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Sunday, January 31, 2016 TENNIS Rabia II 21, 1437 AH Kerber stuns GULF TIMES Serena Williams to win Australian Open SPORT Page 4 GoodGood Grace!Grace! South African makes history by becoming first golfer to win back-to-back Commercial Bank Qatar Masters titles

By Satya Rath rounds under 70, while South my guns and tried to give myself things going on that week. And A brilliant approach shot on the Doha African Grace, almost two dec- some opportunities, I could do there’s no better place to do it tenth moved him two shots clear ades younger to Lawrie, managed it,” an ecstatic Grace said. than Qatar. and though there was a late surge LEADING FINAL SCORES to hold off a chasing pack with a The South African, who start- “It was really one of my biggest from the chasing pack, Grace oming into the 2016 69 for a 14-under total and win ed and ended with birdies during wins to date last year, and I think stayed uncatchable, signing off 274: Branden Grace (RSA) 71-68-71-71, Grégory Bourdy Commercial Bank Qatar his seventh European Tour title his round of 69, never dropped a this is just going to push it up with a birdie on his fi nal hole to 70-67-68-69 (FRA) 67-68-72-74, Paul Masters, Branden Grace by two shots from Rafa Cabrera- shot on the homeward nine this even higher. It’s all a big learning seal victory. 276: Thorbjorn Olesen Lawrie (SCO) 67-66-70-78 had won six European Bello of Spain and Denmark’s week, and it was the same tale in curve as your career goes on. I’ve Olesen too held a share of the (DEN) 67-69-69-71, Rafael 282: Robert Rock (ENG) 68- TourC titles, but never before had Thorbjørn Olesen. the fi nal round too. Barring a sore learned a lot this week for myself, lead after Grace and Lawrie both Cabrera (ESP) 67-68-71-70 70-71-73, Thongchai Jaidee he managed to defend one. Nor The Spaniard closed with three bogey on the par-4 fi fth, he man- learned patience, and I’ve learned dropped shots on the fi fth but had anyone done it in the $2.5 birdies as he fi nished in the top aged two birdies each on the front what it takes now to defend a title. a bogey on the eighth and a run 277: Lee Slattery (ENG) 69- (THA) 68-72-71-71, Benjamin million European Tour event’s three for the third time in six and back, and that had a big say It happened last year, but it feels of nine straight pars ended his 69-69-70, Andrew Johnston Hébert (FRA) 71-70-71-70, 18-year history. years here, while a lengthy putt in the end. long gone. So it’s great to be in the chances. (ENG) 66-69-72-70, Bradley Jorge Campillo (ESP) 69-68- Yesterday, on an unusually cold on the last moved Olesen into a “The key on this course is pa- winner’s circle again,” a clearly Cabrera-Bello, meanwhile, Dredge (WAL) 71-67-70-69 73-72, Soren Kjeldsen (DEN) and windy day at the Doha Golf share of second place. tience. There were times when overwhelmed Grace said. had been one over-par for the day 280: Richard Bland (ENG) 70-69-75-68, Pelle Edberg Club, in the event’s 19th edition, They were followed by Wales I seemed to lose it a few times, It was a tale of contrasting as he stood on the 16th tee after a the long wait ended when Grace pro Bradley Dredge, who fi nished but Zack, my caddie, has been fortunes for the two history- double-bogey on the eighth but 72-69-67-72, Tommy Fleet- (SWE) 70-66-71-75, Kristoff er mastered the elements and his with a four-birdie fl ourish to tremendous. He kept me calm at seekers, as like Grace, overnight a triple birdie fi nish helped him wood (ENG) 67-69-70-74, Broberg (SWE) 67-70-74-71 nerves to become the fi rst to land vault himself to 11-under along- all times. I did some work on the leader Lawrie too birdied the fi rst end a creditable second, along Sergio García (ESP) 70-66-74- 283: Alejandro Cañizares back-to-back Qatar Masters titles. side English duo Andrew John- driving range before my tee-off , hole but then went on to drop with Olesen. 70, George Coetzee (RSA) 67- (ESP) 73-67-73-70, Nicolas The South African came into ston and Lee Slattery. and that helped too,” the 27-year- four shots including a double Dredge too was one over for the 70-73-70, Louis Oosthuizen Colsaerts (BEL) 66-68-77-72 the fi nal round two shots behind “It feels like a dream… I am old world No. 11 added. bogey on the par-5 ninth to turn day before four gains on the trot two-time champion Paul Lawrie, still pretty much at a loss for Grace had spoken ahead of this in at 39. Two more drops and got him a tied fourth spot along- (RSA) 65-73-71-71, Ricardo 284: Grégory Havret (FRA) who too was chasing another words. To win is tough, to defend tournament of his desire to break another double bogey ended his side Johnston and Slattery, who Gouveia (POR) 67-71-70-72 71-67-70-76, Roope Kakko piece of history in his bid to be- even tougher. into the top 10 in the world, and campaign. He did manage a bird- both signed for 70s with four 281: Joost Luiten (NED) (FIN) 69-71-72-72, Ernie Els come the event’s fi rst three-time “This is a tournament that yesterday’s win should help him ie on his penultimate hole, but it birdies and two bogeys each. 70-67-74-70, Johan Carlsson (RSA) 68-70-72-74, Marcel champion. kicked my season off last year and reach that goal, as he now has top was too little too late as he ended Richard Bland, George Co- (SWE) 69-67-72-73, Pablo Siem (GER) 69-71-75-69, But the 47-year-old Scot, af- hopefully it can take me to even 10 fi nishes in each of his fi rst fi ve with a forgettable six-over for the etzee, Tommy Fleetwood, Ser- ter three days of consistent golf, better things this time round. events of the season. day to fi nish tied-13th. gio Garcia, Ricardo Gouveia and Larrazábal (ESP) 65-72-72-72, Renato Paratore (ITA) 75- suddenly saw his steady game “The key was my grinding and “It’s a big thing to come to a On the other hand, Grace re- Louis Oosthuzen ended eight Bernd Wiesberger (AUT) 68- 66-71-72, Ben Evans (ENG) desert him as he slipped to a 78 on staying patient. It was tough out week defending. You’ve got a covered from a bogey on the fi fth under, one ahead of Lawrie who 70-70-73, Mikko Ilonen (FIN) 69-71-74-70 a day when there were just four there, but fair. I knew if I stuck to lot more pressure and a lot more with a further gain on the sixth. came home in 39. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, January 31, 2016 GOLF ROUND-UP Brit teen Hull moves joint top Spluttering Spieth at Ocean Club three off the pace World No. 1 struggles again with his putting to sign for a six-under-total that leaves him tied fifth, three shots behind overnight leader Song Young-han of South Korea

AFP stroke in front of fellow Americans Scott Singapore Brown (71) and Billy Horschel (70), and Scotland’s Martin Laird (68). Veteran Choi, an eight-time winner on orld number one Jordan Spi- the PGA Tour who has not triumphed on eth stayed in hunt for the the circuit since the 2011 Players Champi- SMBC Singapore Open title onship, birdied three of his last fi ve holes on yesterday after narrowing the the easier North Course to move joint top. Wgap to leader Song Young-Han of South “My putting hasn’t been too good inside Korea before fading light halted play. 15-20 feet, but today I made fi ve or six out- The American had two more holes to side 15 feet,” Choi, 45, told Golf Channel. complete and trailed Song by three strokes “I heard the weekend will be very windy at the Sentosa Golf Club when the horn and rainy, so I’m hoping my imagination, sounded for the remaining fl ights to return my driving and putting will be stable.” to the clubhouse. Three other players are Power hitter Woodlands, winless on also hot on the heels of the South Korean the PGA Tour since the 2013 Reno-Tahoe Reuters bad shots and it’s going to in the $1.0 million tournament. Open, piled up fi ve birdies on his front Paradise Island, Bahamas drift off in the wind. China’s Liang Wen-Chong trails by a nine to reach the turn in a fl awless fi ve- “I feel like my short game stroke, and Japan’s Shintaro Kobayashi under 31. Though he stumbled late on with was tidy on a few shots today and South African Keith Horne by two. bogeys at the 16th and 17th, he rebounded ritish teenager Charley when I had to get up and down The last fl ight that included Song com- by getting up-and-down from a greenside Hull (pic) coped well and I got up and down, so it pleted only 13 holes, and a total of 15 play- bunker to birdie the par-fi ve 18th on the Bwith gusting winds as was good. You’ve just to keep ers will return to the Serapong Course challenging South layout. she moved into a three-way tie steady out there, keep patient. today morning to resume play before the “The way I’m driving the ball right now, for the lead after Friday’s sec- Everyone is playing in the wind start of the fi nal round. I’m very comfortable with my golf swing,” ond round in the season-open- so you’ve got to keep focused.” Spieth, 22, had a mixed day, playing the said Woodlands, who made an equipment ing Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Hull, who was first intro- remaining 12 holes that were carried over change during the off -season. Classic at Paradise Island. duced to golf at the age of two from Friday after play was halted due to Australian world number two Day with- The 19-year-old English- and left school at 13 to be home inclement weather. The Texan fi nished the drew from the pro-am competition on woman, who has yet to win her schooled while she also com- round with three birdies and two bogeys. Wednesday because of a virus he picked first LPGA title, birdied three peted in amateur tournaments, “The bogey did hurt on the last,” said up last Friday and was unable to practise of her last eight holes to card has always enjoyed testing her the US Open and Masters champion before ahead of his title defence until his warm- a three-under-par 70 on a sun- game in strong winds. “It does heading for the penultimate round. up session for Thursday’s opening round. kissed day at the picturesque give me an advantage because Spieth is playing without regular caddie “That was the frustrating part, know- Ocean Club Golf Course. I’ve grown up playing in windy Michael Greller, who is recovering from ing that I wasn’t able to prepare the way Hull, whose only victory on conditions for the British ama- an ankle injury sustained at the Hyundai I wanted to,” said Day, who followed his her home Ladies European teurs,” she smiled. “It’s a lot of Tournament of Champions in Hawaii ear- fi rst-round 72 with a two-over 74 to miss Tour came at the 2014 Lalla fun. I enjoy it.” lier this month. His agent, Jay Danzi, is the cut by three strokes. Meryem Cup, posted an eight- Hull, who has twice com- standing in as Greller’s replacement. “I’m not trying to make any excuses. I’m under total of 138 to finish peted for Europe against the “I made all my putts inside six feet yes- just looking forward to getting over this level with American Megan United States in the Solheim terday but missed fi ve or six today. I’ve virus that has run through our family.” Khang (68) and Japan’s Haru Cup team competition, has just got to get comfortable on the shorter American Fowler, who won the Euro- Nomura (70). recorded five top-10s on the length putts,” said Spieth, who is playing pean Tour’s Abu Dhabi Championship on Defending champion Kim LPGA Tour, her best finish a in Singapore for the fi rst time. Sunday, almost holed a greenside bunker Sei-young, who won last tie for third at the 2014 Airbus “These kinds of delays (due to bad shot on his fi nal hole but had to settle for a year’s title in a three-way LPGA Classic. weather) have happened before, in profes- Song Young-Han of South Korea prepares to putt on the sixth hole during the third closing par and a 71 that left him one shot playoff , carded a 68 to share American Paula Creamer, a sional and college golf, you have to get used round of the weather-hit SMBC Singapore Open yesterday. (Reuters) outside the cutline. fourth place at seven under 10-time winner on the LPGA to it. Gotta be prepared to play a lot of golf.” Mickelson bogeyed four of his last six with fellow South Korean Tour, briefly got to nine under Spieth’s erratic form continued in round putting in an outstanding round the previ- at the Farmers Insurance Open outside holes for a 76 and a one-over total. On Kwak Min-seo (70), Swede late in her round before finish- three. Despite two birdies in the fi rst nine, ous day, with bogeys in the fi fth and 11th San Diego on Friday as a host of big names his ninth hole, a wild second shot ended Anna Nordqvist (69) and Scot- ing with a double, a bogey and he struggled to fi nd the fairway from the holes cancelling out the two birdies he missed the cut. up in a car park but his ball bounced back land’s Catriona Matthew (71). a birdie for a 72 and a share of tees, hit the bunker four times and failed to shot on the third and fourth. While defending champion Jason Day, underneath an iron fence marking out- “I’m just staying in there,” eighth place at six under. make par on the fi fth hole. world number four Rickie Fowler and lo- of-bounds, thereby saving him a penalty Hull told Golf Channel about “For those first 15 holes or Although he was hit by another bogey in Woodland, Choi lead as big cal favourite Phil Mickelson all failed to stroke. the challenge of trying to so, I hit the ball great,” said the the home stretch, Speith’s form kicked in. names miss Torrey Pines cut advance at Torrey Pines, Woodlands and To play his third shot there, the Ameri- keep momentum in Friday’s 29-year-old. “I hit the ball great. His drives found their mark and the Choi fi red matching fi ve-under-par 67s to can left-hander walked to the car park side shifting breezes. “It’s very One bad swing on 16 and then short game found the putts, hitting an- Closing-hole birdies from American Gary fi nish at nine-under 135. of the fence to make a swing from where he windy out there and you it kind of came off a little bit. other birdie on the 12th hole. Woodland and South Korean KJ Choi lifted Long-hitting Dustin Johnson was alone banged his club on the fence before fi nish- know you’re going to hit some But there’s tons of golf left.” Song failed to make any headway, after them into a share of the second-round lead in third at eight under after a 66, one ing up with a double-bogey seven. CHENG ENDS AS TOP AMATEUR

Ahead of his Masters debut at the Augusta National in April, China’s top amateur impresses in his first European Tour event outside his home country, but admits he never thought it could be so cold in the desert!

in Cheng enjoyed a sensa- tional tournament debut at Jthe Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, bettering US Amateur champion Bryson DeChambeau to finish as the top amateur in the US$2.5 million European Tour event in Doha yesterday. Jin carded rounds of 72, 70, 71 Jin, who was eight when his Masters from his compatriot. and 72 at the Doha Golf Club to father introduced him to golf, “The year after he played, finish three-under-par in his first admitted he has benefited everybody asked him every- European Tour event outside greatly from his visit to Qatar as thing about Augusta, so there’s of China. It was also his first cut he prepares to compete in the nothing much left to ask! Guan on the European Tour, having year’s first Major in April. told not only me but all the missed the weekend at the Volvo “I really learned a lot from the juniors in China about his trip,” China Open for three years and pros, like the way they play and said Jin, whose preparation the inaugural Shenzhen Interna- behave on the course. It’s a great could also include an appear- tional last April. opportunity,” Jin said. “I also really ance in The European Tour’s China’s top amateur earned enjoy watching all those great play- Maybank Championship Malay- his invitation to Doha following ers on TV because you can learn a sia next month. Branden Grace is presented his win in last October’s Asia- lot from them. They really give me “I’m trying not to think with his prize cheque of Pacific Amateur Championship the motivation to practise.” too much about the Masters $416,660 by Commercial in Hong Kong, a victory that Jin has been tipped for the because I’ve got other tourna- Bank CEO Abdulla Saleh secured him a starting spot in top since November 2014, when ments coming up and I still need al-Raisi (right). Also seen this year’s Masters Tournament the-then 16-year-old won the Nine to focus on my practice and is Fahad Nasser al-Naimi at Augusta National, where De- Dragons Open to become the first other stuff . However, Augusta (centre), General Secretary Chambeau will also compete. amateur to win on the PGA Tour is the dream of every golfer. of Qatar Golf Association. Still in his final year of school, China, where he regularly com- It’s really exciting and I’m really LEFT: Grace poses with the Jin admitted he was caught out petes. However, he’s now looking looking forward to it.” Mother of Pearl Trophy with on his second trip to the Middle ahead to the biggest tournament Mohamed Faisal al-Nuaimi, his caddy Zack Rasego and East, after Abu Dhabi last year. of his fledgling career. Head of Media, Commercial girlfriend Nikie Coetzee. “It’s colder than I thought it In early April, he will become Bank Qatar Masters, was de- The South African became would be!” laughed the Beijing- only the fourth Chinese to play lighted with Jin’s performance. the first man to successfully born 17-year-old, who turns 18 at the Masters, following Zhang “Jin Cheng is the reigning defend his Commercial on March 6. “I didn’t have a par- Lianwei (2004), Liang Wenchong Asia-Pacific Amateur champion Bank Qatar Masters title in ticular target, but I hoped I could (2008) and Guan Tianlang and we wish him all the best in the $2.5 million European make the cut, so that was nice. (2013), who stunned the golfing his golf career in the future. We Tour event's 19-year history. It’s a great course, beautiful, but world by making the cut at Au- look forward to opening the The 27-year-old played really challenging, especially gusta when only 14 years old. doors for more Asian players to some amazing golf in windy when the wind is blowing. All I Jin, the second of four compete in our tournament and and cold conditions to hold was trying to do this week was children, is the same age as also hope to see Jin Cheng com- off a chasing pack and win enjoy the tournament, enjoy the Guan and said he has learnt pete in our tournament in the by two strokes. course and play my best.” everything he could about the future, as a pro!” al-Nuaimi said. PICTURES: Jayaram Gulf Times Sunday, January 31, 2016 3 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS McCullum set Khawaja in for fi nal to resume New Zealand farewell

AFP “We won’t play him unless Auckland he’s fi t,” he said. “Twisted an- T20 against India kle is one of those ones he could wake up and be fi ne or it could be rendon McCullum said sore for 24-48 hours.” All-rounder Shane Watson to lead Australia in the absence of injured Aaron Finch he expects to return to Tom Latham, who has opened the New Zealand team for New Zealand in McCullum’s AFP for the deciding one-day absence, will play if either Mc- Binternational against Pakistan in Cullum or Guptill pulls out of Sydney Auckland today, however explo- the Pakistan match. He was also sive opener Martin Guptill is now picked as standby cover in the n-form batsman Usman Khawaja was doubtful. ODI squad named Saturday for yesterday brought into Australia’s Guptill twisted an ankle in the Australia series in case Mc- squad for the fi nal Twenty20 match training yesterday and was rat- Cullum breaks down again. against India, with Shane Watson to ed by coach Mike Hesson as “a New Zealand have been hard Icaptain in place of injured skipper Aaron 50:50 prospect” of playing in the hit by injuries with Ross Taylor, Finch. Finch injured his left hamstring in third and fi nal match of the se- Tim Southee and Mitchell Mc- Friday night’s match which India won by ries. Captain McCullum, whose Clenaghan all unavailable to play 27 runs, giving the tourists an unbeatable farewell tour has been disrupted Australia and Hesson said that 2-0 lead in the three-game series. Cricket since a back injury fl ared up fi ve will test the depth of his squad. Australia said Finch will miss the third and weeks ago, said he expected to “This is a pinnacle event for fi nal Twenty20 in Sydney today but the full play in the last match against us and we’ll look to get our best extent of his injury was not yet known. Pakistan and then the Australia side out on the park each time we “With Finch sidelined, Usman Khawa- series in February before retiring. play,” he said. ja has stepped into the squad for Sunday’s “I’ve had a good couple of “We’ve been lucky enough to game and has also been drafted in to the hits,” he said of his work in the use a big squad over the summer one-day international squad for the tour nets over recent days. “It’s prob- and although we’re missing a few of New Zealand,” Cricket Australia said. ably not 100 per cent but there’s key players, we have guys who Khawaja’s omission from the one-day a bit of stiff ness so hopefully I’ll can step in and we know are up to squad to play across the Tasman had ear- be fi ne for tomorrow.” the task.” lier caused controversy given the bats- New Zealand, who beat Paki- NEW ZEALAND ODI SQUAD man’s red-hot form. Acting head coach stan 2-1 in the Twenty20s, com- TO PLAY AUSTRALIA: Brendon Michael Di Venuto said Khawaja, who hit prehensively won the fi rst ODI by McCullum (capt), Corey Anderson, 70 off 40 deliveries in the recent fi nal of 70 runs with the second match Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Grant the domestic T20 competition, “thor- washed out. While they need to Elliott, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, oughly deserves” his opportunity in the win in Auckland to claim the se- Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Henry short form of the game. ries, Hesson said he would not Nicholls, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell He admitted that India had been too risk Guptill if he is not fully fi t. Santner, Kane Williamson. strong for Australia in the Twenty20s, saying the home side had been “getting completely outplayed in all three depart- ments... bat, ball and the fi eld”. India won the fi rst match of the series at Adelaide Oval on Tuesday by 37 runs when Australia were unable to overhaul the 188 total. Di Venuto said the hosts had started well in their run chase in the sec- ond game on Friday, with Finch scoring 74 off 48 balls before he was run out. But it was not enough to get Australia a win after India made 184 for three and then followed up with a strong spin at- tack. He said Finch was still waiting on the results of scans. “Hopefully for Finchy it’s not too bad and we can see him recover and be fully fi t for the World Cup,” said Di Venuto, who has stepped into Darren Lehmann’s role while the head coach recovers from deep vein thrombosis. Finch said the injury was “hugely frustrating”. “I am hoping it will not keep me out for a lengthy period of time, especially with an ICC World Twenty20 on the horizon, but I will be guided by the specialists,” he said. Usman Khawaja has also been drafted All-rounder Shane Watson will lead in to the one-day international squad Australia in the third and fi nal Twenty20 for the tour of New Zealand international against India today in the absence of Finch. The 34-year-old Watson has previous- tain MS Dhoni played down the possibil- That means none of Steven Smith, “It is an honour to be asked to lead the ly captained Australia in a lone test and ity that India might use the dead rubber David Warner, John Hastings, Kane side on Sunday, although the circum- nine ODIs and is the country’s second in Sydney to experiment with their side Richardson or Matthew Wade will stances are far from ideal,” Watson said in most experienced player in T20 interna- ahead of a World T20, but Australia have be available for today’s T20. Wick- a Cricket Australia statement. “We may tionals behind opening batsman David no choice but to make changes. etkeeper Cameron Bancroft is in to have lost the series but there is a great deal Warner. For India, a win would be a per- In a case of divided loyalties, Australia replace Wade, who has gone to New to play for with the ICC World Twenty20 fect way for them to depart Australia after have sent several players to New Zealand Zealand. The absence of Hastings and coming up and you can be sure we will be the disappointment of losing the ODI se- to prepare for the ODI series that starts Richardson means Shaun Tait may re- Brednon McCullum said he expected to play in the last match against determined to do well in Sydney.” ries 1-4. After the win in Melbourne, cap- there on Wednesday. turn. Pakistan and then the Australia series in February before retiring.

UNDER-19 WORLD CUP BANNED NARINE INCLUDED IN WINDIES Four Asian sides enter quarters SQUAD FOR WORLD T20 IN INDIA Kingston: West Indies have taken a gamble by Agencies et win over Canada after bowling naming Sunil Narine (RIGHT) in their squad Dhaka out the unfancied rival for 178. for the World Twenty20 tournament in March Hasan Khan took three wickets as the off -spinner is currently suspended from and Shadab Khan took two. The bowling in international cricket due to an illegal our Asian sides – India, Pakistanis surpassed the target action. The 27-year-old was reported to the Nepal, Pakistan and Sri in the 41st over with opener Zee- International Cricket Council (ICC) during a Lanka –advanced to the shan Malik scoring an unbeaten one-day series in Sri Lanka last November and Super League quarter- 89 and Saif Badar 44. Zeeshan was later sanctioned after an independent as- fiF nals of the ICC U-19 Cricket was later declared player of the sessment found his elbow extended beyond the World Cup in Bangladesh with tournament. maximum limit of 15 degrees. their second successive wins BRIEF SCORES Considered an asset to the side, Narine was yesterday. India and Nepal, Sri Lanka 184 all out, 48.1 overs also initially selected for last year’s 50-over which took the two top spots in (Charith Asalanka 71; Shamsurrah- World Cup but later withdrawn, and has been Group D at the expense of New man Wali 3-19, Karim Janat 2-37, working on his action in a desperate attempt to Zealand and Ireland, will clash Zahir Khan 2-36) bt Afghanistan 151 get it cleared in time for the World Twenty20 in on Monday in their last league all out, 44.5 overs (Waheedullah India. All-rounder Darren Sammy will lead the match to decide the group win- Shafaq 47, Karim Janat 40; Kamindu world’s top-ranked T20 side, which includes 11 ner. Pakistan and Sri Lanka ad- Mendis 3-36) by 33 runs players from the contingent that won the last vanced from Group B, which Canada 178 all out, 48.3 overs World Cup in Sri Lanka four years ago. also included Afghanistan and (Bhavindu Adhihetty 51, Abraash The 15-man squad will assemble in the United Canada, and will play each other Nepal’s Sandeep Lamichhane Khan 44; Hasan Khan 3-36, Shadab Arab Emirates for a preparatory camp between on Wednesday, February 3, to de- claimed 5 wickets against Khan 2-44) lost to Pakistan 180-3 Feb. 22 and March 6, and will travel to India on termine who tops the group. Ireland, including a hat-trick. in 40.5 overs (Zeeshan Malik 89 March 7 for the tournament. Nepal rode on a fi ve-wicket not out, Saif Badar 44) by seven England, South Africa, Sri Lanka and a qualify- haul by leg-spinner Sandeep wickets. ing team from the first round of the tournament the Feb. 12 T20 match between India and Sri Lamichhane – which included India 258-8, 50 overs (Sarfaraz have been pooled with West Indies in group one Lanka, forcing the BCCI to transfer the contest the fi rst hat-trick in the tourna- Khan 74, Rishabh Pant 57, Armaan of the Super 10 stage at the World T20. to Ranchi. ment – to defeat Ireland by eight Jaff er 46, Mahipal Lomror 45; Zak SQUAD: Darren Sammy (captain), Samuel Badree, BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur said the DDCA wickets and confi rm its maiden for eight with Sarfaraz Khan top- Sri Lanka survived a tense Gibson 3-50, Nathan Smith 2-39, Sulieman Benn, Darren Bravo, Dwayne Bravo, An- needed to procure all the necessary clearances appearance in the quarter-fi nals. scoring with 74 for the second run-chase by Afghanistan before Rachin Ravindra 2-41) bt New Zea- dre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Jason Holder, Sunil Nar- by today if they were to continue as the hosts Ireland was tied down to 131 time in the competition. Rishabh clinching win and a place in the land 138 all out, 31.3 overs (Christian ine, Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin, Andre Russell, of the March 8-April 3 tournament. “As far as the for nine after electing to bat and Pant made 57 and Armaan Jaff er quarter-fi nals. Skipper Charith Leopard 40; Mahipal Lormor 5-47, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons, Jerome Taylor. World Cup is concerned, the World Cup man- Nepal, which had stunned New scored 46. Asalanka top-scored with 71 Avesh Khan 4-32) 120 runs agement committee has met today and has also Zealand in its opening match, But Mahipal Lomror stood out in Sri Lanka’s modest 184 all Ireland 131-9, 50 overs (Harry Tector DELHI VENUE AT RISK OF LOSING discussed the issue of DDCA,” Thakur said. coasted home in the 26th over with a fi ne all-round display as out, but Afghanistan was itself 30 not out; Sandeep Lamichhane WORLD T20 MATCHES “They have given a deadline of January 31, with Yogendra Karki making 61. he followed up his 45 with the bat bowled out for 151 despite opener 5-27, Dipendra Airee 2-18) lost to New Delhi’s Feroz Shah Kotla ground is in dan- five O’ clock, to come out with the required Lamichhane had Lorcan Tucker with fi ve for 47, which bundled Karim Janat’s 40 and Waheedul- Nepal 132-2, 25.3 overs (Yogendra ger of losing its World Twenty20 fixtures after NOCs (no-objection certificates) so that they and Adam Dennison caught off New Zealand out for 138 in the lah Shafaq’s 47. Karki 61, Aarif Sheikh 31 not out) by the Indian cricket board (BCCI) moved a match can continue as a host of the World Cup successive balls in his fourth over 32nd over. Seamer Avesh Kumar, Kamindu Mendis, who pos- 8 wickets against Sri Lanka away from the venue due to matches. If they are unable to do so by 31st and then bowled Fiachra Tucker who took three wickets in his fi rst sesses a rare talent of bowling TODAY’S MATCHES administrative lapses. evening, then the BCCI will shift those matches with his next delivery to com- four overs to reduce the Kiwis to both right-arm off -spin and left- Group A: Bangladesh v Scotland The Delhi and District Cricket Association to the seven other remaining venues.” plete the hat-trick. fi ve for three, fi nished with four arm orthodox spin, claimed three Group A: South Africa v Namibia (DDCA) failed to get the requisite clearances Delhi is scheduled to host four matches in the India, sent into bat by New for 32. He was later declared wickets for 36 runs. Group C: West Indies v Fiji from various civic authorities in order to host tournament, including a semi-final on March 30. Zealand in Mirpur, piled up 258 player of the match. Pakistan scored a seven-wick- Group C: England v Zimbabwe Gulf Times 4 Sunday, January 31, 2016 TENNIS

REPORT SPOTLIGHT Mental strength key to Kerber’s Tearful Kerber victory in fi nal stuns Williams to win fi rst Slam title ‘My whole life I was working really hard and now I’m here and I can say I’m a Grand Slam champion, so it sounds really crazy’

Dream come true: Angelique Kerber celebrates with the Reuters fortitude just to get to the fi- Australian Open trophy after defeating Serena Williams in Melbourne nal. yesterday’s final at Melbourne. Forced to save a match point against Misaki Doi in the open- ngelique Kerber said a ing round, Kerber also came renewed sense of self- back from 2-5 down in the sec- belief had helped her ond set to beat twice-former stun six-times cham- champion Victoria Azarenka pionA Serena Williams to win her in straight sets in the quarter- maiden grand slam title at the fi nals. 33rd attempt at the Australian “The mental part, it’s really Open yesterday. big. You must be relaxed and you The left-hander was a rank must really believe in yourself,” outsider in the match but over- said Kerber, whose victory will turned the odds with an inspired move her up to a career-high performance to become the fi rst second in the world. German winner of one of the “This is actually the big- sport’s four majors since Steffi gest thing what I learn also in Graf at Roland Garros in 1999. these two weeks, to go for it. Of Kerber simply refused to be course you will have some losses overawed by her opponent’s in your career, as well, and also power or reputation on Rod tough moments still. Laver Arena, returning like a “But you must believe that demon through some lengthy you can do it. I learned that in rallies even when the point ap- these two weeks.” peared to be lost. Kerber was only the fourth “I knew I had to try to go out player to beat Williams in to beat her because she wouldn’t a grand slam fi nal and was give it to me,” she told reporters. touched by the American com- “I knew that I must play the ing round the net to congratu- best tennis against her tonight. late her at the end of the match. I was going out there to try to “I think Serena’s really a show really that I can play, that champion,” Kerber said. “She I can beat her.” told me after that she’s really A sign of her burgeoning con- happy for me and that I really fi dence came in the sixth game deserved it. So you saw that she of the third set when she pro- is really, really a great person.” duced two perfectly executed Glancing towards her re- drop shots to save game points. charging phone where there “That’s how I am, a little bit was an unopened message from crazy, you know,” she said “I re- 22-times grand slam champion ally know and I have confi dence Graf, Kerber said she thought when I play my dropshots.” her win would be a boost for She laid the foundations for German tennis. her run to the title by winning “After Steffi , now some- four titles last year but had to body won a grand slam! It’s just illustrate her improved mental amazing.”

DEFENCE ‘I’m not a robot’, AFP MATCH STATS Melbourne Serena Williams smiles says Serena aft er as she holds her KERBER WILLIAMS tearful Angelique Kerber second-place trophy. Aces 5 7 stunned an errant Serena Wil- Double Faults 3 6 shock defeat liams to win the Australian Average serve speed (KM/H) 154 172 Open yesterday and thwart the Fastest serve (KM/H) 164 196 AmericanA top seed’s bid to equal Steffi Break points converted 5/9 4/8 long, while missing almost half of AFP Graf’s Open-era record of 22 Grand Slam Winners 25 47 Melbourne her shots from the net. titles. Unforced errors 13 46 “I was missing a lot off the In a huge upset, the seventh seed top- Total points won 91 85 ground, coming to the net. She pled the 34-year-old 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 to Match time: Two hours, eight minutes erena Williams yesterday kept hitting some great shots ac- win her maiden major title and become said she wasn’t a “robot” tually every time I came in,” Wil- the fi rst German Grand Slam champion and couldn’t win every liams said. since Graf at the 1999 French Open. day of my life,” she told her post-match match she played after “I think I kept picking the Williams, the world number one and press conference. Sslumping to a shock defeat in wrong shots coming into it. But, defending champion, had won all six “As much as I would like to be a robot, the Australian Open fi nal against honestly, it’s something to learn previous Melbourne Park fi nals she had I’m not.” Germany’s Angelique Kerber. from, just to try to get better.” played and had also triumphed in her last The German faced the powerful Wil- The world number one and top While her mistakes helped eight Grand Slam deciders. liams serve fi rst up, and failed to win a seed was overwhelming favourite Kerber, the German also played But Kerber, inspired by a good luck point against it, reinforcing expectations to win her 22nd Grand Slam title some scintillating tennis off the message from Graf, knew all the pressure that the top seed would take control. at Melbourne Park, but an error- baseline and Williams paid trib- was on her opponent and she mercilessly But Kerber began fi nding her range and strewn performance handed the ute to her never-say-die attitude exploited her weaknesses in a thriller at against the odds broke to go 2-1 in front. German a stunning 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 in pressing so hard for her fi rst Rod Laver Arena. An out-of-sorts Williams was hit- victory. ever Grand Slam title at the age “My whole life I was working really ting too many errors, but holding for 2-3 It stopped Williams matching of 28. hard and now I’m here and I can say I’m a seemed to temporarily fl ip a switch in the Steffi Graf’s Open-era record of “I was actually really happy for Grand Slam champion, so it sounds really American who broke back. 22 Grand Slam titles, which will her. She’s been around a really crazy,” she said, choking back tears. But the mistakes piled up and Kerber now have to wait at least until the long time. We’ve had a number “The best two weeks of my life and ca- broke again as she dictated the baseline French Open in June. of matches. I’ve beaten her a reer. I had goose bumps here on the cen- points. The 34-year-old, who had won lot,” said Williams, who had a 5-1 tre court when I was playing.” Twenty-three unforced errors from all six of her previous Melbourne record against Kerber before the Her win sparked celebrations in Ger- Williams to the German’s three told Park fi nals, was the defending Melbourne fi nal. many, with a host of stars off ering con- the story of the fi rst set, which Kerber champion and won three Grand “She played so well today. She gratulations including Manchester Unit- wrapped up in 39 minutes. Slam titles last year. But she said had an attitude that I think a lot ed’s Bastian Schweinsteiger and Formula Rattled, Williams cleaned up her act she was not infallible. of people can learn from: just to One driver Nico Rosberg. in the second set and it went with serve “It’s interesting. I mean, every always stay positive and to never “Many congratulations! It was time. until the fourth game when two Kerber time I walk in this room, every- give up. Steffi Graf’s era was a good few years ago,” double faults helped Williams to a 3-1 one expects me to win every sin- “I was really inspired by that. said International Olympic Committe lead. gle match, every single day of my If I couldn’t win, I’m happy she president Thomas Bach, who is also Ger- She took it into a deciding third set life,” she said at her post-match did.” Williams made clear during man. having made only fi ve errors, in stark press conference. the tournament she was trying The left-hander, whose win will see contrast to her wayward fi rst set. “As much as I would like to be not to think about Graf’s record, her move up from world number six to But it was Kerber who grabbed a de- a robot, I’m not. I try to. But, you but she denied that nerves about two, has had an emphasis on consistency cisive break in the third set as she reeled know, I do the best that I can. equalling the milestone played a in Melbourne, patiently building control off a brilliant passing shot on her way to “I try to win every single time I part in her defeat. of the point as rallies develop. beaten fi ve times before and lost only something diff erent. But that’s all I can a 2-0 lead. step out there, every single point, “Once it got started, it was so It worked well with the 28-year-old, once. go off .” It went with serve until a titanic sixth but realistically I can’t do it. May- intense from the beginning till the who had never beaten a world number “I was actually really happy for her. The imposing American was the over- game, when Williams saved four break be someone else can, but I wasn’t end that I didn’t really have time one before, dropping just one set en route She’s been around a really long time,” whelming favourite, having won three of points but couldn’t save a fi fth as she able to do it.” Williams’ tilt at an- to be nervous,” she said. to the fi nal, in the opening round to Mis- said Williams. the four Grand Slam titles last year, but looped a forehand long. other title was ultimately undone “No, I didn’t think about the kai Doi when she saved a match point. “I think I did the best I could today. You said she was only human. It spelled the end of the road as Kerber by 46 unforced errors to Kerber’s record at all. I think more or less Williams had been in imperious form know, would I give myself an A? No. But “I mean, every time I walk in this (press held her nerve to win her fi rst Grand Slam 13. Twenty-three of them came in I thought just about winning this all tournament, but too many errors cost today this is what I could produce today. conference) room, everyone expects me and collapsed to the fl oor in delight when the opening set as she uncharac- match. It wasn’t necessarily the her dearly against an opponent she had “Maybe tomorrow I could produce to win every single match, every single Williams put another volley long. teristically sprayed balls wide and record for me.” Gulf Times Sunday, January 31, 2016 5 TENNIS

PREVIEW SPOTLIGHT Andy Murray takes rational approach Djokovic poised to facing the mighty to enter Laver, Novak Djokovic Borg territory ‘Fighting for a Grand Slam trophy is a pinnacle of our sport’

AFP ‘You work hard to put yourself in Melbourne Serbia’s Novak Djokovic this position. Of course, adding (L) gestures as he speaks to that the fact that I am able to with his coach Boris Becker make history is just an additional ovak Djokovic is poised to en- during a training session in encouragement and incentive for ter Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg Melbourne yesterday. me to do well. If you want to win territory as he chases a record- Grand Slam titles and be the best in equalling sixth Australian Open the world, you have to win against titleN in Sunday’s fi nal against Andy Mur- the best players in the world. Going ray. to be ready for that” The peerless world number one is strongly favoured to deny Murray for a fourth time in the Melbourne fi nal and se- two sets lasted two-and-a-half hours, cure a victory which would push him fur- and is renowned for his powers of endur- Britain’s Andy Murray is watched by his coach Amelie Mauresmo ther up the list of the sport’s greats. ance. as he takes part in a training session ahead of today’s men’s singles Should he again vanquish the world Djokovic mastered Rafael Nadal in final. number two, Djokovic will join Borg and the longest ever Grand Slam fi nal in fi ve Laver with 11 Grand Slam titles, and equal hours, 53 minutes at the 2012 Australian Roy Emerson’s record of six Australian Open, and last year he won the physical By Kevin Mitchell read into what’s happened but crowns—and all at the age of just 28. battle as he put away Murray in four sets. The Guardian Stan [Wawrinka] beat Rafa [Nad- Djokovic destroyed the all-time Grand As well as his three losses to Djokovic in al] in the fi nal here [in 2014]. I Slam champion Roger Federer in Thurs- the Melbourne Park fi nal in 2011, 2013 and don’t think he’d ever won against day’s semi-fi nal to yet again underline his 2015, the Scot also went down to Federer f there is a tennis equiva- him in 13 attempts. There’s no dominance in the men’s game, and enter in the title match in 2010. lent of hell, it surely is being reason it’s not possible for me to his fi fth straight major fi nal. “I don’t think many people are expect- dragged back to the scene of win.” “Fighting for a Grand Slam trophy is ing me to win on Sunday,” Murray said. “I serial pain infl icted by a rival Murray has won slam fi nals a pinnacle of our sport. This is exactly have to just believe in myself, have a solid Iwho is not only a week younger against Djokovic: at Flushing where you want to be,” Djokovic told re- game plan, and hopefully execute it and but roughly $50m richer, eight Meadows and Wimbledon. They porters on Saturday. play well. grand slam titles better off and re- are his only majors so far – but “You work hard to put yourself in this “But the previous disappointments, it’s garded by every sane critic as the the word “only” should not be re- position. Of course, adding to that the one tennis match. Doesn’t matter what’s best player in the world now and garded as an insult. Tim Henman fact that I am able to make history is just happened in the past really. It’s about for the foreseeable future. “only” reached four Wimbledon an additional encouragement and incen- what happens on Sunday.” None of that concerns Andy semi-fi nals but how many others tive for me to do well. Djokovic, while confi dent of another Murray as he contemplates his have done that? “If you want to win Grand Slam titles victory, knows what lies ahead in Sun- fourth Australian Open fi nal At the summit of any sport, just and be the best in the world, you have to day’s decider between two patient, de- against Novak Djokovic here on arriving is a major achievement. win against the best players in the world. fensive players. Sunday. Having gone winless Standing alone is the ultimate but Going to be ready for that.” “I’m expecting a battle with Andy, as against him in a combined total losing does not diminish either This will be the 31st meeting between it always is. Very physically demanding of just under 10 hours in fi nals in the eff ort or the moment, as Jo- the pair in a rivalry that goes back to their match. Lots of rallies, exchanges. It’s no 2011, 2013 and last year (as well hanna Konta might put it. junior days. secret we know how we play against each as a fi rst losing fi nal here in 2010, Indeed, for all her obsession Murray is just seven days older than the other,” he said. against Roger Federer), Murray with the process and keeping a Serb and while he enjoyed some success Murray’s second serve, once consid- almost revels in it – just as he took grip on her expectations as if per- earlier on the professional tour, Djokovic ered a weakness, has more power and the satisfaction from the ordeal of his manently wired in to a tape from has won 10 of their last 11 encounters. extra oomph gives him more weapons to long, tough semi-fi nal win over her mind coach, the British No1 Djokovic holds a 6-2 win-loss record complement his already formidable re- Milos Raonic on Friday. beautifully captured the essence against the Scot in Slams and a 3-2 ad- turn and defensive game. It is not mere perversity kicking of that philosophy after losing vantage in major fi nals. There is not much “There has been a lot of talks about in – although that is there in good to Angelique Kerber in the semi- each other does not know about the oth- his second serve, and I’m sure he and his measure – but the sort of pragma- fi nals. “I don’t live my life and feel er’s game. team are very much aware of that,” Djoko- tism professional athletes must my happiness or joy on my wins “It’s two games that are very much tomorrow’s match. I think both of us will about how you handle your emotions of vic said. “But on the other hand, I’m also embrace if they are not to lose and losses,” she said. alike, so it’s basically who’s going to out- try to serve high percentage of fi rst serves the greatness of that occasion of playing working on things to improve, and I’m complete control of their sanity. Murray expressed a similar play who from the baseline,” Djokovic and not allow the other player to attack for the Grand Slam title.” sure that we will try to explore each oth- There have been a lot of pain- sentiment after losing in the fi nal said. the second serve too many times. Djokovic wore down Murray in last er’s weaknesses tomorrow and see what fully one-sided rivalries in ten- last year to Djokovic, when he was “I think serve is an important factor in “Yeah, a lot about tactics and a lot year’s attritional fi nal, in which the fi rst happens.” nis, few more charged or poign- a contender until a spectacular ant than that between Serena late collapse that he hinted was in Williams and Maria Sharapova, some small part due to the Serb’s PEN PICS OF THE FINALISTS the Russian leaving Melbourne gamesmanship, although he was this week after losing for the 18th not subsequently happy with that NOVAK DJOKOVIC (SRB x1) unstoppable in 2015, with three Grand ANDY MURRAY (GBR x2) Roger Federer in 2010 and fell to Novak time in a row to the American, assessment. He said: “Success is World ranking: 1 Slam titles among 11 tournament victo- World ranking: 2 Djokovic in his other three finals in who ploughed on to the fi nal. Yet being happy. It’s not about win- Birthdate: May 22, 1987 ries, and a win-loss record of 82-6. The Birthdate: May 15, 1987 2011, 2013 and last year. He is bidding Sharapova tries as hard against ning every single tournament you Birthplace: Belgrade, Serbia defending champion appears to have Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland to become the first British man to win Williams as she does against any- play, because that isn’t possible.” Residence: Monte Carlo, Monaco picked up where he left off in his most Residence: London the Australian Open since Fred Perry in one on the circuit. It is her des- Rafael Nadal often says the Height: 6ft 2in (1.88m) productive Grand Slam and will be play- Height: 6ft 3ins (1.90m) 1934. Murray has two Grand Slam titles tiny, almost: unavoidable and de- same. Cynics would say such a Weight: 172lbs (78kg) ing in his sixth Australian final in nine Weight: 185lbs (84kg) to his name, from the 2012 US Open fi ning. She does not shy from the response to losing is an easy fall- Plays: Right-handed years—and his fifth Grand Slam decider Plays: Right-handed and Wimbledon the following year. It fi ght but walks through the smoke back, a philosophical comfort Turned pro: 2003 in a row. Djokovic is also chasing his Turned pro: 2005 has been a diff icult Australian Open and bullets with her head high. blanket. But it is more than that. Coach: Boris Becker/Marian Vajda 11th major title which would place him Coach: Amelie Mauresmo for Murray with his father-in-law Nigel Djokovic has beaten Murray 21 It is a proper rationalisation of Career titles: 60 alongside Bjorn Borg and Rod Laver. Career singles titles: 35 Sears collapsing at the tournament and times; Murray has beaten Djoko- the facts. It is why Donald Brad- Grand Slam singles titles: 10 He has been world number one for 183 Grand Slam singles titles: 0 taken to hospital before being allowed vic nine times. If they were box- man was the greatest batsman of Career prize money: $94,251,218 weeks. The Serb is on a 20-match Grand Career prize money: $42,435,316 to return home, while his wife, Kim, is ers, promoters might have a hard all time, despite falling short of a Best Australian Open result: Champion Slam winning streak since his last defeat Best Australian Open result: Runner-up about to give birth to the couple’s first time selling tickets to their next century average in Tests or why (2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015) to Stan Wawrinka in last year’s French (2010, 2011, 2013, 2015) child. Murray won four tournaments fi ght, although that has never Muhammad Ali’s fi ve defeats The supreme Serb is hoping to match Open final. Djokovic has tremendous The tenacious Scot is into his fifth last season, including two Masters titles, been the case because they in- should not tarnish our memory Roy Emerson’s record—held since 1967 stamina and has a 26-8 record in five Australian Open final and is hoping to and finished the year as world number variably provide more than a mere of his many extraordinary accom- -- of winning six Australian Open titles sets. He leads Murray 2-1 in five-setters become the first man in the Open Era two for the first time. He also led Britain result. There is baggage. plishments on other nights. They after brushing aside Roger Federer in at Grand Slams, and beat him in the Aus- to win a Grand Slam title after coming to their first Davis Cup title since 1936, Their careers have run along are all human, albeit very special. the semi-final. Djokovic was virtually tralian final in 2011, 2013 and 2015. runner-up four times. Murray lost to against Belgium in November roughly parallel lines since they Murray deserves to be regarded were very young, but it is the Serb with the highest respect as he who has outshone the Scot in moves in these rarefi ed circles. As nearly every way: 60 titles to 35; he said after a recent defeat: “I’m BOTTOMLINE 10 majors to two; $93,988,180 to not a machine. I’m allowed to $38,840,385 in prize money. And break down now and again.” Melbourne is where Djokovic He makes every eff ort not to, hurts Murray most in big match- and, after 36 hours rest and a lit- Jamie Murray-Bruno Soares pair win doubles title es. tle light preparation, he will need Still, as he said after that ab- his machine to clank pleasingly Reuters Murray and Soares beat Canada’s sorbing 4-6, 7-5, 6-7 (4-7), 6-4, for him again on Sunday, because Melbourne Daniel Nestor and Czech Radek 6-2 win over Raonic in a tick over there is a beast at the other end of Stepanek 2-6 6-4 7-5 in the fi nal four hours: “Five fi nals is a great the court who will show him no that followed Angelique Kerber achievement. You can’t take that mercy whatsoever – just as Mur- beating Serena Williams for the away from me. There are very few ray was ruthless in his execution ritain’s Jamie Murray gained an women’s’ title players that will have made fi ve of the hobbled Raonic. early claim to bragging rights Australian Open fi nals, so I have The Canadian, head down, over younger brother Andy It was the first grand slam title for to be proud of that. an ice pack easing the pain in his when he combined with Bra- the Briton and his Brazilian partner, in “When you get to the fi nal right groin, looked and sounded Bzil’s Bruno Soares to win the Australian their first major tournament together. you’re disappointed if you don’t as if had been hunted down for Open men’s doubles title early yester- The Murrays are also the first broth- win but I’ve played very good ten- days in the wilderness and shot, day. ers to make the men’s singles and dou- nis here. I’ve given myself many when he said: “It’s probably the Murray and Soares beat Cana- bles finals at the same grand slam in the opportunities to reach the fi nals most heartbroken I’ve felt on da’s Daniel Nestor and Czech Radek Open era. … seven straight quarter-fi nals, court but that’s what it is.” Stepanek 2-6 6-4 7-5 in the final that Murray actually held a champion- as well. As Williams repeatedly tells followed Angelique Kerber beating Ser- ship point while serving at 5-4 in the “I have a very good shot on us: it is what it is. All they can do ena Williams for the women’s’ title. deciding set but blew the opportunity, Sunday if I play my best tennis. about it is play until they drop Andy Murray, who turned up for the though the Canadian and Czech pairing I need to do it for long enough to and if that’s not good enough they trophy presentation, will meet five- were unable to consolidate. have a chance, I’m aware of that. move on. As good as Djokovic is, times champion Novak Djokovic in the Soares then gave them a 40-0 ad- I don’t think many people are he knows that too. Anyone who men’s singles final later on Sunday. vantage in the 12th game and held on to expecting me to win. I just have saw him in tears on court after “Andy you should be in bed. I don’t clinch the title two points later. to believe in myself, have a solid losing to Wawrinka at Roland know why you’re here taking photos “We had them on the ropes for a bit game plan, and hopefully execute Garros last summer will under- but we’ll be there supporting you,” a in the second set but they came through it. stand that. If Murray could make tearful Murray said in a courtside in- Britain’s Jamie Murray (L) and Brazil’s Bruno Soares celebrate with the men’s doubles and that’s why they’re grand slam “It doesn’t matter what’s hap- Djokovic cry in Australia, he’d be terview. trophy after winning their doubles final match yesterday. champions,” Nestor said. pened in the past. People like to a very happy man. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, January 31, 2016 SPORT

NHL Sharks’ Pavelski getting better with age

By Curtis Pashelka “It’s not just the talent,” wasn’t worried about that. I was the hockey season ends and he round pick by the Sharks, fi gured San Jose Mercury News Sharks teammate Joel Ward said, worried about being a junior returns home each summer to that out about Pavelski several “but he works hard at it, at his (with Waterloo) at the time and his native Wisconsin. years ago when he was debating craft, which is pretty cool to see.” going to the University of Wis- “He doesn’t mind taking a whether to leave Miami of Ohio here were times growing Of all this weekend’s All-Stars consin.” few dollars off you on the golf early to start his professional ca- up together in Plover, — including teammate Brent After he was drafted, Pavelski course,” O’Handley said. reer. As he was on spring break, Wis., when Scott Pavel- Burns — few carved the same led Waterloo to a surprise USHL In his fi rst season as the Wingels called Pavelski, who left ski would get the better path to the NHL as Pavelski, Championship. Sharks’ captain, Pavelski is hav- Wisconsin after his sophomore Tof his older brother on the golf arguably the biggest draft day The Black Hawks barely quali- ing perhaps his best season. season. course. steal in the 25-year history of the fi ed for the postseason, but over Last Saturday against Minne- “For him to take the time and Though rare it was, Joe Pav- Sharks organization. three playoff rounds, Pavelski sota, Pavelski scored on a fl ut- share his experience, and his elski was never happy about it, Perhaps thought to be a tad had 12 points in 12 games. Two tering wrist shot with 1:24 left in knowledge of the pro game and and made sure it didn’t happen small or a step slow by most years later as a sophomore at the third period to lift the Sharks what to expect, it meant a lot to too often. teams, Pavelski fell to the sev- Wisconsin, he had 53 points in to a 4-3 win. It was his NHL best me,” said Wingels, who has the “Oh yeah, there’d be some enth round of the June 2003 Poile, who served as GM of the tracked Pavelski throughout 41 games and helped the Badgers eighth game-winner of the sea- same agent as Pavelski. “To see hard feelings, until he beat you Entry Draft. But his competi- 2014 US Men’s Olympic Hockey that draft year and pushed the win the NCAA championship. son and gave San Jose its seventh him evolve, he’s a guy who guys the next time,” said Scott, who is tive zeal, which extends to golf, team. “He was a little bit of an organization to take the 5-foot- P.K. O’Handley, who has been victory in eight games. talk about age and guys declin- four years younger than Joe. baseball and hunting and fi sh- underdog. Not a high draft pick, 11 forward, adding to a San Jose Waterloo’s coach since 2002, “You don’t realise how im- ing, and he’s getting better every Joe, 31, has always strived to ing — not to mention a knack for not the biggest guy. You can pick draft class that included Milan uses Pavelski as an example to all pressive it is when you’re going year.” do better the next time. And it’s scoring timely goals — has led apart and have things to say why Michalek and Matt Carle. of the players he’s coached that through it,” Logan Couture said Pavelski said he’ll make sure showing up in his game this sea- to a standout NHL career that’s he wasn’t going to make it. But Before he was drafted, Pavel- you don’t necessarily have to be after the game. “I’m sure one to enjoy the weekend, as he’ll be son. As the Sharks’ forward and lasted nine-plus seasons. a lot of us would like a do-over ski had won a state champion- the biggest or the fastest athlete day we’ll sit back and look back joined by several family mem- team captain gets set to play in In 691 NHL games, Pavelski again with that draft.” ship with Stevens Point Area to be successful. at everything he’s done, and kind bers, including younger brother his fi rst NHL All-Star Game this has 253 goals and 534 regular- Pavelski wasn’t expecting to Senior High in 2002 and scored “He’s been a winner wherever of realize how impressive it is.” Scott. weekend in Nashville, Tenn., he season points, a total only ex- be drafted in the fi rst place, and 36 goals in 60 games for the Wa- he’s been,” O’Handley said of his Pavelski has been the perfect “It’s going to be an awesome is on pace to eclipse his career ceeded by seven other players didn’t fi nd out that he was taken terloo Black Hawks of the USHL. program’s most famous alum. choice to be captain, not only trip,” Pavelski said. “It’s the fi rst highs of 41 goals and 79 points he from that 2003 draft class. by the Sharks until he got back to “I was excited,” Pavelski said O’Handley knows the Pavelski because of competitiveness and one and you’re excited to be in had in 2013-14. After 48 games “It’s his persistence, and he’s his parent’s house and received a about being a late-round draft family and is well aware of Joe’s his production, but also the way that type of atmosphere. Nash- this season, he has 25 goals and getting better all the time,” said phone call. choice. “Seventh round, I knew distaste for losing, a character he conducts himself off the ice. ville’s a fun town and I’m sure 49 points. Nashville general manager David But Sharks scout Pat Funk it was going to be a long road. I trait that doesn’t go away when Tommy Wingels, a sixth- they’re going to do a great job.”

NBA Love drops in 29, Cavaliers cruise past Pistons 114-106 ‘When Kevin is shooting the ball like that and being aggressive he can’t be stopped’

DPA Los Angeles Kevin Love (L) of the Cleveland Cavaliers tries to control the ball next to Marcus Morris of the Detroit Pistons during the second half at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. (Getty Images/AFP) evin Love didn’t receive any love for a spot on the Eastern Conference roster for next month’s KNBA All-Star Game, but the Cleveland Cavaliers premier big man shone the brightest on Friday. Love fi red in fi ve triples en route to 29 points and the visit- ing Cavaliers rolled to their third straight victory, 114-106 over the Detroit Pistons. “I don’t know that I need any more motivation,” Love said pri- or to tipoff . Love delivered his second- highest point total of the season and best since November. “When Kevin is shooting the ball like that and being aggres- sive he can’t be stopped,” said teammate Kyrie Irving, who fi n- ished with 28 points. With Love and Irving lead- ing the way, teammate LeBron James didn’t have to carry the usual entire load. “Those two were in a rhythm and being aggressive,” said James, the Cavs’ lone All-Star. “They got it done and I fi lled in.” James collected 20 points with nine rebounds and eight assists for the Eastern Conference-best Cavs (33-12), who improved to 3-1 since Tyronn Lue replaced fi red head coach David Blatt a week ago. “It feels great,” said Lue, who was named to coach of the East in the league’s mid-season showcase to be played February 14 in Toronto. “We’re starting to gel as a unit.” Lue wants the Cavs to push the pace and they’ve responded, averaging nearly 115 points in the three victories. With Irving running the of- fence, Cleveland led 66-58 at halftime behind 19 Love points. The gap grew to 20 in the third quarter and the Cavs carried a 96-78 cushion into the fi nal 12 minutes, and never allowed the lead to dip below nine en route to their 10th win in the last 11 games. “We just want to con- tinue the process of what coach wants to do,” James said. “I think we did that tonight. to take away what you can take quarter ejection after drawing Zaza Pachulia added 16 with zBoston Celtics 113, Orlan- to handle the visiting Timber- ers for the ninth straight time. “We’re not where we want to away and we didn’t.” two technical fouls. 12 retrieves, and the Maver- do Magic 94: Kelly Olynyk and wolves (14-34). Julius Randle had 23 points with be but we’re going in the right Elsewhere: zMiami Heat 107, Milwau- icks (27-22) handed the visiting Marcus Smart scored 16 points zPortland Trail Blazers 109, 14 rebounds for the sliding Lak- direction.” zOklahoma City Thunder kee Bucks 103: Dwyane Wade Nets their 12th loss in the last apiece, and the Celtics opened Charlotte Hornets 91: Damian ers (9-40), who lost their ninth First-time All-Star Andre 116, Houston Rockets 108: scored 24 points, including the 15 games. Brook Lopez topped the fourth quarter on a deci- Lillard dropped in 22 points, Allen straight game. Drummond had 20 points and Kevin Durant had 33 points tie-breaking jumper with 44.5 Brooklyn (12-35) with 28 points sive 22-4 blitz en route to their Crabbe had 20 off the bench and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had and 12 rebounds, while Russell seconds left, and two game- and 12 rebounds. season-high fi fth straight win the Trail Blazers (22-26) squashed RESULTS 19 for the Pistons (25-22), who Westbrook picked up his sixth sealing free throws in the fi nal zNew York Knicks 102, while handing the host Magic an the Hornets (22-25) for their third LA Clippers 105 LA Lakers ....93 won the fi rst meeting but were triple-double of the season with seconds as the visiting Heat (26- Phoenix Suns 84: Carmelo eighth straight defeat. straight win. Dallas ...... 91 Brooklyn .....79 victimised by the Cavs’ Big 26 points, 14 assists and 10 re- 20) held off the Bucks. Giannis Anthony, returning after missing zUtah Jazz 103, Minnesota zLA Clippers 105, LA Lak- Boston ...... 113 Orlando ...... 94 Three. bounds, and the Thunder (36- Antetokounmpo topped Mil- two games with a sore left knee, Timberwolves 90: Rodney ers 93: Chris Paul scored 27 Detroit ...... 106 Cleveland ...114 “They got three great play- 13) rolled the visiting Rockets for waukee (20-29) with 28 points. had 19 points, 10 rebounds and Hood scored 22 points, Der- points, reserve Austin Rivers New York.....102 Phoenix ...... 84 ers who were terrifi c,” Pistons its 10th win in the last 11 games. zDallas Mavericks 91, eight assists, and the Knicks (23- rick Favors had 20, and the Jazz had six of his 17 in a decisive Portland ...... 109 Charlotte ...... 91 coach Stan Van Gundy said. “So James Harden scored 33 points Brooklyn Nets 79: Chandler 26) stopped a four-game slide (21-25) withstood a sparkling 19-7 third quarter burst, and Utah ...... 103 Minnesota . 90 how are you going to beat a good for the Rockets (25-24), who lost Parsons had 19 points with while sending the Suns (14-34) 32-point, 12-rebound eff ort by the Clippers (31-6) beat their Oklahoma City 116 Houston ....108 team playing that well? You have centre Dwight Howard to a third a season-best 10 rebounds, to their 13th straight road loss. rookie Karl-Anthony Towns Staples Center co-tenant Lak- Milwaukee .. 103 Miami ...... 107 Gulf Times Sunday, January 31, 2016 7 NFL

SPOTLIGHT Kubiak taking advantage of second chance as head coach ‘He believes in who he is and what he is teaching. He isn’t going to deviate from his philosophy’

By Mike Preston was never the case with Kubiak. His coach- The Baltimore Sun ing expertise showed on the fi eld. In 2014, the Ravens established franchise single-sea- son records in total yards (5,838) and points uring an interview with The Balti- (409). The Ravens ranked 12th in the league more Sun in August of 2014, Den- total off ense and eighth in rushing. ver Broncos general manager John Like he had done several times in Denver Elway spoke so glowingly of Gary when he was the quarterbacks coach/off en- KubiakD that he was afraid the NFL would sive coordinator from 1995 to 2005, Kubiak levy a tampering charge against him. turned a no-name running back, Justin For- But in that 30-minute interview, it was sett, into a 1,000-yard rusher. easy to conclude that if the Broncos needed Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco had a ca- a head coach, Elway would pursue Kubiak. reer year as well, throwing for 3,986 yards Nearly fi ve months later, Kubiak became the and 27 touchdowns. He completed 344 of top Bronco, and Denver is preparing to play 554 passes and had only 12 interceptions, 10 the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 next fewer than in 2013. Sunday. Kubiak put Flacco in a comfort zone, It’s hard to predict how front-offi ce mar- which hasn’t always been easy to do. Flacco riages with the head coach will work out, never got along with former off ensive coor- but if you were around Kubiak for the 2014 dinator Cam Cameron and he has a solid, but season when he was the Ravens off ensive co- sometimes strained relationship with cur- ordinator, you knew it was only a matter of rent coordinator Marc Trestman. time before he would be near the top of his Kubiak was demanding of Flacco. He was profession again. a stickler about mechanics, especially in- It was reminiscent of Bill Belichick when sistent about Flacco planting his back foot he was the Cleveland Browns head coach before throwing. And it’s hard to argue with from 1991 through 1995. Like Belichick, Ku- Kubiak. He has participated in six Super biak had little success in his fi rst stint as a Bowls and has three rings. The list of quar- head coach, with the Houston Texans from terbacks he has worked with includes Hall of 2006 to 2013. But both were too detailed- Famers Joe Montana, Steve Young and Elway. oriented, too driven to fail a second time. In his last couple of seasons in Denver, he Kubiak doesn’t have the stoic demeanour had to convince Elway that he didn’t need of Belichick, but he exudes the same con- to carry the off ense, that the Broncos could fi dence and no-nonsense approach to the win by hitching a ride on the legs of run- game. He allowed Wade Phillips to run his ning back Terrell Davis. Denver won back- defense this season and at the same time to-back titles with Elway as the starter in handled superstar quarterback Peyton Man- 1997 and 1998. So if there was a coach who ning well enough to keep control of his team. had the credentials to deliver a similar mes- Kubiak, 54, doesn’t just have a style, but a sage to Manning this season, it was Kubiak. system. When Denver fans booed the Bron- Denver’s off ense is a hybrid of Kubiak’s West cos this season because of an inconsistent Coast off ense and the one Manning used in running game and few explosive plays, Ku- Indianapolis. biak kept pounding away and allowed his Kubiak got solid production out of backup top-ranked defense to win games. quarterback Brock Osweiler while Manning He still doesn’t appear to sweat much. was injured, and reinserted Manning when “He is a system guy,” said Cincinnati Ben- he thought the season was close to coming gals coach Marvin Lewis. “He believes in to and end. Manning has turned into a game who he is and what he is teaching. He isn’t manager at this point of his career, but it’s going to deviate from his philosophy. That not about ego. It’s about wins and losses. It’s off ense just goes on and on. He gets a run- about championships. ning back, plugs him in and off he goes.” That message has gotten across to every- You saw that with the Ravens, and his one in the Broncos locker room, which isn’t presence was immediate on Day 1. Kubiak always the case when dealing with an ageing didn’t just coach and pop in and out of the superstar. To look at Kubiak’s impact on the huddle, but he was an overseer. At times, he Broncos, just look at the Ravens. would go on the defensive side of the ball 40 Trestman didn’t have much to work with yards away from scrimmages just to look at this season, but the Ravens had no off ensive his off ense and formations. There was nev- identity and they gave up on the run way er a lot of screaming and shouting, but he too early in some games. Whereas Kubiak still had the omnipresence of a head coach. had total control, the Ravens again have too Clearly, the front offi ce and coach John Har- many assistants tinkering with the off ense. baugh had given him complete autonomy Kubiak’s loss was the biggest of the off - over the off ense. season for the Ravens. He just has that type When Kubiak talked, everybody listened. of presence about him. Some guys are born He connected with the players. There are al- to lead, some guys are followers. Kubiak was ways some players who will speak negatively born to be a head coach and he might end up about an assistant coach in private, but that being one of the best ever when he is done.

FOCUS Broncos history has deep roots but lots of losses

By Rick Bonnell miles from the Broncos’ train- fans are very forgiving because ago to Denver, where he does The Charlotte Observer ing facility and you’ll quickly be they know as long as this own- public relations and marketing swept into a conversation about ership stays consistent, and for the Colorado Mountain Club. how many sacks linebacker Von someone like John Elway is run- He sees both parallels and es Shapiro’s wife isn’t a Miller will have on Carolina Pan- ning the show, they will always contrasts in how Charlotte and sports fan, but she’s sure thers quarterback Cam Newton. bounce back.” Denver love their NFL teams. a fan of Denver Broncos When they discovered they By Shapiro’s count, the Bron- “There’s defi nitely a more es- home games. were chatting with a sportswrit- cos have had only fi ve losing sea- tablished tradition here. Most L“She loves Broncos home er from Charlotte, N.C., the sons in the 31 since the Bowlen families have generations of Sundays because the mall is al- questions cascaded from their family bought the team. The life-long fans. This is a place ways empty and she likes to go mouths: Is Newton really that Bowlens reinvest lavishly in the with a lot of Super Bowl appear- shopping,” said Shapiro, a long- big? Is Luke Kuechly as good as product, as in when they reno- ances and a lot of retired jerseys,” time Denver sports-talk radio Miller or DeMarcus Ware? And vated the training facility adding Golden said. host. most importantly... 17,000 square feet to the com- “But still it’s the same kind of Mrs. Shapiro’s impression “You give us a chance, don’t plex in 2014. excitement I remember from the isn’t unique. The Broncos are you?” Those facilities have helped Panthers’ fi rst Super Bowl. You’ll such a longtime obsession in “Us” is of course Bronco Na- the Broncos add and retain tal- see at least one out of every four Denver that there are few signs tion. If the charm in the Pan- ent to win sustainably in the people wearing orange.” of life outside Mile High Stadium thers’ second Super Bowl ap- NFL’s parity-producing free- Golden attended a Super Bowl on game days. pearance is the freshness and agent era. party two years ago, watching “You drive around when it’s relative newness of the experi- “It’s incredible in this day- the Seahawks drill the Broncos a big home game. Now it’s New ence, then Denver is a distinct and-age,” Shapiro said. “With 43-8 in 2014. The only trouble England. It used to be the Raid- contrast: Families everywhere free-agency — the way players, with reaching seven Super Bowls ers. We’re talking late ‘80s and full of multi-generational fan coaches and even owners move is they can result in fi ve losses. early ‘90s. If you weren’t at the bases. The Broncos have quali- around in a mercenary way — “I was with a lot of friends game, it was an empty town,” fi ed for their eighth Super Bowl there’s still been a consistency in who are Broncos fans. By halft- said Dimitrios Seitanis, who appearance, which creates a dif- this organization and it’s a con- ime they were pretty resolved to moved to Denver in the 1980s. ferent set of expectations. sistency the community really the idea they were going to lose,” “If you were driving around, “The whole town is down” appreciates.” Golden recalled. and had a question, there was after a Super Bowl loss, Seitanis Jeff Golden moved to Char- “That was hard on them be- no one to ask, even in the little said. “The second time they had lotte as a third-grader, just be- cause the Broncos seemed like stores.” riots downtown. When they won fore the Panthers’ inaugural the better team, but through a Seitanis and his brother im- it was amazing. But when they season, playing home games series of errors they were going migrated to the United States lose, like two years ago against at Clemson in 1995. His family to lose.” from their native Greece after the Seahawks, it’s like a funeral. went to a game against the San Golden will fl y to the Bay Area fi rst coming to Denver as high The feeling was like you run 100 Francisco 49ers. The Panthers next weekend to take in the Su- school exchange students. To miles, you’re so tired, and then lost 31-10, but the Golden family per Bowl atmosphere. He won’t them, football was the round you lose the race. was still smitten, holding season have a ticket to the game, but he kind played in gigantic soccer “You try to erase it from your Former Super Bowl hero John Elway now runs the Denver Broncos’ football operation. tickets as Jeff grew on to attend has arranged to be with his peo- stadiums throughout Europe. mind, to think of something else. North Mecklenburg High and ple. Not the people he lives with But in assimilating their new There is no way to describe the Shapiro, who hosts the after- ing, they never break up Denver’s not Philadelphia,” Shapiro said. UNC Wilmington. in Denver. Golden will deck out culture, the brothers caught the sense of emptiness. You feel so noon show on Mile High Sports love aff air with its favorite team. “People care here greatly, but if Golden stayed a Panthers fan in black-and-blue and head to Broncos bug. Walk into their bitter; like you’ve been beaten up Radio, 1340-AM, says that while “The region is very forgiving. they have a bad season or even but his career took him west, a Roaring Riot viewing party in restaurant, “Greek to Me” a few by 100 guys.” Super Bowl losses are depress- It’s not like the East Coast — it’s two — which is infrequent — the fi rst to New Mexico and 5{ years San Francisco. Gulf Times 8 Sunday, January 31, 2016 SPORT

RUGBY FOCUS Qatar’s King of Drift Williams magic keeps title goes to Fakhroo All Blacks unbeaten In quarters New Zealand play Kenya, England are against Argentina, Australia face SA

AFP Wellington

onny Bill Williams did not disappoint as the star attrac- tion at the Wellington round of the World Sevens series yesterday as New Zealand and Fiji dominated the opening day. By Sports Reporter SBoth sides emerged from pool play in the third leg of the World Doha Series unbeaten with Fiji untroubled in their three matches. New Zealand, however, were on the brink of losing to South Africa when double 15-a-side World Cup Williams set up the atari Abdelrahman Fakhroo emerged champion in the match-winning try with a trade-mark offl oad. opening round of Red Bull Car Park Drift Middle East Australia were the only other team to win all their pool games, 2016 Season under the patronage of Qatar Motor and although they struggled at times, while England topped their Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) and in partnership with pool despite losing to Samoa. QatarQ Motor Show (QMS). South Africa, Argentina, Kenya and USA also qualifi ed for the The adrenaline-charged event at Doha Corniche, held under play-off s on Sunday. Fiji, co-leaders with South Africa after the the supervision of legendary drifter Abdo Feghali, thrilled thou- fi rst two rounds of the 10-leg series, looked serious contenders in sands of spectators who had braved the cold weather to watch the Wellington as they waltzed through Pool B. action. Their closest match was a 31-10 win over their pool runners up Fakhroo, driving a Nissan Skyline, showed a consistent level Argentina. across all runs. His fi nal run ensured a tidy pass. Second place South Africa, however, fell 19-14 in a tense match-of-the-day went to Walid Salem driving Chevrolet Camaro with 292 points against New Zealand. while Ahmad al-Jaouni rounded the podium as third scoring 259 New Zealand led 12-7 going into the fi nal minute when Wil- points on his BMW M3. Mohamed Saad al-Morraikhi, QMMF liams attempted an offl oad when surrounded by South Africans. General Secretary, and Sultan Zaher al-Morraikhi, QMMF board The ball was snatched away which saw Cheslin Kolbe score to member, were present to deliver the trophies. put South Africa up 14-12. Celebrating his triumph, Fakhroo said: “last year, I participated There was just enough time left for the restart in which New in Red Bull Car Park Drift and came third but I felt that this year Zealand recovered the ball and this time a fl awless Williams of- will be diff erent and I am so happy to be crowned 2016 Qatar’s fl oad put Joe Webber away for the match-winning try. King of Drift. It was a very organised competition and I will make Australia had their anxious moment against Portugal in Pool D sure to be well prepared for the fi nals in Oman”. when they were down 12-0 at half-time before fi ghting back in The judging panel consisted of Rashid al-Sulaiti (QMMF Team the second half with three unanswered tries to win 19-12. Coordinator and Public Relations Manager), Mohamed Abu Issa England fi nished as the fourth top qualifi er, winning Pool C on South Africa’s Rosko (Red Bull Athlete, Qatari quad rider), Karl Heinz Holz (Off Road points diff erential after losing their fi nal match against 2009-10 Specman (R) tackles New Sporting Consultant) and Paul Fadel (Motorsport Analyst and world champions Samoa to fi nish the day with two wins and a Zealand’s Sonny Bill Commentator). loss, the same as USA. Williams on the fi rst day The process was based on drifting skills as a major criterion, The USA, who were also troubled by Samoa with Carlin Isles of the Wellington Sevens in addition to car look and design, clipping point, car sound, tire producing the winning try after the fi nal hooter, lost their only rugby Union tournament at smoke, and the box. The competition included a quad race show game to England 19-5. Westpac Stadium in by one of the members of the judging panel, Mohamed Abu Issa, a In the quarter-fi nals New Zealand play Kenya, England are Wellington yesterday. (AFP) motorbike stunt riding show by the talented Shadi al-Dhaheri and against Argentina, Australia face South Africa and Fiji play the an MX show by the 10-time SuperMoto champ and Trials cham- USA. pion, Brian Capper.

PORSCHE GT3 CUP CHALLENGE MIDDLE EAST QATAR BASKETBALL LEAGUE Cullen wins, Qatar-based Frijns clinches third place

By Sports Reporter was matched by nearest rival Ab- Cullen said: “The reason I won the in determining race results at the Action from the Qatar Basketball League match between Al Rayyan and Al Arabi at the Dubai dulaziz al-Faisal who managed to race is because I was able to get my Dubai Autodrome especially on Gharafa Indoor Hall yesterday. Rayyan won 105-65. (Below) Qatar Sports Club defeated extend his lead over Frijns to nine strong lap in qualifying which was the fi rst lap and it proved no dif- Al Ahli 93-82 in the second match of the day. PICTURES: Nasar TK points in the fi ght for fourth in the good enough for third on the grid. ferent today. atar’s Frijns fi nishes overall standings. In the race itself I got a good start, Starting from the front row a third as Cullen takes Speaking after a third place fi n- better than the front runners, and poor start from Schmidt by his shock victory in opening ish Frijns said: “I started on the to get in front of them in turn one own high standards saw a charg- race of Round 4 of the grid in fi fth position, I had a re- was extremely important. ing Ashkanani close in on the race PorscheQ GT3 Cup Challenge Mid- ally good start and there was a big “Though I got a little tap from lead as the teammates entered the dle East at Dubai Autodrome. crash ahead of me on the 1st turn behind at turn one I was able to opening corner. But the duo mis- Qatar-based racing driver Char- which slowed me down a lot. I lost hold it together and by the time I judged their track positions with lie Frijns has secured third place in a lot of places and had to regain my got to the second turn I was in the Ashkanani spinning out and taking the opening race of Round 4 Por- position, I managed to get back up lead. I could see the train of cars Schmidt with him. The unfortu- sche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle to third place and that’s where I behind so put my head down and nate collision resulted in an early East held at a windswept Dubai fi nished the race. Moving up fi fth kept going. I’m obviously delight- retirement for Schmidt and Ashka- Autodrome. A delighted Frijns was to third is great for me and the ed to have closed the gap to Jeff rey nani dropped to the back of the grid joined on a podium representing team and another podium fi nish in the championship so it’s game before covering to fi nish seventh. three diff erent nationalities by after Yas marina last weekend. on from here” In the overall standings, Ryan Cullen who took the race win “The championship is still pos- Round 4 had been billed as a Schmidt (150pts) is now just a and former champion Abdulaziz sible for me after what happened glorious homecoming for Al Na- mere one point ahead of race win- al-Faisal of Saudi Arabia in sec- today but it’s going to be very dif- booda Racing team who sought ner Ryan Cullen (149pts), with ond. Frijns is now in a healthy fi fth fi cult. I am hoping for a strong to build upon their sizable lead in Kuwaiti starlet Zaid Ashkanani position in the overall driver’s title qualifying position tomorrow and the team championship with driv- third closely followed Saudi Ara- and will look to move further up another good start and hopefully ers Schmidt and Ashkanani well bia’s Abdulaziz al-Faisal (121pts) the standings in Race 2. we can make it three podiums in placed in fi rst and second in the in fourth. All eyes will now be Race Few could have predicted the three races.” standings heading into Round 4. 2 today as motorsport neutrals shock result following the domi- However as the region’s most Confi dent displays in morning relish the battle for the driver and nation of Al Nabooda’s invincible professional and competitive se- practice and qualifying all point- team titles. driver Jeff rey Schmidt who had ries proved nothing is guaranteed ed towards another race win and In a contrast to the mood of Al claimed victory in all six of the in motorsport. The win by Cullen, podium fi nishes for Al Nabooda Nabooda, Al-Faisal Racing en- previous races of Season 7. the fi rst of his Porsche career in Racing with Schmidt on pole and joyed their most successful outing For Frijns the strong result fur- the Middle East, sees the Irishman joined on the front row of the grid of the season. Brothers and team- ther highlights his resurgence in leapfrog Al Nabooda’s Zaid Ashka- by teammate Ashkanani in second. mates fi nished high in the stand- form and the series after claiming nani into second in the overall But as early as the fi rst corner of the ings to close the gap in the team his second successive podium fi n- driver standings. The gap between opening lap the race and champi- championship on Al Nabooda to ish following on from a third place second placed Cullen and overall onship was blown wide open. only thanks to a second place by in Abu Dhabi one week ago. Un- leader, Schmidt has been reduced The notorious tight right-hand Abdulaziz al-Faisal and Saud al- fortunately for the Doha-resident to only one point. corner at the end of the start fi nish Faisal’s best result of his career in his success on the track in Race 1 Speaking after his race win Ryan straight has always been pivotal fourth. Gulf Times Sunday, January 31, 2016 9 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA SPOTLIGHT Bayern host Hoff enheim Barca’s Messi and Suarez today

AFP sink nine-man Atletico Munich unaway Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich host strugglers Hoff en- Win takes Barca three points clear of Atletico at the top of the table, having also played a game less heim today in their fi rst homeR league match of 2016 with AFP ‘Molegate’ having overshadowed Barcelona the build-up. Bayern started the weekend eight points clear in the table and arcelona took control of the La Liga title in rude health on the pitch ahead race as goals from Lionel Messi and Luis of the Allianz Arena clash. Suarez inspired a come from behind 2-1 But the German media went win against nine-man Atletico Madrid into a spin last week when mag- yesterday.B Koke handed the visitors a deserved azine Kicker quoted a Bayern early lead, but Barca turned the game thanks to two player saying the mood in the goals in eight minutes before the break through squad is “not good”. Messi and Suarez. Atletico’s hopes of salvaging Napoli’s forward Gonzalo Higuain (right), The unnamed mole said spir- a point were then ruined as Filipe Luis and Diego celebrates with team-mates after scoring its have nose-dived since coach Godin were sent-off for rash challenges either side a goal against Sampdoria during the Pep Guardiola demanded more of half-time. Italian Serie A match at Luigi Ferraris professionalism from his squad Victory takes Barca three points clear of Atletico Stadium in Genoa. (AFP) after a few players were found to at the top of the table - having also played a game be overweight. less - and seven points clear of third-placed Real Guardiola has also clamped Madrid, who host Espanyol today. down on his squad jetting off on “It is clear it is an important day for us to pick days off to ensure they rest prop- up three points against our closest rivals, but there erly in Munich between matches is a long way to go,” said Barca boss Luis Enrique. in the coming weeks. “Every game presents its diffi culties and you don’t The pre-match press confer- always overcome them in the most eff ective or ence on Friday saw Guardiola, spectacular way.” who announced last month that Meanwhile, Atletico coach Diego Simeone re- he will leave in May, fi elding fused to chastise Luis and Godin for leaving his numerous questions about the side short-handed against the European cham- mole with Hoff enheim barely pions. “I have nothing to reproach them for,” said mentioned. the Argentine. “Even with nine men we maintained “Where does this anonymous our way of playing. In a game you can win or lose, player play?” Guardiola asked but I always prefer to lose in this way.” reporters with irritation. The clash between La Liga’s top two pitted Eu- “Is he a left-back or a centre- rope’s most feared attack against its strongest de- back? Or does he play up front? fence, but it was Atletico who started on the front “Or is he perhaps amongst the foot. Saul Niguez’s dipping eff ort was brilliantly staff ? I don’t know this anony- turned over by Claudio Bravo after just two min- mous player.” utes. However, another Niguez burst provided the Having also had to deal in late opening goal eight minutes later when his cross 2013 with a mole, whose identity from the right just evaded Antoine Griezmann and was never revealed, Guardiola was slotted home at the far post by Koke. says he has learnt to live with Atletico could even have had a more command- having a Bayern player break ranks. The Spaniard, who wants to POINTS TABLE Barcelona’s Luis Suarez coach in England next season, Read as: played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals (right) celebrates with insists morale is “good, very against, points teammate Lionel Messi good” and, on paper at least, Barcelona 21 16 3 2 54 17 51 after scoring a goal Hoff enheim should not pose Atletico Madrid 22 15 3 4 31 10 48 yesterday. (Reuters) Bayern a problem. Real Madrid 21 13 5 3 58 20 44 They have never beaten the Villarreal 21 12 5 4 28 18 41 Bavarian giants in 15 attempts Celta Vigo 21 10 4 7 32 33 34 in the league and are deep in the Eibar 21 9 6 6 34 26 33 relegation places under caretak- Sevilla 21 9 6 6 28 22 33 er coach Huub Stevens. Athletic Bilbao 21 9 4 8 32 30 31 ing lead as Augusto Fernandez fl ashed a shot inch- fl at-footed as Dani Alves’s long ball over the top Atletico’s resistance was undone by their own But therein lies the danger. D La Coruna 21 6 11 4 28 25 29 es wide with Barca struggling to get a foothold in picked out Suarez, who showed great strength to stupidity again 25 minutes from time, though, as “Every opponent is danger- Getafe 21 7 5 9 26 31 26 the game. hold off compatriot Jose Maria Gimenez, before Godin lunged in on Suarez and was rightly shown ous,” warned Bayern’s Dutch Valencia 21 5 10 6 26 22 25 The European champions had been outplayed by slotting between Oblak’s legs. a second yellow card. Barca then rubbed salt into winger Arjen Robben. Malaga 21 6 6 9 16 19 24 Malaga and Athletic Bilbao in the fi rst-half of their The game looked over as a contest a minute be- the visitors’ wounds by introducing former Atleti- “We must take measures to Espanyol 21 6 4 11 20 35 22 previous two games before reacting after the break, fore the break when Luis was sent-off for high, co midfi elder Arda Turan for Ivan Rakitic and the make sure they (Hoff enheim) Real Betis 21 5 7 9 14 29 22 but they clicked into gear in the fi nal 15 minutes of studs-up, challenge on Messi inside the Barcelona Turkish international was inches away from his can’t be dangerous. That’s down Real Sociedad 21 5 6 10 24 33 21 the fi rst-half to turn the game on its head. Suarez half. Yet, despite their numerical disadvantage, fi rst goal since swapping the Spanish capital for to us. Hopefully we can take one Granada 21 5 5 11 24 43 20 fi red a warning shot that Jan Oblak got down well Atletico still started the second period the better. the Camp Nou when his shot fl ew just wide of the step further.” Rayo Vallecano 21 5 4 12 26 45 19 to save at his near post. However, the Slovenian’s Yannick Carrasco’s lung-bursting run was far post. From Bayern’s perspective, Las Palmas 21 4 6 11 21 33 18 483-minute run without conceding was ended snuff ed out at the last hurdle by Gerard Pique. The And a horrible day for Diego Simeone’s men was Hoff enheim should be one more Sporting Gijon 20 5 3 12 22 35 18 when Jordi Alba showed great composure to pull a Belgian then produced a fi ne cross for Griezmann, rounded off when Fernandez had to be stretchered step towards becoming the fi rst Levante 21 4 5 12 20 38 17 low cross into Messi’s path to smash home. but his acrobatic eff ort from point-blank range from the fi eld with what looked like a serious knee club to win a fourth straight Atletico were then caught uncharacteristically was brilliantly saved by Bravo. injury 15 minutes from time. German league title.

FRENCH LIGUE 1 BUNDESLIGA Angers see off Monaco to go third ‘Auba’ on 20 goals AFP as Dortmund trim Paris

ngers infl icted a heavy 3-0 de- feat on second-placed Monaco Bayern’s lead yesterday to end a three-match losing streak and reignite their AFP season having bet Dortmund unlikelyA challenge for a Champions coach Thomas Tuchel he will Berlin League spot in France. score 20 goals before the cam- Home team Angers took an early lead paign started. He is the top scor- when Cheikh N’Doye defl ected in Ro- orussia Dortmund er in Germany’s top fl ight, three main Saiss’s eff ort after Monaco failed to trimmed Bayern Mu- ahead of Bayern’s Poland striker clear a corner. N’Doye doubled the ad- nich’s lead in the Bun- Robert Lewandowski. vantage before half-time as Angers took desliga with a 2-0 win The result puts Dortmund utter control, before gloss was added to overB Ingolstadt yesterday as five points behind Bayern, the scoreline in the second period by Mo- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who host Hoffenheim today, hamed Yattara. scored twice to leave him with and stretches their lead over Monaco stay 21 points behind champi- 20 league goals. ‘Auba’ - the third-placed Hertha Berlin ons elect Paris Saint Germain, who play African player of the year for to 10 points. Hertha threw at Saint Etienne tonight. Angers move, 2015 - headed second-placed away a 2-0 lead as hosts Wer- temporarily at least, above Nice and into Dortmund into a 77th-minute der Bremen roared back with the third and fi nal Champions League lead at home, but replays three goals in ten second-half place. In a lively start to proceedings at showed he was offside when minutes to claim a point in a the Stade Ange Casanova, Bernardo Silva left-back Lukasz Piszczek 3-3 draw. Kalou struck Berlin’s wastefully chipped the ball straight at launched his cross. third goal to leave Hertha 3-1 Angers goalkeeper Alexandre Letellier, It was harsh for visitors In- up in Bremen before Claudio while at the other end Billy Ketkeophom- golstadt who looked to have Pizarro, then defender San- phone had a long-range eff ort pushed taken the lead midway through tiago Garcia scored to level the wide by Danijel Subasic. the second-half when Dort- scores. Stephane Moulin’s side have been a mund captain Mats Hummels Bayer Leverkusen climbed to menace from set-pieces all season and scored an own goal. Hummels’ fourth with a 3-0 win at Hano- they took a 19th minute lead from a cor- Monaco’s Ricardo Carvalho (left) vies for the ball with Angers’ Cheikh N’Doye (centre) and Romain Saiss during the French Ligue 1 backpass flew over goalkeeper ver 96, who drop to bottom, with ner. Visiting stopper Subasic kept out a match at Jean Bouin Stadium in Angers, northwestern France, yesterday. (AFP) Roman Buerki on 66 minutes, Javier Hernandez scoring twice free header from Romain Thomas, but but the referee did not give the in the romp. He converted a pen- midfi elder Saiss got to the rebound fi rst erful strikes from Pierrick Capelle and N’Doye prodded in from on the goalline. Letellier got down quickly to his goal after spotting an Ingol- alty, then drilled home his 13th and his shot fl ew in via the shin of Angers N’Doye. Leonardo Jardim’s principality outfi t right to deny Fabio Coentrao as Mona- stadt foul in the build-up. Au- league goal in 16 matches. He has top-scorer N’Doye. But it was another scrappy goal that started the second half with far more in- co searched for a consolation goal that bameyang then put the game now scored 21 times in all com- The Senegalese midfi elder has had a gave N’Doye a brace and Angers a two tensity and attacking verve, and Tiemoue would not prove forthcoming. Angers are beyond doubt by drilling home petitions this season. fantastic debut season in the top fl ight goal cushion that they thoroughly de- Bakayoko drew a low save from Letellier. showing no sign of letting up in the race a pass from right winger Hen- and the fortuitous eff ort was his sixth served. N’Doye’s initial shot was turned But the hosts made the points safe ten for Europe as their rivals also keep drop- rikh Mkhitaryan on 86 minutes RESULTS league goal this term. Monaco were onto the crossbar by a stunning Subasic minutes into the second period. ping points. A very disappointing Mona- for his 20th goal in 19 league Borussia Dortmund2 Ingolstadt 0 wearing their training shirts as all three save. Yattara hit the loose ball towards N’Doye had a great chance to complete co lost this match just when threatening matches—his 29th in all com- Bayer Leverkusen 3 Hanover 96 0 of their kits clashed with Angers’, but this the far corner with the aid of a big defl ec- the fi rst hat-trick of his career but mis- to pull away from the chasing pack, while petitions. Augsburg 0 Eintr. Frankfurt 0 was a very competitive encounter and tion, and although Subasic got across to kicked straight to Yattara, who did the Marseille were held by struggling Lille at It means Aubameyang has Werder Bremen 3 Hertha Berlin 3 Subasic had to be alert to tip away pow- save, the Monaco defence watched on as rest with aplomb. the Velodrome on Friday. already reached his goal for the Darmstadt 0 Schalke 04 2 Gulf Times 10 Sunday, January 31, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Sanchez fi res Arsenal; City, Tottenham cruise in FA Cup Liverpool and West Ham will have an replay of fourth round match after playing out a 0-0 draw at Anfield

AFP London Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez gets rsenal remain on course for a third con- past Burnley’s Scott Arfield secutive FA Cup success after Alexis during the FA Cup Fourth Round Sanchez inspired Arsene Wenger’s side match at the Emirates Stadium to a 2-1 fourth-round win over sec- in London yesterday. (Reuters) ond-tierA Burnley yesterday. Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur also progressed, but West Bromwich Albion were taken to a replay by third-tier Peterborough United and Bournemouth had to come from be- hind to beat 2008 FA Cup winners Portsmouth. Arsenal’s win at the Emirates Stadium pre- served their hopes of becoming the fi rst team to win three consecutive FA Cups since Blackburn Rovers, who achieved the feat between 1884 and 1886. “Burnley are a good side,” Wenger, who gave a debut to Egyptian midfi elder Mohamed Elneny, told the BBC. “For the fi rst 20 minutes we looked quite in control, but when they equal- ised suddenly you could see energy, commit- ment, and we had to dig deep to win the game.” Making his fi rst start after two months out with a hamstring injury, Chile star Sanchez teed up Calum Chambers to open the scoring in the 19th minute with a fi ne shot using the outside of his right foot. Sam Vokes equalised for Burnley on the half hour with a powerful header, but Arsenal, who made nine changes, claimed victory in the 53rd minute when Sanchez slammed home after a neat team move. Nigerian starlet Kelechi Ihea- nacho scored a hat-trick as City kept alive their dream of an unprecedented quadruple of tro- phies by easing to a 4-0 win at Aston Villa, last season’s beaten fi nalists. Iheanacho opened the scoring in the fourth minute, following in to score after Fernando’s header was cleared off the line, and the 19-year- old forward added a second with a 24th-minute penalty. He completed his hat-trick with 16 minutes remaining, seizing on Idrissa Gueye’s calamitous back-pass and surging through to score, before Raheem Sterling added a fourth. City are second in the Premier League, face Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League last 16 and will tackle Liverpool in the League Cup fi nal on February 28. Liverpool and West Ham will face an replay

Fourth round results Liverpool 0 West Ham 0 Arsenal 2 Burnley 1 Aston Villa 0 Manchester City 4 Bolton 1 Leeds 2 Bury 1 Hull 3 after playing out a 0-0 draw at Anfi eld in late Dier and Tom Carroll also fi nding the net in a 4-1 Gary Roberts put Portsmouth, now languish- their third-round win over Swansea City, los- Colchester 1 Tottenham 4 game. An inexperienced Liverpool side were win at third-tier strugglers Colchester United. ing in the fourth tier, within sight of a major up- ing 3-0 at home to Blackburn Rovers, but third- Crystal Palace 1 Stoke 0 frustrated by West Ham goalkeeper Darren Ran- “We conceded some chances, but it was a fair set when he scored in the 43rd minute of their division Shrewsbury Town stunned Champion- Nottingham Forest 0 Watford 1 dolph. The Hammers had early chances but an result,” Spurs manger Mauricio Pochettino told meeting with south-coast rivals Bournemouth. ship side Sheffi eld Wednesday 3-2. Oxford 0 Blackburn 3 unmarked Enner Valencia misjudged a header BT Sport. But Josh King equalised for Eddie Howe’s side Chelsea interim manager Guus Hiddink’s Portsmouth 1 Bournemouth 2 and Pedro Obiang volleyed wide. Liverpool beat Stoke City on penalties to with a 71st-minute header before Marc Pugh se- quest to repeat his 2009 FA Cup triumph with Reading 4 Walsall 0 Randolph twice blocked powerful Joao Teix- reach the League Cup semi-fi nals on Tuesday cured a 2-1 win. the west London club continues today when his Shrewsbury 3 Sheff ield Wednesday 2 eira eff orts and also saved shots from Cameron and Mark Hughes’s men met with fresh cup dis- Saido Berahino’s brace was not enough for team visit second-tier Milton Keynes Dons. West Brom 2 Peterborough 2 Brannagan, Joe Allen and Christian Benteke. But appointment four days later as they went down West Brom, who drew 2-2 with Peterborough, Manchester United were the fi rst team to book PLAYED FRIDAY neither side could score and they will meet again 1-0 at Crystal Palace. but Odion Ighalo’s late strike earned Watford a place in the last 16 after winning 3-1 at Cham- Derby 1 (Thorne 37) Manchester United 3 (Rooney in a replay in London. Wilfried Zaha notched the game’s only goal in a 1-0 victory at Championship representatives pionship promotion-chasers Derby County on 16, Blind 65, Mata 83) Tottenham breezed through, Nacer Chadli the 17th minute at Selhurst Park, taking Palace Nottingham Forest. Friday, with Wayne Rooney, Daley Blind and scoring twice on his 100th appearance and Eric into round fi ve for the second season running. Fourth-tier Oxford United could not repeat Juan Mata scoring.

FOCUS Morata faces competition Chelsea’s Hiddink hopes for Cup bounce as Juve target top spot Turin: Alvaro Morata has “Against Inter, Alvaro showed been warned he won’t be great responsibility to get us AFP is expected to be missing from the squad guaranteed a starting place at off the mark with a penalty, London with a groin injury. Juventus in spite of injuries as although in training he’s been Alexandre Pato has only just completed the champions look to go top finding the net a lot more for his loan move from Corinthians, while of Serie A for the first time this the past two weeks. helsea’s dismal Premier League Radamel Falcao remains injured, leaving season. “Zaza is the striker (outwith title defence means the FA Cup Diego Costa as Chelsea’s only available Spain international Morata Dybala) who has the highest now carries even greater signifi - senior striker. Chelsea were humiliated in had fallen out of favour with goals average so in light of cance as interim manager Guus the FA Cup last season by third-tier Brad- coach Massimiliano Allegri but Mandzukic’s absence there will HiddinkC attempts to avoid a trophy-free ford City, who turned on the style to win laid the groundwork for a re- be space for everyone. end to the season. 4-2 at Stamford Bridge. turn to form by scoring a brace “There’s a lot of competition Hiddink’s side travel to struggling MK Dons, then in the same division in a 3-0 rout of Inter Milan in in the squad, everyone wants second-tier side Milton Keynes Dons in as Bradford, also produced a cup shock the first leg of their Italian Cup to play so whoever gets the the competition’s fourth round today against a giant of the Premier League, semi-final in midweek. chance has to go out and do and having fi nally struck a decent vein beating Manchester United 4-0 in the With fellow striker Mario well, even moreso because of form, they will be expected to progress League Cup. Manager Karl Robinson is Mandzukic unavailable for we’re only two points behind comfortably. With next month’s Cham- hopeful his players can replicate that per- today’s trip to Chievo after Napoli and tomorrow, even for pions League last 16 game against Paris formance and keep believing that Chelsea being ruled out for a month a short time, we can go top for Saint-Germain looming, the FA does not can be beaten. through injury, Morata now the first time this season. “This represent the Stamford Bridge club’s last “On the day the players have to per- has the chance to nail down a has to be our objective.” chance of silverware. form,” he said. “All the prep and hard work regular starting spot in what is Juventus are looking for But it is probably their most realistic that goes into every game doesn’t mean a crucial month of February for their 12th consecutive win at chance of salvaging a trophy from a ca- anything if we go and freeze. “I know they the league and Cup champions, the Flying Donkeys, who have lamitous campaign and Hiddink is keen won’t. I know we’ll try to do our best. The who also host Bayern Munich won just once in their last five to repeat his success of 2009, when he led last words I’ll say will be, ‘Go and enjoy in three weeks’ time. games and are still smarting the club to FA Cup success against Ever- the experience.’ It’s going to be a wonder- Victory away to Chievo from the loss of top striker ton. “It’s not just for me,” he said. “I think ful experience, playing against some of would see Juve, currently Alberto Paloschi. a club like Chelsea must always go for a the best players in the world.” The game second at two points behind Paloschi hit eight goals in 21 title. The targets in the past were the Pre- is worth around £500,000 ($711,000, leaders Napoli, go top of the appearance for Chievo but was mier League, the Champions League and 657,000 euros) to the Championship pile at least until Napoli’s later snapped up by Premier League the FA Cup. We aim the group for targets. strugglers, who expect a sell-out crowd game at home to Empoli. But side Swansea for a reported The FA Cup is a target.” of more than 30,000. Allegri warned Morata won’t be 10.5million euros (£8million) Hiddink has overseen a marked im- Almost £150,000 of that will come the only striker in contention to in midweek. Chievo coach Ro- provement in form since being asked to Chelsea interim manager Guus Hiddink from television fees. Striker Nicky May- partner Argentinian sensation lando Maran said: “It’s been a take charge until the end of the season nard is a doubt because of a hamstring Paulo Dybala, who has hit 12 very turbulent week, especially following Jose Mourinho’s dismissal in help his team’s eff orts to improve their more important) because we’d be ne- injury, but defender Kyle McFadzean is league goals so far to become in terms of the transfer market. December. Chelsea remain in the bottom standing in the league. glecting the beauty of the Premier back from a ban and on-loan forward Rob one of the first names on Al- But that’s all part of the game. half of the league table, but a run of seven “Every win helps, even in training, League, but the next step is about Sun- Hall is in contention after being ineligible legri’s team sheet. He (Paloschi) is a great player games without defeat under the Dutch- where we play to win,” he said. “The at- day. I don’t want to disrespect the Pre- for last weekend’s 3-1 defeat at parent With three goals in nine who left his mark here at the man—culminating in last weekend’s 1-0 titude now is there to give everything in mier League, but that’s after Sunday.” club Bolton Wanderers. appearances, Simone Zaza has club. It’s a great opportunity victory at Arsenal—has transformed the every duel, as a team and as individuals. It Eden Hazard is in line to make his fi rst Former England defender Matthew the second best goals average for him and we wish him all the mood at the club. will help, of course. appearance for four weeks after recover- Upson is out injured, however, along with at the club and Allegri said: best.” Hiddink believes a cup run can only “I don’t want to say that (the cup is ing from a groin problem, but Loic Remy Ben Reeves and Carl Baker. Gulf Times Sunday, January 31, 2016 11 AFC U23

SPOTLIGHT Young Qataris heading in right direction, says coach Sanchez ‘I think the players put all their eff ort throughout the tournament, but unfortunately we couldn’t achieve our target’

AFC but unfortunately we couldn’t tion for the Olympic Games after FOCUS Doha achieve our target. I think, in gen- suff ering a 3-1 defeat by Korea Re- eral, they made one step forward public in the semi-fi nals. but we need to learn from our mis- “Today maybe it’s hard to see oach Felix Sanchez be- takes,” said Sanchez, who guided positive things, but I think we will We took advantage lieves Qatar’s heartbreak- Qatar to victory at the 2014 AFC have some positives, and some ing 2-1 defeat by Iraq’s in U19 Championship. negatives. We are the youngest the third-place playoff at “Hopefully in the future with team in the tournament and it of ‘tiring’ Qatar: Iraq Cthe AFC U23 Championship can experience in this tournament makes it more diffi cult to reach the provide a building block for the in the things we didn’t do well, I later stages,” added Sanchez. future despite the tournament think there were good moments in “We can congratulate all of our assistant coach Najem hosts missing out on qualifi cation all the games, and we’ll try to do opponents, but we don’t feel we for the Olympic Games. better in the future. were weaker or worse than them. AFC had rotated his team throughout Ahmed Alaa’s 27th minute goal, “I think that in the fi rst half we We played to win, but the small Doha the tournament, and made an- his sixth of the campaign, looked had many chances, we couldn’t details make the diff erence and we other two changes going into the to have been enough to send Qatar score the second goal and it wasn’t will try to learn from that.” playoff , with Humam Tareq and through to Rio de Janeiro only for like that in the second half. They Qatar have already secured ssistant coach Hayder Safaa Jabbar coming in for Mahdi Mohanad Abdulraheem to equal- were more direct because they qualifi cation for the 2019 AFC Najem hailed his team’s Kamil and Amjed Hussein. ise for Shahad Abdulghani’s Iraq have physically strong players, it’s Asian Cup and fi nal round of qual- 2-1 come-from-behind And despite going behind to with four minutes of normal time easy to talk about substitutes but ifi ers for the 2018 FIFA World Cup win over Qatar as Iraq Felix Sanchez’s side, Najim and remaining. all the players did good work. We with a number of Sanchez’s side tookA third place at the AFC U23 the rest of the coaching staff re- And with substitute Aymen were very happy with the 23 who having featured under national Qatar coach Championship to qualify for the mained confi dent their players Hussein heading home four min- were here.” team coach Jose Daniel Carreno. Felix Sanchez fi nals of the Olympic Games in would be fresh enough to fi nd a utes into the second period of Qatar had won Group A with a “I think the coach of the fi rst Rio de Janeiro. way back into the game. extra-time, Qatar missed out on 100% record after beating China, team had the opportunity to see a Qatar had taken the lead in the “It was a diffi cult game for a third appearance at the Olympic Iran and Syria, but after beating lot of young players during the last 27th minute through Ahmed Alaa both teams,” said Najem. “Qatar Games and fi rst since 1992. DPR Korea 2-1 in the quarter-fi - three weeks during the tourna- but Mohanad Abdulraheem’s was under pressure as the host “I think the players put all their nals, Sanchez’s side missed out on ment and any player he needs will goal four minutes from time took team. We were better in the fi rst eff ort into all to the tournament, a place in the fi nal and qualifi ca- be happy to join,” said Sanchez. the game into extra-time before half, despite the bad mistakes Aymen Hussein headed in the we committed, and in the sec- winner in the 109th minute to ond half we did things the right BOTTOMLINE seal Iraq’s progress to Brazil. way and we knew the Qatar team “This victory really is the fruit didn’t have substitutes like we of the great work of the Olym- did. We knew most of their play- pic committee in Iraq since we ers would be tired in the second started our preparation,” he said. half because they have played “Also, after the defeat against the full time in all the matches, so we Iraq relish sealing Olympics berth Japanese team, we weren’t able pushed to take the game into ex- get to the fi nal but we still real- tra time and we got it. The Qatar ised our target by beating Qatar. team have been playing all fi ve “We faced one of the best of their previous games with the teams in the tournament, the same formation and the same hosts playing on their fi eld with team. We knew their players their fans, but we progressed would be tired. step-by-step and we were “But you should know also behind 1-0, but with the that we missed many important experience of our players we opportunities. We knew it would were able to pull level and then be a tough game, we tried to take go on and win.” the players away from the pres- Iraq coach Abdulghani Shahad sure after the Japan game.”

Iraq coach Abdulghani Shahad celebrates

AFC done this time around. “Thank God, we could pull it off ,” it. We had faith in ourselves and it paid off in the end.” Doha said the 22-year-old “It’s a great feeling that we’re go- Meanwhile, talented winger Tareq credited the resil- ing to Rio. It’s true that we conceded an early goal from ience his team displayed and hailed the triumph as an a mistake but it’s normal – no game is without mistakes. important moment for the people of Iraq. “Qatar had the raq midfi elders Mustafa Nadhim and Humam Tareq But we moved on and decided to fi ght [and] that was home advantage but we never gave up,” explained Tareq. were brimming with joy after qualifying for the 2016 important. The Al Quwa Al Jawiya man also hailed the “When we won, I couldn’t control my emotions. I Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro by fi nishing third infl uence of coach Abdulghani Shahad, revealing: “The dedicate our win to my family, friends and all who have at the AFC U-23 Championship on Friday. coach spoke to us during halftime and his message was been supporting the national team. It’s a big moment for IHaving memorably fi nished fourth at the 2004 Olym- clear. He asked us to play with real heart and spirit. our country.” Both Nadhim and Tareq were part of the pics in Greece, the Iraqis missed the next two editions “He said winning or losing didn’t matter, but giving Iraq side that were crowned champions of the inaugural and Nadhim was delighted they were able to get the job our best was the key. I kept reminding the players about AFC U-22 Championship back in 2013.

Sunday, January 31, 2016 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

FOOTBALL Super sub Asano fi res Japan to Asian U23 title South Korea squander 2-0 lead in dramatic final to give bitter rivals 3-2 win at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium

Asian Football Confederation president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa (C) and vice-president Saoud al-Mohannadi (L) applaud as Japan celebrate their AFC U23 Championship win yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil

AFC pushed away by Japanese goalkeeper Masa- Doha toshi Kushibiki, only for the attempt to be ruled out for off side. Fourteen minutes later, though, Shin’s side ubstitute Takuma Asano came off the took the lead when Sim Sang-min’s cross bench to score twice and earn Japan a from the Korean left was headed back across dramatic come-from-behind 3-2 win goal by Jin Seong-uk and Kwon Chang-hoon’s over South Korea in the fi nal of the weak volley was defl ected past Kushibiki via AFCS U23 Championship at Abdullah Bin Kha- Takuya Iwanami’s left knee. lifa Stadium yesterday. Jin Seong-uk fi red his attempt over the Kwon Chang-hoon and Jin Seong-uk gave bar nine minutes before the break as Korea Korea Republic a two-goal cushion by the Republic continued to dominate, but it took second minute of the second half, but Asano’s less than two minutes of second half for the introduction in the 60th minute turned the Taeguk Warriors to double their lead when Jin game in Japan’s favour with the Sanfrecce Hi- beat Kushibiki with a low eff ort to his left. roshima striker scoring either side of a goal by The Koreans were cruising until the intro- Shinya Yajima to seal the Japanese fi ght back. duction of striker Asano with 30 minutes to The win means Japan will go to the Olym- go turned the game in Japan’s favour, with the pic Games in Rio de Janeiro in August as Asian 21-year-old man’s pace and presence unset- champions, where they will be joined by both tling Shin’s team. South Korea and Iraq, winners of Friday’s Within seven minutes of coming on for third place play-off . Ryota Oshima, Asano had halved the defi cit, Both coaches were forced into making sev- clipping home a fi ne fi rst-time eff ort as he eral changes, with Japan’s Makoto Teguramori latched on to Yajima’s perfectly weighted ball switching four players, replacing Takumi Mi- from midfi eld. namino, Musashi Suzuki, Tatsuki Nara and Seconds later, the Japanese were level and Riki Harakawa with Takuya Iwanami, Ryota this time it was Yajima who was celebrating as Oshima, Onaiwu Ado and Yajima. his bullet header following Naomichi Ueda’s Shin Tae-yong, meanwhile, switched cross fl ew into the top corner, leaving Korean Hwang Hee-chan while Jin Seong-uk came goalkeeper Kim Dong-jun rooted to the spot. into the starting line-up and Moon Chang-jin And with nine minutes remaining, Asano returned in favour of Hwang Ki-wook. completed an unlikely comeback when the The Koreans had the ball in the net as early Korean defence dithered to allow Asano to as the seventh minute after Ryu Seung-woo spin past the last defender and meet Shoya pushed his eff ort over the line after Moon Nakajima’s through ball before slotting be- Japan coach Makoto Teguramori is hoisted in the air by his players after their triumph. At right, Qatar’s top scorer Ahmed Alaeddin receives a trophy Chang-jin’s shot from outside the area was yond Kim Dong-jun. from Sheikh Salman. At bottom, South Korean players react after their defeat.