17-ball Clenaghan dropped a skier off Zealand’s 29th Test captain 51,R defending champions Mum- his own bowling in the power- when Mike Hesson’s side tour bai Indians outclassed Kolkata play, when the left-hander was Zimbabwe and South Africa in Knight Riders by six wickets in batting at eight. July-August. McCullum retired an Indian Premier League (IPL) But veteran off -spinner Har- in February following the Test at the Wankhede Stadium here bhajan brought the much needed series against Australia after yesterday. Batting fi rst, KKR breakthrough dismissing Uthap- four years in charge, during posted a competitive total of pa in the eighth over to put the which time the team made 174/5 in 20 overs, thanks to skip- brakes on the KKR run fl ow. their first World Cup final and per ’s 45-ball Incoming batsman Shakib Al became more competitive in 59. In reply, Rohit struck 68 not Hasan (6) too departed cheaply the longest form of the game. out off just 49 balls, as the hosts without troubling the scorers “It’s certainly an honour,” chased down the target comfort- much, to have the visitors re- said Williamson. “I’ve really ably posting 178/4 in 18 overs. duced to 77/2 in the ninth over. enjoyed my time spent as cap- Rohit struck eight bounda- Despite two quick wickets at tain and believe this team can ries and two sixes, while Pol- the other end, Gambhir kept his achieve a lot. lard, who also remained un- cool and used his experience to “I’m lucky to have a number beaten, smashed six sixes and help the team post 85/2 after 10 of experienced players around two boundaries to take the team overs. He was well supported at me for support and will cer- to victory. Chasing a challenging the other end by Suryakumar Ya- tainly look to utilise this.” target of 175, the home side got dav (21). Williamson, who made his off to a disappointing start losing Gambhir kept his good IPL international debut in 2010, in-form opener Parthiv Patel (1) form going, as he struck yet an- had filled in for McCullum as in the second over itself. other half-century in just 39 recently as limited overs series But his opening partner, skip- balls to keep KKR in the hunt for against Sri Lanka and Pakistan per Rohit Sharma used his ex- a massive total. earlier this year before the perience to best eff ect to score The 44-run partnership for former wicketkeeper resumed runs at a good pace without los- the third between Gam- the job during Australia’s tour ing anymore wickets to help the bhir and Suryakumar came to an of New Zealand in February. team reach 64/1 after completion end when McClenaghan fi nally “I’ve certainly learnt a lot of powerplay. He was supported got the wicket of the KKR skip- from Brendon, as has everyone well at the other end by Ambati per to heave a huge sigh of relief. who has played with him,” Rayudu (32). The duo struck a Suryakumar, who was looking added Williamson, who was much needed 50-run partner- set to fi nish the game for KKR, named in February as the 2015 ship for the second wicket in just returned to the pavilion cheaply New Zealand Sportsman of 27 balls to help the team stay on as he was caught and bowled by the Year. “The culture that he course for a victory. Tim Southee in the 16th over. and Mike have cultivated has But Shakib al-Hasan dismissed Kolkata were 130/4 then. been a huge part of this teams Rayudu in the seventh over to put Later on, Andre Russell (22 off success in recent times. We an end to a good partnership. New 16) played a quickfi re knock be- not only have good players, batsman Krunal Pandya (6) failed fore getting out in the 18th over. but good people too and that to impress as his dismissal in the But the 19th over of the in- certainly makes any captain’s ninth over reduced Mumbai to nings turned out to be an unlucky job easier.” 78/2. Despite wickets falling at one for pacer McClenaghan as the other end, Rohit stayed calm his teammate Southee dropped and brought up yet another half- Yusuf Pathan and Chris Lynn in century in just 36 balls and take two successive balls to hand life the team past the 100-run mark to both batsmen. in the 12th over. From there on, Yusuf (19 not After the dismissal of Jos But- out) and Lynn (10 not out) re- tler (15), incoming batsman Ki- mained unbeaten to take the eron Pollard came into the show team past the 170-run mark. and smashed Rajagopal Sathish Southee (2-38) was the pick of for 23 runs in the 16th over to put the bowlers for Mumbai, while Mumbai on course to a win. Harbhajan Singh, McClenaghan From there on, Pollard and Ro- and Hardik Pandya claimed one hit remained unbeteaten to take wicket each. the team over the victory line. BRIEF SCORES Sunil Narine (2-22) was the Kolkata Knight Riders 174/5 in 20 Mumbai Indians’ Kieron pick of the bowlers for Kolka- overs (Gautam Gambhir 59; Tim Pollard muscled his way ta, while Shakib Al Hasan and Southee 2-38) lost to Mumbai to an unbeaten 17-ball fifty Umesh Yadav claimed one wick- Indians 178/4 in 18 overs (Rohit against Kolkata Knight et each. Sharma 68 not out, Kieron Pollard Riders yesterday. (AFP) Earlier, put into bat, in-form 51 not out; Sunil Narine 2-22) openers Gambhir and Robin by six wickets

FOCUS ROUND-UP Donald keen on long Silva recovers from head blow to earn term role with Australia Sri Lanka recall for England tour

Reuters Reuters “misdeed” and said he had made Melbourne Colombo a mistake. “I regret the unwar- ranted incident I was involved in and apologise to the whole na- ormer South Africa fast bowler Allan ri Lanka opener Kaushal tion,” he said in a statement in Donald (right) will join Australia as Silva has recovered from Bengali. their bowling coach for their tour of Sri a blow to the head he suf- “For the sake of cricket and Lanka, Cricket Australia (CA) said yes- fered while fi elding last my livelihood, I want to return to terday.F The appointment was not permanent, weekendS to be named in the . I appeal to the nation, the the organisation added, though Donald, who squad for next month’s tour of BCB (Bangladesh Cricket Board), captured 330 Test wickets in his 10-year career England. The 29-year-old Silva to allow me to return to cricket for the Proteas, said he would be keen to suc- was airlifted to a Colombo hos- and correct my mistake. I apolo- ceed former coach Craig McDermott on a long- pital on Sunday after being hit on gise for my misdeed,” he said. term basis. “If it does happen to be a long-term the head while fi elding at short The 29-year-old pace bowler thing, then I would absolutely love to do that,” leg in a practice match at Palle- played 38 Tests and 51 one-day Donald told Cricket Australia’s website (www. kele, where the team were prepar- internationals before he was cricket.com.au). pect that at all,” Donald added. “For me as an ing for the tour. suspended from all forms of the “There’s no question about it. I would love to international cricketer playing against Aus- Silva reportedly took evasive game. Bangladeshi police charged work with Boof (head coach Darren Lehmann) tralia, there was a lot of respect for the way they action but was struck on the back him and his wife, Nritto Shaha- and his team, without a shadow of doubt.” played their cricket.” of his helmet, luckily on a padded dat, with assault and torture in Former Australia fast bowler McDermott The 49-year-old, who has also spent time as section which has been added as Kaushal Silva was hit on the head while fielding at short leg. December after the young girl stepped down after the World Twenty20 tour- bowling coach for New Zealand and then for his extra protection to designs since was found crying on a roadside, nament in India and the team is still searching native South Africa from 2011-15, is currently Australian Phillip Hughes died in a doubt for the fi rst Test at Leeds Thirimanne, Milinda Siriwardana, her eyes bruised and swollen. for a permanent replacement. Local media re- with the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the In- 2014 after being hit on the head from May 19. Niroshan Dickwella, Nuwan Pradeep, The couple went into hiding ported last week that Lehmann had sounded dian Premier League (IPL). “He brings a wealth by a bouncer. Left-arm spinner Rangana Rangana Herath, Shaminda Eranga, after police raided their house in out Yorkshire coach Jason Gillespie, a former of experience with him and our guys will ben- Silva was discharged from hos- Herath, who quit limited overs Suranga Lakmal . September when the girl alleged Australia fast bowler, about joining his group. efi t greatly from having him around,” Lehmann pital on Tuesday after recovering cricket earlier this month to focus they had beaten and tortured her. Cricket Australia have said they hope to make added. “His Test record speaks for itself and he from what his country’s board solely on Tests, will spearhead Sri DISGRACED BANGLADESH Television footage showed her a decision on a permanent appointment before was without a doubt one of the most formidable called “a mild concussion” and Lanka’s spin attack. Chester-le- CRICKETER SEEKS COMEBACK looking frail and thin and police Australia’s international programme at home, bowlers of his generation. He has also had con- returns to the Test squad after be- Street hosts the second Test from A Bangladeshi Test cricketer said one of her hands had been which starts in early November, against South siderable success in sub-continent conditions ing axed for the New Zealand tour May 27, followed by the third and banned from the game after he burnt with a hot cooking imple- Africa. West Australia bowling coach Adam and will bring a fresh perspective, and challenge late last year. fi nal match at Lord’s from June 9. was charged with torturing an ment. Griffi th is joining the team for their triangular some of our thinking.” Sri Lanka also included rookie Sri Lanka Test squad: 11-year-old girl he employed as He spent two months in cus- limited overs series against West Indies and Lehmann added that former Australia play- batsmen Dasun Shanaka and Angelo Matthews (captain), a maid apologised yesterday and tody after he handed himself in to South Africa in the Caribbean in June. er Stuart Law would join the team for the tour Dhananjaya de Silva in a 17-man Dhananjaya Silva, Dasun Shanaka, appealed to be allowed to return police on October 5 and has since Donald, however, will join the team for the as batting coach. Current batting coach Greg squad to be led by Angelo Math- Dhammika Prasad, Dilruwan Per- to the game. been released on bail, as has his three Tests, fi ve one day internationals and Blewett had been excused to spend time with ews. Lahiru Thirimanne, recover- era, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Shahadat Hossain, who has de- wife. A judge has ordered that the two Twenty20 matches in Sri Lanka from July his family, with his second child due to be born ing from a hamstring injury, also Chandimal, Dushmantha Chameera, nied abusing the girl in the past, couple face trial, and if convicted 26-Sept. 9. “When Boof asked me I didn’t ex- during the tour, CA said. found a place in the squad but is Kaushal Silva, Kusal Mendis, Lahiru apologised for what he called his they face up to 14 years in jail. Gulf Times 6 Friday, April 29, 2016 SPORT

MLB NBA Sabathia allows three Curry-less Warriors runs in six innings as rout Rockets

AFP Los Angeles ‘WE WERE EXHAUSTED’ But as the game reached its criti- cal phase, Portland stretched Rangers beat Yankees he Golden State Warriors away to seal a deserved win brushed off the unset- which leaves them needing just tling absence of injured one more victory to advance. ‘He’s not the guy that’s going to throw 120 pitches anymore. He’s not that guy’ star Stephen Curry on Game Six takes place on Friday in WednesdayT to demolish the Portland. By Erik Boland Houston Rockets and advance to CJ McCollum fi nished with Newsday (TNS) the next round of the NBA play- 27 points while Damian Lillard off s. scored 16 of his 22 points in the The Warriors’ hopes of suc- fourth quarter. o one pretends anymore that the cessfully defending their NBA Maurice Harkless added 19 expectations for CC Sabathia crown received a blow on Sunday points and 10 rebounds, Allen are set very high. He is the Yan- after Curry was sidelined for at Crabbe 11 points, and Mason kees’ fi fth starter, and hopes for least two weeks with a sprained Plumlee and Gerald Henderson Nthe former ace are commensurate with knee ligament. contributed 10 points to cap a that rotation slot. But the Warriors did enough fi ne all-round display. “I think he’s done a pretty good job of in a 114-81 rout of the Rockets For the Clippers, J J Redick fi n- giving us an opportunity to win every to remind the pretenders to their ished with 19 points while Jamal game,” Joe Girardi said before Sabathia crown that they remain a formi- Crawford scored 17. DeAndre took the mound Wednesday night against dable outfi t even without their Jordan added 16 points and 17 re- the Rangers. “He’s not the guy that’s go- talisman. bounds. ing to throw 120 pitches anymore. He’s The 4-1 series victory means Clippers coach Doc Rivers said not that guy.” the Warriors will now face ei- his team had been running on The 35-year-old left-hander, of ther the Portland Trail Blazers or empty when it mattered. course, still believes he can turn in top- the injury-ravaged Los Angeles “Like they turned their energy of-the-rotation caliber starts, the reason Clippers in the next round of the up in the beginning of the third he was particularly disappointed in his Western Conference playoff s. (quarter), and we were exhaust- two previous outings when he lasted just Portland appear to be in pole ed,” Rivers said. 42/3 innings. position to face Golden State af- “I had to call two timeouts. Sabathia did better than that against a ter defeating the Clippers 108- You could just see it. That’s not team that bludgeoned Luis Severino the 98 on Wednesday to take a 3-2 conditioning, that was emotion.” night before in a 10-1 Yankees loss, but lead in the best-of-seven series. Redick meanwhile insisted the wasn’t good enough, in large part because Whether the Blazers will have Clippers would be ready to rise to of little run support. In what is quickly enough to trouble the Warriors, the challenge when they hit the becoming a dog-bites-man headline even without Curry, remains to road to face Portland. this young season, the Yankees didn’t hit be seen. “I don’t want to equate a bas- again, the latest edition a 3-2 loss to the Golden State coach Steve Kerr, ketball game to death, but it is do Rangers at Globe Life Park. who received his NBA Coach of or die,” Redick said afterwards. The Yankees (8-12), who lost two of the Year award just before tip off at Elsewhere Wednesday, the three to the Rangers (12-10), continue the Oracle Arena, hailed his team’s Charlotte Hornets stunned the this three-city, nine-game trip Friday strength in depth after the win. Miami Heat 90-88 to take a 3-2 night in Boston. “Literally every single guy on lead in the best-of-seven series. The Yankees came in 13 for their last our roster contributed during Courtney Lee was the hero 104 (.125) with runners in scoring posi- this series,” Kerr said. for Charlotte, sinking a game- tion. This time they went 1-for-5. That point was emphasised winning three-pointer with just After Rangers lefthander Martin Pe- by the performance of Curry’s under 30 seconds left to leave rez went six innings, allowing two runs replacement, veteran Shaun Liv- the Hornets within one win of a and six hits, the Yankees couldn’t score ingston, who fi nished with 16 place in the next round. against left-hander Jake Diekman (two points on Wednesday. Charlotte will be at home for innings) and righty Shawn Tolleson, who New York Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia is unable to field a ball hit by Texas Rangers left fielder Ian Desmond (not pictured) James Harden scored a game- Friday’s Game Six, where victory earned his seventh save. during the third inning of their game in Arlington, Texas. (USA TODAY Sports) high 35 points for the Rockets, but would see them advance. Sabathia departed with the Yankees the result was never in doubt after Lee set up his game-winning trailing 3-2. He went six innings, match- In the second, Perez walked Mark third, but not long enough, then tossed A-Rod’s 690th homer and 100th in this the Warriors sprinted into a 37-20 play after grabbing a crucial long ing his season high, allowing three runs Teixeira and A-Rod, who came in hitting softly to Teixeira. Rua took off for the ballpark, where he played from 2001-03. lead in the fi rst quarter that they rebound. He also conjured a key and fi ve hits. He struck out fi ve and .145, to start the inning. Brian McCann plate as Sabathia threw to fi rst and slid never looked like losing. block on Dwyane Wade with 2.6 walked three, and the last of those walks grounded into a 4-6-3 double play but across to beat Teixeira’s throw, which RESULTS While the Warriors overcame seconds left as the Hornets held was especially galling. Starlin Castro came through, dumping a was slightly off line, but that likely didn’t San Francisco 13 San Diego 9 the absence of Curry smoothly, on. Alex Rodriguez’s third homer had tied it single to right to make it 1-0. The hit “im- make a diff erence. Philadelphia 3 Washington 0 the Clippers were unable to paper “He’s a terrifi c athlete and he at 2 in the fourth, and Sabathia retired the proved” the Yankees to 14-for-106 (.132) Perez set down the Yankees in order Chicago White Sox 4 Toronto 0 over the gaping hole in their ranks has good timing,” Hornets coach fi rst two batters of the sixth before walking with runners in scoring position. in a seven-pitch third, and the Rangers Detroit 9 Oakland 4 left by the absence of injured stars Steve Cliff ord said. Rougned Odor on fi ve pitches. Elvis Andrus Sabathia nearly pitched out of a jam took the lead in the bottom half. Sabathia Boston 9 Atlanta 4 Chris Paul and Blake Griffi n. pounced on a 2-and-2, belt-high fastball in the second but saw the Rangers tie it walked Bryan Holaday, the No. 9 hitter, Baltimore 3 Tampa Bay 1 The Clippers fought bravely RESULTS and hit it into the gap in right-center for a at 1. Ryan Rua led off with a single to the on four pitches, and Delino DeShields’ NY Mets 5 Cincinnati 2 to stay in touch heading into the Charlotte 90 Miami 88 triple that gave the Rangers a 3-2 lead. right side that beat the shift. Odor sent a sacrifi ce bunt moved Holaday to second. Texas 3 NY Yankees 2 fourth quarter at the Staples Golden State 114 Houston 81 Perez allowed eight fi rst-inning runs in single to the gap in right-center and took Sabathia struck out Nomar Mazara but Cleveland 6 Minnesota 5 Center. Portland 108 LA Clippers 98 a 21-5 rout last July 28 in his only previ- second on Jacoby Ellsbury’s ill-advised Adrian Beltre waited on an 0-and-1 fast- Pittsburgh 9 Colorado 8 (12 innings) ous start against the Yankees. This time throw trying to get Rua at third. ball and lined it to center for a single that St. Louis 11 Arizona 4 he allowed two runs and six hits in six Andrus bounced to third for the fi rst made it 2-1. LA Angels 4 Kansas City 2 innings. He walked two and struck out out and Hanser Alberto followed with a Rodriguez tied it in the fourth, slam- Houston 7 Seattle 4 three, all in the fi rst. comebacker. Sabathia looked Rua back to ming a belt-high changeup to left, It was Miami 2 LA Dodgers 0

Nintendo puts shares in Seattle Mariners up for sale

AFP The firm’s US unit “has started negotia- The Mariners’ roster has included many its console-only policy even as online Los Angeles tions to sell a portion of its ownership Japanese stars including prolific hitter games shot up in popularity. in First Avenue Entertainment”, which Ichiro Suzuki. Last month the firm released operates the Mariners, Nintendo said in Nintendo’s ownership, the presence “Miitomo”—a free-to-play and interac- intendo said yesterday it has put a statement. of Ichiro and other Japanese players tive game that allows users to create some of its stake in the Seattle “If and when the deal is done, Nintendo on the team over the years, as well “Mii” avatars—as it tries to compete in NMariners baseball team up for of America Inc will no longer be the as Seattle’s location on the US West an industry that has increasingly gone sale, as the struggling Japanese videog- principal owner of the team.” coast helped fuel the team’s popularity online. ame giant looks to repair its finances. Nintendo’s late president Hiroshi among Japanese baseball fans. On Wednesday, the firm said its net The company, which did not release any Yamauchi bought shares in the team’s Kyoto-based Nintendo has been strug- profit in the fiscal year through March financial details, said it would no longer operator in December 1992 when they gling to regain revenue and profits tumbled 60 percent from a year earlier, be the team’s majority owner if a deal is were under threat to be relocated from as it lags behind competitors while mainly due to a stronger yen, which Shaun Livingston (right) of the Golden State Warriors shoots over reached. Seattle. long staying reluctant to stray from dents profits calculated in yen. Dwight Howard of the Houston Rockets during their game in Oakland, California, on Wednesday. (AFP)

BOTTOMLINE NBA team owners propose $1bn plan to attract US pro soccer to Detroit

Reuters county juvenile detention facility. The eff ort is supported by MLS Com- Detroit The plan was unveiled at a news con- missioner Don Garber, who was present ference by Gilbert and Pistons executive at the Wednesday news conference and Arn Tellem, and offi cials said it is meant recently said the league would expand to wo professional basketball to help revitalise downtown Detroit. 28 teams. team owners on Wednesday The city of Detroit exited the biggest- MLS currently has 20 teams with announced a $1bn investment ever US municipal bankruptcy in De- plans to add four others. Detroit and plan to attract a Major League cember 2014. Sacramento are the leading candidates TSoccer franchise to downtown Detroit However, Wayne County Executive to be added to the expansion list. in a move they said would help revital- Warren Evans said in a statement that he Historically, the league has looked at ize the city. wanted to see a proposal that would not three areas when weighing expansion Dan Gilbert, the owner of the Nation- cost the taxpayers any extra money or de- markets - strong ownership group, plans al Basketball Association’s Cleveland lay the opening of the unfi nished jail. for a soccer-specifi c stadium and success Cavaliers, and Tom Gores, who owns “My priority is protecting the inter- as a market that supports soccer. the Detroit Pistons, proposed a 20,000- ests of Wayne County taxpayers,” he In 2014, the University of Michigan in seat stadium on 15-acres that includes said in a statement. “Right now, fi nish- Ann Arbor hosted the biggest soccer game the site of the halted Wayne County jail, ing the Gratiot jail is the best option for ever played on American soil - a friendly according to a spokeswoman for Gilbert quickly and cost-eff ectively building match between Real Madrid and Man- and a statement. the new jail Wayne County needs.” chester United that drew 109,318 fans, The proposal includes plans for fi t- On Tuesday, Gores, chief executive of topping the previous mark of 101,799 set ness facilities, an offi ce tower, covered private equity fi rm Platinum Equity and in the 1984 Olympics fi nal, Gilbert and parking, a residential tower, open and a Flint, Michigan, native, and Gilbert, Gores said in a statement. covered plazas, a hotel, restaurants and a Detroit native and chairman of mort- The Pontiac Silverdome outside De- retail, the statement said. The proposal gage lender Quicken Loans, announced troit hosted four fi rst-round matches in also includes relocating the current they were teaming up to bring an MLS the 1994 World Cup tournament, won Two professional basketball team owners announced a $1 billion investment plan to attract a Major League Soccer club to Wayne County Jail, a circuit court and a team to downtown Detroit. by Brazil. downtown Detroit in a move they said would help revitalise the city. (Reuters) Gulf Times Friday, April 29, 2016 7 SPORT

STANLEY CUP FOCUS Prince of Isles Predators win scores twice in decider to send win over Bolts Ducks packing 'Defensively, I thought we did an excellent job... you have to win games like that'

Reuters After briefl y trailing 1-0, the set the tone for the se- ries with three goals in the fi rst period, then chased Bishop with rookie in Ottawa two a fourth goal midway through the months ago, Shane second period. Prince (pictured) Tampa Bay had jumped out scored twice for the early, with Ondrej Palat scoring NewA York Islanders on Wednes- his second goal of the postsea- day as they beat the Tampa Bay son on a spin pass from Jonathan Lightning 5-3 in the opener of Drouin for a 1-0 lead just 3:05 their second-round series on into the game. Wednesday at Amalie Arena. Shortly after, the Islanders’ “I couldn’t be in a better place, Casey Cizikas sent Lightning competing for the Stanley Cup,” forward Erik Condra fl ying into said the 23-year-old, who was the boards with a hit that left him acquired by the Islanders at the motionless on his back on the ice trade deadline. for a minute before he was helped “I think it’s as good as it gets off by trainers. in hockey. I’m beyond excited to Not even three minutes after be here, grateful. We have a great the Lightning goal, the Islanders group of guys, great coaches, and answered, with Travis Hamon- I think we can see that in the fi rst ic fi ring a long shot that went round and the fi rst game of this through Bishop’s legs to tie the series.” score at one with 14:16 left in the New York led 4-1 in the third, fi rst period. but the Lightning got goals from Tampa Bay killed off two New Nikita Kucherov and Valtteri York power plays in a span of fi ve Filppula to pull within a goal with minutes, but Prince scored twice 2:32 left in a furious comeback. in the fi nal 2:32 of the period for After Tampa Bay pulled their a 3-1 lead. goalie in the fi nal two minutes, Prince was open on the far New York got an empty-net goal side of the net on a pass Strome from Cal Clutterbuck to seal the for the go-ahead goal, and then win. with just 2.1 seconds left in the Prince scored twice from just period, Strome was behind the in front of the Lightning goal, net and found Prince in the taking passes from Ryan Strome same spot to beat Bishop for a and getting the puck past Light- 3-1 lead. ning goalie Ben Bishop, who “What hurt us was giving up left after a fourth goal midway two goals in the last two and a through the second period. half minutes,” Lightning coach The Islanders came in with said. “That’s what much less rest after eliminating killed us. The game’s plugging Anaheim Ducks' Hampus Lindholm (left) and Nashville Predators' Paul Gaustad (right) battle near the net during the NHL game in Nashville. (USA TODAY Sports) the Florida Panthers with back- along, it’s 1-1, you walk out and to-back double-overtime wins, it’s 3-1. We gave up a goal with Reuters out. They’re a tough team to play against Fowler’s slap shot from the blue line. the Ducks scoreless early in the second but now have a 1-0 series lead three seconds left. New York in their own end because they cut cycles Wilson put Nashville ahead 6:19 into period. After Rinne blocked Rickard ahead of Game 2 in Tampa on Sat- “We were way too soft in that off .” the game with his second goal of the Rakell’s tip-in, Jamie McGinn tried to urday. last few minutes of the period The victory came in the fi rst Game 7 in playoff s. Defenseman Mattias Ekholm convert the rebound with Rinne prone “We made bad decisions. I don’t and it burned us.” fter winning Game 6 of their Predators history. fl ipped a high pass from the left boards on the ice. However, McGinn’s shot hit know what to say,” Tampa Bay Tampa Bay outshot New York Western Conference quarter- “It’s a big step,” Nashville coach Peter in the Predators’ zone to Wilson at the the crossbar about fi ve minutes into the forward Tyler Johnson said of the early in the second period, but fi nal series on Monday, the Laviolette said. “If you don’t take this Ducks’ blue line. period. loss. “We’ve got to be better for the a hooking on Jonathan Nashville Predators saw a mes- step, you can’t take any more steps.” Wilson tried to feed a pass between “We knew they were going to make a full 60, that’s all it is. It’s a seven- Marchessault—who had been a sageA in their locker room: “Noon fl ight to Ryan Kesler scored the only goal for the Anaheim defensemen Simon Despres and push after we were up 2-0,” Predators de- game series and we’ve been down healthy scratch in all fi ve games Anaheim. Pack for six days.” Ducks, who received 18 saves from goalie Clayton Stoner to Mike Fisher. Despres fenseman Roman Josi said. “But the de- before. We’ve been here.” against Detroit—gave the Island- Colin Wilson, Paul Gaustad and Pekka Frederik Andersen yet failed to win a sev- blocked the high pass with his glove and fense was amazing tonight. They’ve got a Tampa Bay got a goal in the ers a power play. Rinne ensured those instructions would enth game for the fi fth time since 2009. defl ected the puck to the ice. great cycle game and pass it to the points, third period from Kucherov—his With 11:01 left in the period, remain relevant. For the fourth consecutive year, op- However, before Despres could play but our forwards did a great job getting in team-best sixth of the playoff s— John Tavares went top shelf to Wilson and Gaustad scored in the fi rst ponents eliminated Anaheim in a Game 7 the puck, Wilson stole it and propelled a the shot lanes.” to cut the lead to 4-2 with 12:19, beat Bishop for a 4-1 lead for his period as the Predators eliminated the while the Ducks served as the home team. backhand inside the right post. Kesler ended Rinne’s quest for a shut- but New York had the game in sixth goal of the playoff s. Anaheim Ducks from the Stanley Cup “We were playing catch-up the whole “Those fl ipped-up pucks are hard to out on a power play 1:45 into the third hand at that point. Islanders coach Jack Capuano playoff s with a 2-1 victory in the seventh game, the whole series and all year,” control for the defensemen,” Wilson said. period. The center one-timed a shot in New York goalie Thomas Gre- missed part of the third period game of the series on Wednesday at the Ducks center Ryan Getzlaf said. “It came “I was just trying to wait. With the way front of the crease off Jakob Silfverberg’s iss gave up a goal just three min- after he was hit in the face with Honda Center. to bite us at the end.” ‘Fish’ was going, pushing him back, I was pass from behind the net for his fourth utes into the game, but shut out a puck. Rinne stopped 36 shots for the Preda- Anaheim coach Bruce Boudreau ad- fortunate enough for it to come up on my goal. the Lightning for the next 45 Capuano was back on the tors, who will face the San Jose Sharks on mitted that this loss in a Game 7 con- stick.” Anaheim came close to scoring the ty- minutes, facing a slew of shots bench with a cut on his nose Friday in the fi rst game of the conference tained a stronger sting. That goal tied Wilson with Martin Erat ing goal with about seven minutes to play. in the third period and fi nishing for the fi nal two minutes of the semi-fi nals. “With the way the score was and the for fourth place on the Predators’ all- Hampus Lindholm fi red a shot from the with 33 saves. game, after a pass from Lightning “I was able to see most of the shots,” way we were pushing, I’d say yes, espe- time playoff goal-scoring list with eight. blue line that defl ected off the back of Filppula’s goal made it a one- center Alex Killorn went into the Rinne said. “Defensively, I thought we cially with how hard we had to push from Gaustad’s second career playoff goal Rinne’s glove and slowly trickled off the score game with 2:32 left, but Islanders bench, catching the did an excellent job. Sometimes, you have November just to get to where we were,” and fi rst in the series extended the lead left post before Rinne covered it with his Greiss held on, with 15 saves in coach in the face. to win games like that.” Boudreau said. “We did everything the to 2-0 at 15:53. With his stick at shoulder glove. the third. He was helped off the bench Ducks left winger Andrew Cogliano hard way.” level, Gaustad defl ected Shea Weber’s “It came down to seven games for a Bishop, who had not allowed with a towel covering his face. agreed. Rinne prevented the hosts from tak- slap shot from the right point under the reason,” Weber said. “Everything about more than two goals in any of fi ve Assistant Doug Weight stepped “Tonight was probably one of our best ing the lead about four minutes after the crossbar. Boudreau challenged the call, it was a battle, a fi ght. I guess it was only fi rst-round games against De- in while he was sidelined. off ensive games in the series, if not the opening face-off , when he did the splits which video replay upheld. fi tting it was that close in the end, as troit, gave way to backup Andrei “I’m good. A little bit of a best,” Cogliano said, “but they gutted it while making a lunging catch of Cam Nashville needed the crossbar to keep well.” Vasilevskiy. headache,” said Capuano.

BOTTOMLINE NFL unwilling to engage in settlement talks with Brady: report

By Mark Daniels that he didn't do it. According to several re- trading quarterback Colin Kaepernick this The Providence Journal (TNS) ports, Brady is planning on fi ghting the sus- week even though recent trade talks with pension in some form or fashion. other teams cooled. For Brady, his options are limited after A few weeks ago, the 49ers were getting s it turns out, cooler heads will two of three New York judges ruled to rein- closer to trading Kaepernick to the Den- not prevail in Tom Brady's (pic- state his four-game suspension this week. ver Broncos. But the 49ers, Broncos and tured) ongoing battle with the Brady and his legal team can appeal and ask Kaepernick could not agree on who would NFL over Defl ategate. the entire Second Circuit (all 22 judges) to pay the quarterback’s $11.9 million guaran- AESPN's Adam Schefter reported on re-hear the case. The other option is to ap- teed salary for the 2016 season. Wednesday that the NFL is unwilling to en- peal to the US Supreme Court. “I wouldn’t say we are out there look- gage in any settlement talks with Brady, cit- ing for it, but I wouldn’t rule it out,” 49ers ing a league source. MANZIEL ORDERED TO APPEAR IN general manager Trent Baalke told ESPN on According to Schefter, the "NFL believes DALLAS COURT Wednesday. neither NFLPA nor anyone from Brady's Former Cleveland Browns quarterback John- camp has provided any rationale for settle- ny Manziel was ordered to appear in a Dallas EAGLES SIGN KELLY: REPORT ment discussions. The league believes the court May 5 and the judge set bond at $1,500 The Philadelphia Eagles signed veteran of- time for those talks has come and gone, after on a misdemeanor assault charge. Manziel fensive lineman Dennis Kelly to a one-year the two sides had discussed a settlement last was formally indicted by a Dallas County contract extension through 2017, according summer." grand jury on Tuesday. The misdemeanor do- to reports. When the two parties were engaging in mestic violence charge carries a maximum of ESPN reported the extension adds settlement talks, the discussions got nowhere one year incarceration and a $4,000 fi ne. $880,000 of new money to Kelly’s deal. as Brady has never been willing to admit any Kelly, 26, was set to enter the fi nal year of his guilt. When the Defl ategate allegations came NO DECISION ON TRADING current contract, which will pay him a base up in January 2015, Brady immediately told KAEPERNICK YET salary of $760,000 this season. his Patriots teammates, in a team meeting, The San Francisco 49ers have not ruled out — Inputs from agencies Gulf Times 8 Friday, April 29, 2016 RUGBY

SUPER RUGBY FOCUS Loss-making Beast taken out New Zealand eye Lions cash boost

AFP “We face a revenue challenge if Wellington we hope to continue growing in- vestment in the game,” he said in of Shark attack a statement. ew Zealand Rugby “We are forecasting losses in (NZR) yesterday re- four of the fi ve years, with the ‘The win against the Highlanders was a great confidence boost for the players’ vealed that next year’s exception being next year with British and Irish Lions the British and Irish Lions. Ntour will be crucial to its fi nanc- “Our aim is to reach break- AFP Wellington es, underpinning a fi ve-year plan even over the period, but it is to break even by 2020. clear already that this will be a NZR said it recorded a big challenge.” he Coastal Sharks have taken a NZ$463,000 (US$320,000) loss The NZR’s annual report re- gamble by sidelining the feared in 2015, despite the All Blacks leased yesterday did not provide Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira as they becoming the fi rst team to ever to a breakdown of projected losses look this weekend to topple Su- win back-to-back Rugby World or how much next year’s Lions Tper rugby leaders Waikato Chiefs, who Cups. tour is expected to bolster the have an under-performing scrum. While that was less than the bottom line. The Beast’s absence from today’s clash NZ$955,000 defi cit the organi- However, it said last year that has been attributed to a planned work- sation was expecting, NZR said demand was set to exceed the load for leading Springboks but the ab- the fi gure was set to blow out composite team’s last tour in sence of the hulking prop and Sharks to NZ$10 million this year as it 2005, when 20,000 travelling captain will be a relief to the hosts as they ploughs extra funds into provin- fans created a boisterous atmos- battle to remain competition leaders. cial unions. phere and injected an estimated The Sharks are in buoyant mood as Chairman Brent Impey said NZ$135 million into the economy. they look to back up from their narrow the NZR was still in a “favourable No Lions squad has won a se- win against the defending champions fi nancial position” with cash re- ries in New Zealand since 1971. Otago Highlanders. serves of NZ$59.1 million, but it Next year’s tourists face a packed The Highlanders this week host the needed to fi nd ways to generate 10-match schedule, including ACT Brumbies in a clash of two sides suf- extra revenue. three Tests against the All Blacks. fering a mid-season slump. The Melbourne Rebels, who have re- placed the Brumbies as the number one Australian side, should cement their positon when they play Auckland Blues who are at the bottom of the New Zea- land group. Of the leading South Africa sides, the Golden Lions are at home to a Welling- ton Hurricanes unit who blew a chance last week to topple the Chiefs, while Western Stormers play the NSW Wara- tahs. When the Chiefs and Sharks clashed last year, red cards fl owed with three players sent off in a dramatic opening half hour when the Sharks came out on top 12-11. But Sharks coach Gary Gold wants no ill-tempered repeat this time. “The win against the Highlanders was a great confi dence boost for the players,” he said, adding that against the Chiefs “discipline is going to be key and we need to stay grounded”. The Chiefs retained their competition lead last week but the game ended with uncontested scrums when tighthead prop Siate Tokolahi was injured as they clung to a one-point lead and their scrum was under pressure. Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira's absence from today’s clash has been attributed to a planned workload for leading Springboks but the A New Zealand radio station has since absence of the hulking prop and Sharks captain will be a relief to the hosts Waikato Chiefs. posted a video on Facebook showing Tokolahi running freely from a scrum and second in Australia, one point behind the The Lions head the Africa 2 conference Gahan is taking no notice of their past In this November 6, 2015, picture, Richie McCaw holds the Webb Ellis a lineout with no contact from any other Rebels. and with a six-point buff er over the sec- results. “The Blues in the New Zealand Cup during a parade in Wellington after New Zealand won the Rugby player before going down injured. The Brumbies “certainly need a lift,” ond-placed Sharks. Conference would probably be fi rst or World Cup in England. New Zealand Rugby recorded a loss despite The Chiefs have made fi ve changes according to coach Stephen Larkham. The Stormers, the premier South Af- second in the other conferences but they winning their second consecutive World Cup. (AFP) from that side with Tokolahi named on But he will be without injured star Joe rican side and Africa 1 conference lead- fi nd themselves down the bottom in theirs the bench and a start for Japan Test prop Tomane with a question mark over cap- ers, should be too strong for the NSW because it’s so good,” McGahan said. Hiroshi Yamashita. Mtawarira is one of tain Stephen Moore who has a calf muscle Waratahs although their form is diffi cult The two sides have split their four pre- six changes for the Sharks. injury. to gauge. vious Super Rugby meetings with the The Hurricanes, despite having an im- Under a quirk of the conference sys- home side winning on each occasion. Saracens forward Burger ‘NEED A LIFT’ pressive pack, have had plenty to work on tem, the Stormers will not be required to In other games this weekend, the West- The Highlanders and Brumbies have both ahead of playing the Lions in Johannesburg. play a New Zealand team before the play- ern Force play the Northern Bulls in Perth, announces retirement won fi ve of eight games and while that Beauden Barrett has lost his kicking off s while the Sharks will play all ve.fi the Queensland Reds host the Central leaves the Highlanders fourth in an in- radar and they were plagued by handling The Blues are at the bottom of the New Cheetahs while the Southern Kings are in Saracens back-row forward Jacques Burger has decided to call tense New Zealand group, the Brumbies are errors against the Chiefs. Zealand table, but Rebels coach Tony Mc- Buenos Aires to play the Jaguares. time on his illustrious rugby career and will play his final game against Newcastle Falcons in the Premiership at Allianz Park on Sunday. The 32-year-old has made 113 appearances since his arrival in ‘Bloody angry’ Chiefs coach says he’s no cheat 2009, helping Saracens to the Premiership title in 2011 and 2015. “It is sad that it’s coming to an end but I’ve said this before - play- AFP Siate Tokolahi was injured battling the Rennie, who has been touted as a is not available, then scrums are not ing rugby is something that I have really loved doing,” Burger told Wellington Hurricanes dominant pack. possible future All Blacks coach, said contested as a safety measure. the club’s website (www.saracens.com). Hurricanes skipper Dane Coles re- Tokolahi was genuinely injured and de- “It’s such a rarity, I’ve had 78 games in “I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to live that marked to referee Craig Joubert at the nied his departure was a tactical move. charge of the Chiefs and it’s the first dream. It’s been an amazing journey. I’ve loved every minute at aikato Chiefs coach Dave Rennie time that it was “an amazing coinci- “I’m bloody angry because they’re time we’ve gone to golden oldie (un- Saracens, as it’s been like home from minute one. It has been an yesterday angrily denied cheat- dence” the injury came when the home challenging our integrity,” he told Radio contested) scrums,” he said. incredible ride.” Wing in the dying minutes of his side’s scrum was on top. Sport. “We’ve got two injured tighthead Tokolahi has been named on the bench Saracens chairman Nigel Wray paid tribute to the Namibia cap- side’s nail-biting Super Rugby win over the Then a New Zealand radio station props and that forced us to go down to for Friday’s match against the Coastal tain, who will head back to his homeland to become a farmer, and Wellington Hurricanes last weekend. posted a video on Facebook showing 14 players... it happens, you don’t want it Sharks but Rennie said that should not labelled Burger as “probably one of the greatest warriors ever to The Chiefs stayed top of the table after Tokolahi apparently running freely from to happen but you have to deal with it.” cast doubt on the seriousness of the in- play for Saracens”. scraping to a 28-27 win, with the match a scrum and a lineout with no contact Under the rules of rugby, if a member jury he suff ered against the Hurricanes. Burger’s career for Namibia spanned more than nine years and 36 going to uncontested scrums for the from any other player before going of the tight five has to leave the field “A lot of guys go off injured and front up caps including three Rugby World Cup appearances in 2007, 2011 last five minutes after tighthead prop down injured. and a properly trained replacement the next week,” he said. and 2015.

BOTTOMLINE Wallabies coach Cheika dismisses Australia doom-mongers

Reuters “I am not concerned at all,” Cheika tions grand slam last month for the fi rst Sydney told reporters in Sydney. “I only see op- time since 2003. portunity all the time I watch the boys “They have shown their quality by play. winning the grand slam straight up,” allabies coach Michael “I am not going to say it’s all going Cheika said. Cheika (pictured) has swimmingly. We would like to have a “They are the number one team in shrugged off Australia’s few more wins as a nation, for sure. But Europe and they have made it clear they struggles in Super Rugby one thing I learned in Super Rugby is want to become the number one team in Wthis season and hit back at critics for be- that the season goes for 18 rounds and the world. This is a great starting point ing too pessimistic about the local game there is a still way to run. for them.” in the lead-up to the home Test series “There is a lot of carry-on from Cheika has promised to cast the net far against England. people who have a diff erent agenda or and wide in his selections, having been Four of Australia’s fi ve Super Rugby maybe they’ve had too many years of instrumental in bringing a policy change teams are in the doldrums in the south- negativity and they can’t break the cy- in Australian rugby last year that allowed ern hemisphere competition, with only cle, instead of just saying ‘this is a game foreign-based players to earn selection. the conference-topping Melbourne of footy, I am going to enjoy it’.” But he gave special backing to former Rebels exceeding expectations at the The Wallabies play a resurgent Eng- captain and fl anker Michael Hooper, mid-point of the season. land in a three-Test series starting who was heavily criticised by Austral- The slump in form has taken the in Brisbane on June 11, which will pit ia’s fi rst World Cup-winning coach Bob gloss off Australia’s run to last year’s Cheika’s wits against another straight- Dwyer as being a “non-event” in Super World Cup fi nal, with local rugby writ- talking Australian in Eddie Jones. Rugby this season. ers already dismissing the Wallabies’ Jones has turned around England’s “I don’t need to go on the record chances of beating top-ranked New fortunes since their calamitous fi rst- about what I think about Michael Zealand in the annual Bledisloe Cup round exit at their home World Cup last Hooper; I think it will be seen through series. year, with the side winning the Six Na- my selections,” Cheika added. Gulf Times Friday, April 29, 2016 9 SPORT

OLYMPICS Rio Games shrugs off doubts for 100-day countdown Organisers took the Olympic flame for the start of a journey that will see it carried by 12,000 people around Brazil

AFP Rio de Janeiro The statue of Christ the Redeemer is illuminated in Brazilian flag colours, including a projected io de Janeiro on Wednesday launched face designed by Brazil based Italian-French the 100-day countdown to hosting lighting artist Gaspare Di Caro, to celebrate 100 South America’s fi rst Olympic Games days until the start of the Olympic Games 2016, with government and global sports in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday. (AFP) leadersR insisting they can overcome Brazil’s po- litical meltdown and troubled preparations. At an Athens ceremony featuring ancient Greek goddess costumes, Brazilian organisers took the Olympic fl ame for the start of a journey that will see it carried by 12,000 people around Latin America’s biggest country. “Rio is ready to make history,” Carlos Nuz- man, president of the Rio 2016 Organizing Committee, said at the torch handover. New Zealand athletes marked the 100 day countdown with a traditional Haka dance on an Auckland beach at sunrise. Buildings around the world lit up in special colours—Brazilian yel- low and green at Tokyo’s municipal government headquarters and US red-white-blue for the Empire State Building in New York. Several countries also unveiled their Olympic uniforms, including Britain with a set designed by Stella McCartney and the US team turning to Ralph Lauren. With Rio’s hills, beaches and the famed statue of Christ the Redeemer provid- ing one of the most telegenic backdrops in the world, the Games are expected to be spectacular. But despite the insistence of the Brazilian government and International Olympic Com- mittee that everything will be ready, storm clouds are gathering. President Dilma Rousseff appears likely to be suspended from offi ce through impeachment in the next few weeks. Even her vice president, Michel Temer, who would normally take over— and whom she accuses of mounting a coup— could face action. And with the economy in steep decline for the second straight year, Brazilian unemployment has shot up to 10.2 percent and Olympic organ- izers have had to slash budgets, fuelling fears of embarrassing delays. lion tourists expected to fl ood the city in August. has predicted Rio will lay on an “excellent” frightening number,” said Robson Leite, inspec- dealing with controversy. Russian athletics, fac- Crime remains out of control. Brazil’s human Terrorism is another worry, although Brazil- Games and Brazil’s Sports Minister Ricardo tor for the labour offi ce in Rio de Janeiro state, ing one of the biggest doping scandals in sport- rights record came under fi re Wednesday with ian offi cials say a high-tech centre to co-ordi- Leyser insisted to AFP that the political crisis who said only eight workers were killed during ing history, is suspended from competition and a demand by Amnesty International for action nate international security teams will be up to will have “no eff ect at all.” construction of sites for the whole 2014 World not sure to be reinstated for Rio. over rising police killings, particularly in Rio’s the task. Offi cials say that Olympic sites are 98 Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes told journalists that Cup. Another two people were confi rmed killed Russia’s Olympic high jump champion favela shanty towns. The rights group said 11 percent complete. However, there are serious the warring politicians “all share the same de- when a much-touted new bicycle path collapsed Anna Chicherova is training without knowing people were killed in police shootings in Rio in delays to the velodrome, while a crucial exten- sire” for a successful Games. But setting up the last week. Still, authorities hope that the Olym- whether she will go to Rio. She acknowledged just the past month and at least 307 people were sion of Rio’s currently limited metro system is world’s biggest sporting event in a city battered pic fl ame relay will spark the so-far lacklustre the strain. “There are times when you don’t killed by police in the city last year—amounting only due to open at the start of July, leaving dan- by decades of under-investment in infrastruc- domestic interest in the Games. know where you’re going, when you lose sight to 20 percent of all homicides. gerously little wiggle room. ture and in a country riven by a giant corruption It arrives on May 3 in the capital Brasilia af- of the goal,” Chicherova, 33, told AFP. The In- Murders and violent muggings in even the Promises to clean up the horrifi c sewage and scandal has been full of diffi culties. ter a short stopover in Switzerland, and then is ternational Association of Athletics Federations most heavily policed, well-off parts of Rio in the garbage pollution in the bay where sailing and Rio authorities admitted this week that 11 to be carried through Brazilian towns and cities (IAAF) suspended Russia in November and will last few weeks have also prompted concern for windsurfi ng contests will take place have been people died over the past three years on Ol- until the opening ceremony at Rio’s Maracana not decide on whether Russia can return for Rio the safety of the estimated 500,000 to one mil- largely abandoned. IOC president Thomas Bach ympics-related construction projects. “It’s a football stadium. The Olympics themselves are until June.

GOLF TENNIS ROUND-UP Otto in orbit with eagle at eighth Chasing pack closing in

AFP Otto was two strokes ahead of Aus- Hennie Otto of Beijing tria’s Bernd Wiesberger, who won the South Africa. (AFP) French Open last year, with four play- on Serena: Navratilova ers tied one shot further back: Finland’s outh African journeyman Hen- Roope Kakko, Paraguayan Fabrizio AFP to be the only measuring stick nie Otto blasted a stunning nine- Zanotti, Peter Hanson of Sweden and New York that anybody cares about,” Na- under-par 63 to lead the Volvo Frenchman Gregory Bourdy. vratilova said. “Every time she China Open after the fi rst round Sweden’s Rikard Karlberg had a hole- plays a Grand Slam, she’s got a yesterday.S Starting in the very fi rst in-one with a seven iron at the 201-yard erena Williams remains chance to do it... Chances are it group on the 10th tee at the Topwin Golf 16th, winning a Volvo XC90 car for his the “queen” of wom- will happen, whether she can get and Country Club in Beijing, the world eff ort. “The factory is 30 minutes from en’s tennis but don’t to 24, that’s a long way away.” number 392 was only three under half- where I live so it’s pretty cool,” he said. be surprised if she’s no way through his round. “I’ve won a Swedish car in China.” longerS number one by the end FEDERER SIGNS UP FOR But he shot two birdies in his fi rst FIRST ROUND SCORES of the year, Martina Navratilova MADRID MASTERS three holes on the front nine and an ea- 63 - Hennie Otto (RSA) (right) said yesterday. Seventeen-time Grand Slam gle at the eighth saw him back in just 65 - Bernd Wiesberger (AUT) Speaking in Singapore to pro- champion Roger Federer will 30 strokes. Otto will be 40 in June and 66 - Roope Kakko (FIN), Fabrizio Zanotti mote this year’s WTA Finals, the continue his preparation for the turned professional in 1998 but had to (PAR), Peter Hanson (SWE), Gregory Bourdy 59-year-old Czech said she was French Open next month by tak- wait a decade for the fi rst of only three (FRA) pleased to see stronger com- ing part in the Madrid Masters European tour wins, the 2008 Italian 67 - Borja Virto Astudillo (ESP), Alex Noren petition in the women’s game. next week, tournament offi cials Open. (SWE), Joost Luiten (NED) “Right now there is competition confi rmed yesterday. “I played really well today,” he said 68 - Joakim Lagergren (SWE), Dean Bur- but not quite rivalry yet. But cer- “The Madrid Open can count in comments posted on the organisers’ mester (RSA), Marcel Siem (GER), Nathan tainly, a lot of players are step- upon the presence of Roger Fe- website. “You have to hit it in the right Holman (AUS), Wolmer Murillo (VEN), Mikko ping on Serena’s heels for the derer,” said a statement on the places and that’s the thing I did today. Korhonen (FIN), Jeff Winther (DEN), Richie year,” Navratilova said. tournament’s website. “Federer I’ve always got a good frame of mind Ramsay (SCO), Yuan Tian (CHN), Tyrrell “It’s not a foregone conclu- is one of the best tennis players every week but it’s just my putting let me Hatton (ENG), Felipe Aguilar (CHI), Lucas sion. The last couple of years by in history and Madrid is a special down and today it came through.” Bjerregaard (DEN) now, we pretty much knew Ser- place for him,” said tournament ena would end up world number director Manolo Santana. “We one at the end of the year but this are delighted to be able to once SKIING year it’s up in the air. It’s going to again count on his presence at be diffi cult for her to keep that the Caja Magica.” cushion but at the same time, The world number three had she’s still the queen.” American came within two initially planned to skip the Snowboarders banned for marijuana use Williams has not won a tour- matches of a calendar-year fourth Masters series event of nament since her triumph at Grand Slam, falling to Roberta the season to reserve his energy AFP Both have been suspended indefi nitely whether they have enough time.” Cincinnati in August. Navratilo- Vinci in the US Open semi-fi - for the three remaining Grand Tokyo and could be kicked out of the Japanese Japanese athletes were warned they could va, an 18-time major champion, nals. This year, she lost to An- Slams and Rio Olympics later in team for the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter be kicked out of the 2010 Vancouver Olym- said that Williams was under gelique Kerber in the Australian the year. Olympics, while the SAJ’s snowboarding pics after snowboarder Kazuhiro Kokubo added pressure after last year’s Open fi nal, to Victoria Azarenka However, the Swiss’s plans wo teenage Japanese snowboard- chief Fumikazu Hagiwara resigned over the arrived in dreadlocks and with his uniform scintillating run, when she won in the Indian Wells fi nal and in have changed having missed ers have been banned from com- incident. in “hip hop” style—trousers pulled low over three Grand Slam titles. the fourth round at Miami to nearly three months of the sea- petition after being found guilty of “This will not have a good impact on the his hips and shirt hanging out—causing “The gap has gotten smaller Svetlana Kuznetsova. son due to knee surgery, includ- smoking marijuana while on tour in Rio, Pyeongchang or Tokyo Olympics,” SAJ outrage from cabinet-level lawmakers back and it may keep getting smaller Her current form notwith- ing the Masters series events in Tthe United States in December, local media director Toshimasa Furukawa told local home. The latest controversy comes after because Serena won so many standing, Navratilova has Indian Wells and Miami. reported yesterday. media when breaking the news Wednesday, three Japan badminton players, including Grand Slams last year. She has a backed Williams as she looks Federer will be joined in the The Ski Association of Japan (SAJ) said which marked 100 days before the start of Olympic medal hope Kento Momota, were lot of points to defend. She’s not to reach the all-time record of Spanish capital by world number traces of the drug were detected in the hair this summer’s Rio Games. booted off the national team earlier this exactly fl oundering, it’s just the the most career singles Grand one Novak Djokovic, defending of the two boarders, whose names were not “If they undergo rehabilitation, there month for visiting an illegal casino. standard that she has set is so Slam trophies. Williams has champion Andy Murray and Ra- released because they are minors. One of is a chance for them (to compete in Gambling is largely illegal in Japan and high, it’s hard to live up to that. won 21 majors, one shy of Steffi fael Nadal fresh from his wins in the athletes admitted smoking marijuana Pyeongchang),” added Furukawa, not- that incident followed a betting scandal that You cannot write her off , (it’s) Graf’s career total and three be- Monte Carlo and Barcelona. The at a party in Colorado, where cannabis was ing that Japan’s snowboarders have faced rocked the country’s most popular sport, way too soon for that,” Navrati- hind Margaret Court’s all-time 34-year-old is a three-time win- legalised for recreational purposes in 2012, criticism at past Olympics for fl outing team baseball, just as it is bidding for inclusion in lova added. record. “It’s all becoming about ner in Madrid having claimed provided the user is 21 years old. dress code. “But it is impossible to say now the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Last year, the 34-year-old Grand Slams now and that seems the title in 2006, 2009 and 2012. Gulf Times 10 Friday, April 29, 2016 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT GYMNASTICS Former champ British cycling team Liukin calls Biles ‘the best’ thrown into chaos by she expects to witness. Reuters New York “It’s been fun for me just to commentate. You’re sitting on the edge of your seat. In your ormer Olympic gymnas- mind you’re thinking how is that tics all-around champion even possible,” she said about the Nastia Liukin said on tumbling passes Biles is able to departure of Sutton Wednesday that fellow produce at the end of her rou- FAmerican Simone Biles is the tines. best gymnast she has seen and “America is going to fall in love Sutton has been alleged of discrimination, sexism and bullying predicts the petite dynamo will with her. She’s just bubbly and be the darling of the Rio Games. giggly and enjoys life and loves Liukin, who claimed gold gymnastics.” with elegant aplomb at the 2008 Liukin said the 4-foot-9 (1.45 Beijing Olympics, said she can metres) Biles, who turned 19 two hardly wait for the Aug. 5-21 Rio weeks ago, has raised the bar Australian Shane Sutton resigned Games and was hard-pressed to each year in becoming the fi rst as British Cycling’s technical director name Biles’ main competition. woman to win three consecutive on Wednesday but strenuously “To be honest, she’s her own world all-around titles among denied suggestions he discriminated competition,” Liukin told Reu- a total haul of 14 medals, 10 of against any riders. ters on the observation deck of them gold. the Empire State Building, where “She’s added more diffi culty she helped throw the switch to every single year. Just when you light the skyscraper in Team USA think she can’t get any better, she red, white and blue to mark 100 can’t add any more diffi culty, she days out from the Rio Games. does,” gushed Liukin. “She’s just competing against “Aly Raisman and Gabby herself. She’s the best gymnast (Douglas) from the Fierce Five I’ve ever seen. will be pushing Simone,” Liukin “And obviously the most dom- said about the duo that were inant so far, even without any members of the gold medal win- Olympic medal, just looking at ning team at the 2012 London her world championships medal Games, where Douglas claimed count. The gymnastics that she the all-around crown. does is just absolutely incredible. “Some of the Russian gym- She brings it to a diff erent level.” nasts and Chinese gymnasts are Liukin will be in Rio as a TV also fi ghting their way but really, commentator for NBC and is tin- in the last three years no one has gling with excitement over what been able to come close to her.”

Reuters ship. Jess Varnish, the rider who sparked dealings with Sutton as “wholly positive”. Madison gold in thrilling fashion. London the current meltdown when she claimed Divisions and splits in the camp are The feelgood factor was palpable and Sutton told her “to go and have a baby” hardly ideal preparation for a team al- Sutton, who stepped up from head coach after being dropped from the squad, said ready under pressure to try and emulate to the top job when Beijing and London ritish Cycling was rummaging at the heart of British Cycling’s slick ex- the success of Beijing and London where mastermind Dave Brailsford quit to con- around for the puncture repair terior was a “culture of fear”. they easily topped the cycling medals ta- centrate on Team Sky in 2014, seemed on kit yesterday after technical di- Other have come out in support of the ble, winning eight golds at each. To add track to deliver a healthy Rio medal haul rector Shane Sutton’s resigna- 25-year-old, including Olympic champi- to the toxic mix, media reports yester- and justify UK Sport’s huge investment. tionB left the track powerhouse defl ating ons Victoria Pendleton and Nicole Cooke. day said expensive British Cycling kit, His departure breaks another link like a shredded inner tube on the road to “I know exactly how miserable they made including race bikes worth thousands of in the chain though. Brailsford, whose Rio. Less than 100 days before the start me,” former sprint queen Pendleton, pounds, was being sold online for profi t. “marginal gains” obsession transformed of the Olympic Games, the team that en- told British media this week. Paralym- UK Sport, which has funded British the team’s fortunes, is busy running Team joyed medal bonanzas in Beijing and Lon- pic cyclist Darren Kenny said Sutton, 58, Cycling to the tune of 30 million pounds Sky while sports psychology guru Steve don is reeling from Wednesday’s depar- described para-cyclists as “gimps” and ($43.69 million) in the four-year Rio cy- Peters is no longer working with the team. ture of Sutton, a key cog in Britain’s rise “wobblies”—terms often used in good cle, ordered an urgent investigation into Now Sutton, who has denied all the al- to cycling superpower, over allegations of humour by Paralympic athletes amongst the claims. Yet, at last month’s UCI track legations levelled at him, is gone too and discrimination, sexism and bullying. themselves. Others within the team, in- championships in London everything the wheels are in danger of falling off . Straight-talking Australian Sut- cluding Rio road race medal hope Geraint was looking rosy and there were ominous “Any team would miss a coach of his ton, who became a father fi gure to Brit- Thomas have leapt to Sutton’s defence signs that the British team was moving calibre and inevitably this will be a loss to ain’s fi rst Tour de France winner Bradley while the likes of Wiggins and Mark Cav- through the gears just in time for Rio. the organisation at this time in the Olym- Wiggins, had been suspended earlier in endish, who have both returned to the Olympic champions Trott and Ja- pic cycle,” Brailsford said this week. Andy the week after British Cycling announced track for one fi nal tilt at Olympic glory, son Kenny blasted to gold in the omnium Harrison, formerly the programmes di- an independent review of its performance remain fi ercely loyal to the coach who and sprint respectively. Euphoric scenes rector for British Cycling, has stepped programmes in the wake of mounting helped transform their careers. Olympic reminiscent of London 2012 greeted Wig- into the breach and will try and steer the disquiet over the 58-year-old’s leader- champion Laura Trott, too, describes her gins and Cavendish as they snatched the team back on the right track. American gymanst Simone Biles.

FORMULA ONE Ennis-Hill concerned Hamilton blasts Red Bull ‘riot shield’ safety screen by Zika AFP over the course of a season by Mercedes team- Sochi, Russia mate Nico Rosberg but the Briton is not about to under-estimate the challenge facing him this threat ahead year. orld champion Lewis Hamilton With Rosberg 36 points ahead of Hamilton of Rio Games wants Formula One to retain its after winning the fi rst three races of the year for mortal danger and to reject the lat- a maximum 75 points, the Briton rejected a sug- London: Britain’s world and Olym- est form of head protection to be gestion that the diff erence was no big deal. “I pic heptathlon champion Jessica Wtested today at the Russian Grand Prix. The de- don’t look at it lightly and I don’t look at it like Ennis-Hill is deeply concerned about fending three-time champion said, after looking it’s not a big deal. It is a big deal,” he told report- the threat of the Zika virus in Brazil at the Red Bull team’s “canopy” head protection ers at the Russian Grand Prix. “It’s 36 points. It’s ahead of this summer’s Olympics in system to be used by Australian Daniel Ricciardo a race and a bit...I don’t look at it thinking ‘Ah, Rio de Janeiro. An outbreak of the in today’s opening free practice, that it was “so that’s nothing’. It’s a steep one to climb.” mosquito-borne Zika virus, linked to bad—it looks like a bloody riot shield.” On the fl ip side, Hamilton came back from 29 numerous cases of the microcephaly “If they’re going to do this, then don’t half- points behind Rosberg in 2014 and this season birth defect in Brazil, has spread in arse it. Go one way or the other. That screen is the longest ever with 21 races. There are still Latin America and the Caribbean, looks so bad!” Ricciardo, who has called for the 18 to go, including a string of circuits where he causing panic and leading some sport to be open to change and not to fear em- has dominated in the past. “I’ve been racing 23 athletes to consider whether to at- bracing a safer “new” future, is one of many years and there’s been a lot of challenges,” he tend the Games. “It is worrying, really drivers in favour of a head protection system. said when asked where his current predicament concerning,” Ennis-Hill told the Daily The Red Bull system is an alternative to the ranked among previous obstacles. “It’s just an- Telegraph. “I have to make sure I un- ‘halo’ system devised and tested by Ferrari. other one.” derstand what’s happening and what But Hamilton said: “You’ve got this cool, el- Russia, which made its debut on the calendar the risks are. It’s something I have to egant futuristic Formula One car—and you’ve in 2014 after the Winter Olympics in the Black be on top of.” got a riot shield sitting on top of it. “And (as to) Sea resort of Sochi, off ers Hamilton a great Ennis-Hill, who won the heptath- the other one (the halo), the carbon fi bre struc- chance to make inroads into Rosberg’s advan- lon world title in Beijing last August, ture was obviously good, but Fernando (Alonso) tage. The champion was a winner in 2014 and 13 months after giving birth to her wouldn’t have been able to get out of the car, po- 2015 and could make it a hat-trick of wins there son Reggie, said she wanted more tentially, in his crash in Melbourne. Mercedes Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain arrives for an autograph session on the eve this weekend. He said he just needed a trouble- children and was constantly monitor- “But, on top of that, it is a good thing to see of the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi, Russia yesterday. (Reuters) free run after starting from the back of the grid ing updates from the British Olympic the FIA does take safety seriously. It is a con- at the previous race in China due to a power unit Association. stant thing that always needs to be worked on— every single driver that’s ever got in the car has “It’s easy to sit in the garage with it. So far, problem and then getting caught in a collision “I am receiving updates from the as long as it doesn’t aff ect the aesthetics, the been willing to take. the impression with it is that it should be OK, before fi nishing seventh. BOA and seeking as many bits of ad- style and the coolness of Formula One.” Ricciardo said he intends to do only one in- visibility-wise. I think you’ve got to be open to a The Briton’s starts have been under scrutiny, vice as I can get. Things are changing Red Bull believes that its system will be more stallation lap with the new safety device fi tted. bit of change,” he said. “Obviously it’s diff erent, after he qualifi ed on pole position in the open- constantly,” she added. The athlete popular and give the driver better visibility than “I will drive in FP1, do an installation lap with but in 2009 the cars changed quite a lot - and I ing two races, but he was not worried about that. said she wanted to take her son to Rio the ‘halo’ system. Head protection has been it,” he said. “I’m sure I will get a lot of TV time in thought they were ugly as hell - but you got used “I had the best start of the whole grid in the for what will be her final Olympics but called for in F1 following a series of fatal acci- the fi rst two minutes of the session - so I’d better to them and they refi ned them. last race,” he said in reference to having the would delay making a decision until dents in motor sport in recent years, but Ham- comb my hair in the morning! “It’s diff erent! You’re used to seeing hel- quickest getaway once the lights went out. “We she had considered all the risks. ilton believes there is no need to change the “It is quite a structure, it is going to aff ect the mets—and the helmet is the only thing of the have been working on that issue. “The last two “It will be a late call,” she added. “I sport’s tradition for open cockpits. aero and all that, it’s really just to see if it works driver a spectator can see. Let’s see! I’ve been for races I’ve been driving with a loss in perform- want to be able to compete in a state “When I get in that car, I know that there is and then we’ll get on with our programme. At it because of the safety things and if it does save ance of nearly a second in the race and trying to of mind where I don’t have to worry a danger,” said Hamilton. “That’s been the same the front, it’s pretty open. It’s defi nitely one of even one life, over the next 20 years, then you’d climb a mountain with that is not so easy. I’m about whether he’s OK or whether since I started when I was eight years old. those things you want to put on track, because take that.” hoping for a clean weekend, apply the good start he’s safe.” “That’s a risk that I am willing to take and that things change when you move. Meanwhile, Hamilton has yet to be beaten and we can move on from there.” Gulf Times Friday, April 29, 2016 11 SPORT

HORSE RACING Itorio reigns supreme in Al Gharafa Cup victory ‘If we had held him back for a late charge, that probably wouldn’t have worked. But the distance and the tactics were right up his alley’

By Mikhil Bhat Doha

torio didn’t have the best of the starts to the season when he fi n- ished at the back of the pack in the Qatar Derby in December. The Iseason turned into a see-saw for train- er Mohamed Jassim Ghazali from then on with a win in the mix along with some disappointing runs. That changed yesterday. An impres- sive mile-long run from the Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari-owned colt saw him win Al Gharafa Cup, a handicap event for thoroughbreds rated 85 and above, that was the feature of the seven-race card at the Qatar Racing and Eques- trian Club’s turf track in Al Rayyan yesterday. Jockey Marvin Suerland, who had helmed two maiden winners earlier in the evening, got Itorio to move into the lead at the earliest opportunity and the Irish bred son of Oratorio just didn’t let go off his spot at the top to win by almost a length ahead of Beach Samba, trained by Ibrahim al-Malki and ridden by Cedric Segeon. Ahmed Kobeissi-schooled Crescent completed the frame. QREC Racing manager Abdullah Rashid al-Kubaisi (right) presents the owner’s Ghazali was palpably excited with QREC Racing manager Abdullah Rashid al-Kubaisi (right) presents the trainer’s trophy to Mohamed Jassim Ghazali after his trophy to Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari after his colt Itorio won the Al Gharafa Cup his ward’s second win. ward Itorio won the Al Gharafa Cup yesterday. yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim “He wasn’t in his elements and in the right condition at the start of the to keep the lead but Kalahari Kingdom Encore steadied in the mix near the season for a long time,” the trainer said. kept surging and eventually edged out rails but stepped outside on to the fi - “The fi rst run, he just wasn’t ready af- the competition for his second win in nal straight. With only a furlong to go, ter a long layoff . He won after that and two months. Black Beach moved up alongside Ast- then the next two races seemed a bit Half-brother Step To The Shears ley Hall, but French Encore had already longer for him. A mile seems the right completed the top three. come within striking distance. distance for him and he proved it to- Courtofversailles remained un- Ladjadj whipped his ride into action day.” beaten this season in Doha winning his and with a blistering turn of foot over The pillar to post victory also im- third straight run, a Class 3 Thorough- the fi nal metres, French Encore eased pressed the young trainer. “Marvin bred Handicap event for horses rated past Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari- did what I asked him to, which was to 70-90. owned duo for his fi rst win since No- go in the front without pushing too Even as Al Jasra Stud’s Northern vember last year. Astley Hall fi nished hard. And that worked,” he said. “Ito- Water took the early lead with Ju- second ahead of Black Beach. rio likes to run up ahead. If we had held ventas and Sunley Pride in pursuit, In the fi rst race of the day, trainer him back for a late charge, that prob- jockey Darren Williams had Rashid al- Mohannad al-Yaqout’s charges swept ably wouldn’t have worked. But the Jehani’s charge Courtofversailles stay the top three spots with Al Jeryan distance and the tactics were right up the course on the outside in the 1850m Stud’s AJS Gannas going one better his alley.” run. than his last outing three weeks ago. The win was Ghazali’s second of the With both Juventas and North- Ridden by Brett Doyle, AJS Gannas day. ern Water slowing down as the post fi nished seven lengths ahead of Sa- Earlier, in a pulsating fi nish, Brett neared, Sunley Pride, with Stephan hara Sand, under Darren Williams, and Doyle guided Kalahari Kingdom to a Ladjadj at the helm, moved ahead AJS Mezna, with Pier Convertino at victory in the Class 4 Thoroughbred but the four-year-old son of Giant’s the helm, to win the Purebred Arabian Handicap race for horses rated 65-85 Causeway closed in to make it a two- Maiden Plate event over six furlongs. for the son of champion trainer Jassim horse race and eventually edged out his In the other two maiden plate races, Ghazali. rival for a win. The Smart One followed Suerland guided the winners, with Al Kalahari Kingdom, the fi ve-year- in at third. Murqab Stud’s Soebroto, trained by old son of Footstepsinthesand, had After managing to fi nish within Zuhair Mohsen, winning the Class 6 Jockey Marvin Suerland rides Itorio to victory in the Al Gharafa Cup at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club yesterday. largely stayed away from the front of the frame over longer distances in the Thoroughbred Maiden Plate event over the 16-strong pack with half-brother last few outings, Deborah Mountain- a mile and Yousef Bentahar-schooled tron Bomb (Cedric Segeon), 4. Wailess Black Beach (Alberto Sanna), 4. Shaka Williams), 2. Sunley Pride (Stephan Millington and Injaaz Stud’s Polaris trained gelding French Encore made Daryan Al Naif racing to victory in the (Darren Williams). Won by: 1 ½, 3, ¾. Zulu (Cedric Segeon). Won by: 2, ¾, 1. Ladjadj), 3. The Smart One (Richard jostling for the lead. his comfort level very evident for a Local Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate Time: 1:37.01. Owner: Al Murqab Stud. Time: 1:09.73. Owner: Hassan Ali Ab- Mullen), 4. Topsy Turvy (Pier Converti- On to the fi nal two furlongs, as Mil- six-furlong run, with a win in the Class race. Trainer: Zuhair Mohsen. dulmalik. Trainer: Deborah Mountain. no). Won by: Nk, 2 ½, Shd. Time: 1:52.93. lington started falling back, Alberto 5 Thoroughbred Conditions race for RESULTS Race 3: 1. Daryan Al Naif (Marvin Su- Race 5: 1. Kalahari Kingdom (Brett Owner: Khalid Rashid al-Qashash al- Sanna had Polaris pick up a bit of pace three-year-olds. Race 1: 1. AJS Gannas (Brett Doyle), 2. erland), 2. Rawaa (JP Guillambert), 3. Doyle), 2. Polaris (Alberto Sanna), 3. Mohanadi. Trainer: Rashid al-Jehani. to edge towards the win. Further back, Hassan Ali Abdulmalik-owned Sahara Sand (Darren Williams), 3. AJS Al Rafeaa (Stephan Ladjadj), 4. Kasser Step To The Shears (Evert Pheiff er), 4. Race 7: 1. Itorio (Marvin Suerland), Doyle had his ride move wide and three-year-old had a slow start off Mezna (Pier Convertino), 4. Mannaa Al (Tadgh O’Shea). Won by: 2 ½, 1 ¾, 5. Alpha Bravo (Almotasem al-Balushi). 2. Beach Samba (Cedric Segeon), started surging forward. Gate 3 as Qatari jockey Yousef al-Hajri Naif (Tadgh O’Shea). Won by: 7, 5. Shd. Time: 2:04.44. Owner: Sheikh Abdullah Won by: Nk, ½, Hd. Time: 1:10.85. 3. Crescent (Seb Sanders), 4. Skate As the action moved closer to the moved Comedy Night into the lead, Time: 1:19.62. Owner: Al Jeryan Stud. bin Nasser al-Ahmed al-Thani. Trainer: Owner: Sheikha Rowdha bint Mishal (Stephan Ladjadj). Won by: ¾, Nk, Nk. post, Polaris, coming off a win in a sim- with Astley Hall in close pursuit under Trainer: Mohannad al-Yaqout. Yousef Bentahar. bin Hamad al-Thani. Trainer: Mohamed Time: 1:34.75. Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail ilar race a week ago for Ghazali senior, Richard Mullen. Race 2: 1. Soebroto (Marvin Suerland), Race 4: 1. French Encore (Stephan Lad- Jassim Ghazali. al-Kuwari. Trainer: Mohamed Jassim was dipping into his energy reserves With Ladjadj at the helm, French 2. Atlantic Sea (Xavier Ziani), 3. Neu- jadj), 2. Astley Hall (Richard Mullen), 3. Race 6: 1. Courtofversailles (Darren Ghazali.

SPOTLIGHT Fift h Aspire Global Citizenship Day celebrated

By Sports Reporter Participants were distrib- Doha uted across six diff erent groups around the indoor football pitch, with each of the groups sharing a spire Academy’s in- similar geography and including door football pitch was the traditional clothing, food and adorned last week with games of each nation. the fl ags of 65 nations in Exhibiting nations also present- theA fi fth annual celebration of the ed their unique cultural qualities, “Aspire Global Citizenship Day”, including their history, geography, which was held this year under the and the cultural similarities they motto of “Diff erent Nationalities, share with other nations. One Heart, One Team”. The event The concept of global citizen- takes place every year in celebra- ship is a key pillar in Aspire Acad- tion of the cultural and ethnic di- emy’s educational philosophy and versity amongst the Academy’s supports the Academy’s diff erent students and faculty and presents approaches to multicultural edu- a platform for cultural exchange in cation, education for sustainable a positive atmosphere character- development and international ised by learning and having fun. education. In his welcoming remarks, Badr The Academy’s eff orts to organ- al-Hay, Director of Education ise such an event stems from its and Student Care at Aspire Acad- belief in the role of educators as emy, said: “There are more than agents of social change, bringing 60 nationalities from around the new perspectives on understand- world at Aspire Academy, which ing the self in relation to a global presents a unique opportunity for community within the holistic the students and faculty to learn educational experience for the about and interact with diff erent Academy’s student-athletes. This cultures and traditions, gaining perspective follows a curriculum valuable insights. This supports that attends to human values and our eff orts in developing well- beliefs, global systems, issues, rounded and well-educated sports history and cross-cultural under- champions”. standings.

Friday, April 29, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

QATAR CUP VOLLEYBALL FINAL Rayyan produce stirring fi ghtback, beat Jaish for title ‘Last season, we lost the Emir Cup and we said we won’t lose the big finals. I’m really delighted for my team. Many big play- ers are playing here. The game is getting high in the League, Qatar Cup and Emir Cup every year’

Al Rayyan team pose with the Qatar Cup trophy.

Al Rayyan players celebrate after defeating El Jaish to win the Qatar Cup volleyball final yesterday. PICTURES: Jayaram

El Jaish team with the runners-up prize.

By Sports Reporter Rayyan’s ninth Qatar Cup title. the score at 12-all and thereafter there 8-8, Jaish pulled off seven quick points 16-15 and a three-point push saw them to manage a 2-1 lead. Doha Welfredo Venero of Rayyan was de- was not much to spate both the teams. at 13-11 to 20-13 up. go 19-15 up. Then fi ve points in a row af- “It was a very interesting game with clared Man-of-the-Final for scoring Al Rayyan, however, got the upper Rayyan continued to struggle and ter Simon produced a fi ne smash earned a lot of stars being present in the fi nal. I 31 points. hand when they took the lead for the could not get closer than three points. them the much-needed set (1-1). must add my team played very well es- fter a crazy ending, it was “This is the fourth gold medal for fi rst time in the fi nal set at 17-16 and Then at 23-20, Polish Zbigniev Bart- In the third, an early charge put pecially in the block and defence. Eve- Al Rayyan who proved a bit me with Rayyan. Last season, we lost then scored the match winning point man smashed the ball out to hand the Rayyan 4-0 ahead. With Jaish having ry fan must have enjoyed but I’m proud more mature in the battle the Emir Cup and we said we won’t to win the set and fi nal. set point to El Jaish. The armymen their game falling apart, Rayyan found of my team for the way they handled of two talented and spirited lose the big fi nals. I’m really delighted This is Rayyan’s fi rst domestic title needed to wait for a point before Dokic it easy to control the proceedings and the situation. We’re close to the defeat squads.A The Lions pulled out all the for my team,” Venero said. this season. The Rayyan won the GCC sealed it with a smash. increase the advantage to 10-3, 13-6 but they played superbly and snatched stops in an exciting (3-2) 21-25, 25-19, “Many big players are playing here. Cup earlier in the year and fi nished at Rayyan came back strongly to win and then 19-11. They later relaxed and the victory from Jaish. That’s why I’m 25-17, 32-34, 18-16 come- from-be- The game is getting high in the League, the second place in the Qatar league. the next two sets. With thrilling blocks allowed Jaish to make it 15-21. saying I’m overwhelmed by my team’s hind victory over El Jaish in the Qatar Qatar Cup and Emir Cup every year. I The season-opener Federation Cup by Braima and Belal and entertain- A pep talk by Croatian coach Igor performance,” Arbutina said. Cup volleyball fi nal at the Ali Bin Ha- am so happy to see the level rise here,” winner Jaish began their pursuit for ing spikes by Venoro, Bartman and Arbutina allowed them to regroup. A “My players are capable for deal- mad Al Attiya Arena yesterday. he said. In the fi nal set, Jaish took a their second title in right earnest and Mubarak Dahi Waleed, they managed poor service was followed by a Camejo ing with such tough situations. In the In a match that saw the momentum runaway lead of 5-1 and Rayyan nar- pocked the fi rst set using good service to grab the lead, despite Jaish coming smash landing out. After two more tie-break set, we were down 1-6 and constantly changing in the last two rowed the lead to make it 8-5. and lethal smashing from their Cu- four times within a point of equalising points, Waleed forced a touch-out to then faced a few match points. But, we sets Rayyan won the title after two Al Rayyan were not ruffl ed by the ear- ban stars Robertlandy Simon, Oreol the scores. set up the set point and Rayyan com- came back and managed to win such a hour and 16 minutes tussle. This is ly lead and managed to crawl back to tie Camejo. After going rather close till Rayyan regained the momentum at pleted the formality of winning the set thriller,” the Croatian said.

EMIR CUP / FOOTBALL Al Kharaitiyat upset Al Arabi on penalties

By Sports Reporter Doha

he third round of the 2016 Emir Cup was an action-packed af- fair with two matches being decided on penalties. The big- Tgest result of the night was Al Kharaiti- yat defeating Al Arabi 4-2 via the pen- alty shootout after the match ended 2-2 at the end of regulation time. Kharaitiyat had barely managed to avoid relegation by fi nishing 12th in the . Arabi on the other hand had managed to fi nish a respecta- ble 8th. Kharaitiyat got the early advan- tage with a goal in the very fi rst minute of the game. Arabi scored within 8 min- utes to bring back parity. Arabi coach Gianfranco Zola (2ndR) reacts before the start of the penalty shootout. The stalemate continued till the 80th minute when Kharaitiyat went ahead. But then four minutes later, Arabi were able to draw level again. But this fi ghtback from Arabi proved futile as Kharaitiyat went on to win 4-2 on pen- alties. Arabi coach Gianfranco Zola will be a disappointed man. Kharaitiyat players celebrate with their keeper Ahmed Sufyan after defeating In the high profi le clash yesterday, Al Arabi yesterday: PICTURES: Anas Khalid, Shemeer Rasheed & Othman Iraqi Gharafa goalkeeper Yusuf Hassan pro- Ahli striker Mohsine Yajour (L) duced two crucial saves in the penalty last-gasp goal seemed to have taken the level. And it was Ahli who then went celebrates after scoring against Khor shootout to give his team a 4-2 win over wind out of Salal’s sails and they faded into the lead through Mohsine Yajour yesterday. Ahli beat Khor 3-2. Umm Salal. The fi rst half ended goal- away in the shootout. in the 77th minute. Ahli were looking less but early in the second half Salal Al Ahli produced a strong second half comfortable in the lead but then Khor Results took the lead. Gharafa were chasing performance where they scored three scored an equaliser in the 90th minute. the game and though they had a few goals to come from a goal down and Just when it looked like the match Al Wakrah 1-2 Al Sailiya chances at goal, none of the strikes defeat Al Khor 3-2. Khor went into the would go into penalties, Yajour scored Al Kharaitiyat 2-2 Al Arabi were able to fi nd the back of the net. break with a one-goal lead. Ahli tried in the 93rd minute to break the hearts Kharaitiyat won 4-2 on penalties And then just when it looked like Salal hard to break down the Khor resist- of Khor fans. Al Khor 2-3 Al Ahli would walk away with the win Vladimir ance in the second half but were ini- In the earlier match of the day Sailiya Al Gharafa 1-1 Umm Salal Weiss scored in the 93rd minute of the tially fi nding it tough. But then Mubele scored on either side of the break to de- Gharafa keeper Yusuf Hassan being congratulated by teammates after he pulled Gharafa won 4-2 on penalties game to help Gharafa draw level. This scored in the 59th minute to bring Ahli feat Wakrah 2-1. off two saves during the penalty shootout to help his team beat Umm Salal.