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Saturday, March 11, 2017 FOOTBALL Jumada II 12, 1438 AH Neymar steps out GULF TIMES of Messi’s shadow to fuel treble talk SPORT Page 3 DUBAI INTERNATIONAL BAJA Qatar’s al-Attiyah gets off to fl ying start, Abu Issa third Reigning FIA World Cup champion Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah produced a first leg master class to take control in the Dubai International Baja with compatriot Mohamed Abu Issa in third. Frenchman Benjamin Melot grabbed the lead in bikes contest

By Our Correspondent general, the stage was good and we are Dubai now looking forward to the remaining stages.” Czech Republic driver Miroslav Za- eigning FIA World Cup cham- pletal in a Hummer, Frenchman Ronan pion Nasser al-Attiyah pro- Chabot in a Toyota Hilux and World duced a fi rst leg master class Cup fi rst round winner Aron Domzala to take control in the Dubai of Poland in another Hilux completed RInternational Baja powered by AW Ros- the top six. tamani and Nissan today while French Capitalising on the early retirement of rider Benjamin Melot grabbed the lead Dubai-based Dakar Rally champion Sam in the bikes contest. Sunderland with mechanical problems, Partnered by French co-driver Math- Melot completed the fi rst leg holding ieu Baumel in a Toyota Hilux, Qatar’s al- a 1 min 28 secs lead over South African Attiyah powered his way into a lead of 6 rider Mark Ackerman, with Italian Ales- mins 12 seconds after the day’s two stages sandro Ruoso in third, just ahead of top from the UAE’s Sheikh Khalid al-Qassimi Emirati rider Mohammed al-Balooshi. and Khalid al-Kendi in their Abu Dhabi Dubai-based Dave McBride and Kuwaiti Racing Peugeot 2008 DKR. Mohammed Jaff ar completed the top six Former Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge in the opening round of this year’s FIM quads champion Mohammed Abu Issa Bajas World Cup. of Qatar fi nished the stage another 6 “We’ve had a great fi rst day of desert mins 52 secs away in third place in a rallying, and the excitement generated Mini All4 Racing in the second round by the event already suggests it has a of this year’s FIA World Cup for Cross very big future,” said Mohammed Ben Country Rallies. Sulayem, President of the Automobile Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin and Touring Club or the UAE, the rally Rashid al-Maktoum had fl agged away organisers, and the Emirates Motor the 60 cars, buggies, bikes and quads Sport Federation. from the ceremonial start at Bab Al Emirati driver Ahmed al-Maqoodi Shams Arena on Thursday evening, in partnered by Obaid al-Kitbi in a Polaris the presence of Ibrahim Abdul Malik, fi nished the day leading the buggies cat- General Secretary of the General Au- egory and holding ninth place overall. thority of Youth & Sports Welfare, and In the production cars class, young Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of Emirati driver Mansour al-Helei in an Automobile and Touring Club of the Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah in action yesterday. Abu Dhabi Racing Land Cruiser had UAE and Emirates Motor Sport Federa- carved out a 5 mins 34 secs lead from tion. the Nissan Patrol of UAE-based Emil Classifi cation aft er Leg 1 Al-Qassimi might have been closer Khneisser. to al-Attiyah but for an early problem. Saudi Arabia’s Yasir Seaidan in an- Cars He said: “We had a very good start to other Land Cruiser was 2 mins 40 secs 1. Nasser Al-Attiyah / Mathieu Baumel (QAT / FRA) Toyota Hilux 1:58:27 SS1 in the morning with great rhythm further away in third, with reigning FIA 2. Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi / Khalid Al Kendi (ARE /ARE) Peugeot 2008 DKR 2:04.39 but then faced some diffi culties when World Cup T2 champion Adel Hussain 3. Mohammed Abu Issa / Xavier Panseri (QAT / FRA) Mini All4 Racing 2:11:31 driving on the sand as the track was af- Abdulla of Qatar fourth in another Nis- 4. Miroslav Zapletal / Marek Sykora (CZE / SLO) Hummer H3 EVO V11 2:15:35 fected by the bikes and cars that start- san Patrol 5. Ronan Chabot / Gilles Pillot (FRA / FRA) Toyota Hilux 2:18:56 ed in front of us. So we tried to take a At the end of two AW Rostamani 6. Vadym Prytuliak (UKR) Polaris RZR 1000 T3.1 2:23:16 diff erent line and managed to get our Arabian Automobiles stages adding 7. Aron Domzala / Szymon Gospodarczyk (POL / POL) Toyota Hilux 2:23:49 rhythm back and regain some of the up to 174kms, the UAE’s Mohammed 8. Khalid Al Jafla / Ahmad Al Malik (ARE / ARE) Armada Trophy Truck 2:24:40 time we had lost,” he said. al-Shamsi topped the quads standings 9. Ahmed Al Maqoodi / Al Kitbi Obaid (ARE / ARE) Polaris RZR 1000 2:24:45 “Approaching the last 10km we hit on his Yahamah 700 Raptor by 1min 10. Yahya Al Helei / Nasser al-Kuwari (ARE / QAT) Nissan Pick Up 2:26:28 another obstacle when the jack arm 20secs from Kuwaiti Fahad al-Mus- fell off ; we tried to pull the arm back allam on another Yamaha. The UAE’s Bikes up which aff ected our pace. We also Humaid al-Mashghouni was another 1. Benjamin Melot (FRA) KTM 2:03:20 5. David McBride (GBR) KTM 2:12:54 lost a little bit of time when we had to 6 mins 32 secs away in third place on a 2. Mark Ackerman (RSA) KTM 2:04:48 6. Mohammed Jaff ar (KUW) KTM 2:14:16 turn and pass the waypoint after 500m, Honda. 3. Alessandro Ruoso (ITA) KTM 2:08:18 7. Manuel Lucchese (ITA) Yamaha 2:17:13 but that’s fi ne. Anyway, we managed The event fi nishes at Bab Al Shams 4. Mohd Al Balooshi (ARE) KTM 2:09:40 8. Tim Trenker (DEU) Husqvarna 2:17:18 to successfully cross the SS1 fi nish Arena at 5pm today after the fi nal KTM rider from France, Benjamin Melot, took the lead in the bikes category. line but it looks like the jack is bent. In 174km Nissan stage.

FA CUP QUARTER-FINAL Lincoln dreaming of troubled Arsenal scalp AFP ting top of the National League and on “They are only fi ghting on this front Mesut Ozil, Danny Welbeck and Alex London course to return to the Football League now — the FA Cup is all they’ve got to Iwobi. after a six-year absence. play for so they’re going to be trying ri- “I believe that we have two uncertain- Nevertheless, defeating Arsenal diculously hard to beat us and go on and ties: Welbeck, who had to come off after on-league Lincoln City have would eclipse all else and go down as win the FA Cup.” the warm-up against Bayern due to sick- enjoyed a fairytale run to the the greatest ever FA Cup shock. ness, and Iwobi, who on the day of the quarter-fi nals of the FA Cup And while Danny Cowley’s side ap- OZIL DOUBTS game couldn’t turn up as well due to the and are now dreaming of pil- preciate the scale of the challenge, they The doubts over Wenger’s long reign at same problem,” said Wenger, whose side ingN more misery on Arsene Wenger and believe they can use the discontent at Arsenal being extended won’t cease if beat another non-league side in Sutton Arsenal today. the Emirates Stadium in their favour. they end Lincoln’s run but defeat would United in the previous round. The sides meet at the Emirates Sta- “The boss said if we can go there and pretty much ensure his time was up. “I haven’t decided yet on Mesut, he dium with under-pressure Wenger be in the game after 15 or 20 minutes then The 67-year-old Frenchman still has still felt not too well after the game. I knowing an unthinkable defeat against the crowd might turn on them and we the backing of the board despite the will see in training how he feels and I fi fth-tier opposition would surely spell might have 60,000 supporting us instead humiliation of the 10-2 aggregate score haven’t decided on the team that will the end for him in north London. of 9,000,” said skipper Luke Waterfall. in exiting the Champions League to start the game on Saturday. Lincoln have already seen off Premier “You never know, it’s one of those Bayern Munich in midweek. “I don’t know if it is a bug or not. I League side Burnley, two clubs from situations where they want the manag- The Gunners enter the clash with was called on the morning of the Bay- the second-tier Championship and one er out so there might be a lot of Arsenal morale further dented over splits ap- ern game and told Iwobi cannot play from the third-tier League One in their fans going to that game wishing we can pearing in the squad, Theo Walcott and Welbeck in the afternoon felt sick. remarkable run to the last eight. get something out of that game to see confi rming Chilean star Alexis Sanchez We still tried to play him but it could be They are the fi rst non-league club the end of the manager. had clashed with team-mates prior to a bug, I don’t know. to reach this stage of the competition “We’ve got to use it to our advantage. the Liverpool defeat last Saturday. “I have always decided to play the since 1914, although they are at the very File picture of Arsenal’s French manager Arsene Wenger looking on during the “The pressure is massively off us this For the Lincoln game, Wenger has team that has a good chance to qualify, top of the non-league pyramid, sit- UEFA Champions League last 16 second leg match against Bayern Munich. time, all the pressure is on Arsenal. continued doubts due to illness over and I will continue to do that of course.” Gulf Times 2 Saturday, March 11, 2017 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT BRIEFS Germany line up threats. “The AFC Competi- Spain, Brazil friendlies tions Committee have taken the decision to postpone the World champions Germany tie after escalating diplomatic will host both Spain and Brazil tension between the Govern- in international friendlies next ments of DPR Korea and Mourinho hoping year ahead of the 2018 World Malaysia,” the Asian Football Cup in Russia, the German FA Confederation said. (DFB) announced yesterday. “A new date for the game will Joachim Loew’s side will play be announced in due course.” 2010 world champions Spain North Korea has never con- in Dusseldorf on March 23, firmed the identity of the dead 2018 before facing record five- man, but has denounced the time World Cup winners Brazil Malaysian investigation as an Chelsea tie doesn’t four days later in Berlin. attempt to smear the secretive Germany have yet to qualify regime, insisting that he most for next year’s tournament but likely died of a heart attack. are well positioned at the top The row has seen the two of their group with four wins previously friendly countries from four matches, leading expel each other’s ambas- Northern Ireland and Azerbai- sador and refuse to let their jan by five points. citizens leave. harm Euro chances “These matches against Spain Three Malaysian embassy and Brazil will certainly give staff and six family members us a small taster of the World remain stuck in Pyongyang ‘Manchester United is too big. It’s not Chelsea’s fault that we’ll play on Monday. So we Cup in Russia, where the after North Korea barred team will give everything a Malaysians from leaving the have to make changes, but we cannot go to Stamford Bridge with a bad team’ few months later to defend country on Tuesday, prompt- its title,” said DFB president ing a tit-for-tat move by Reinhard Grindel. Malaysia. “Naturally it would be South Korea has blamed the fabulous if one of these two North for Kim’s murder, citing matches was also the final what it says was a standing next year in Moscow,” he order from Kim Jong-Un to added. kill his exiled half-brother, who may have been seen as a N. Korea-Malaysia potential rival. match postponed amid tensions Russia deputy PM Mutko won’t appeal An Asian Cup qualifier be- FIFA decision: agency tween Malaysia and North Ko- rea has been postponed, the Russian deputy Prime Minister Asian Football Confederation Vitaly Mutko said yesterday (AFC) announced yesterday, he would not appeal a FIFA the latest casualty of souring decision to bar him from diplomatic relations following running for re-election to the the killing of Kim Jong-Nam. council of football’s world Kim, the estranged half-brother governing body. of North Korean leader Kim Mutko told TASS news agency Jong-Un, was poisoned with the that new “political neutral- deadly nerve agent VX in a bra- ity” criteria prevented him zen Cold War-style assassina- from vying for the post and tion in Kuala Lumpur Interna- stressed the decision would tional Airport last month. have no eff ect on Russia’s The killing triggered a bitter preparations to host the 2018 row between Malaysia and World Cup. North Korea when Malaysian “They want the organisation police rejected Pyongyang’s to be politically neutral, so demands to hand over Kim’s that civil servants and repre- body without a DNA test. sentatives of the authorities of The Harimau Malaysia squad diff erent countries don’t run had been due to play in the in all bodies. It is their right,” North Korean capital on Mutko told TASS. March 28 as a lead up to “There will be no appeal,” he the 2019 tournament in the said. “This is non-governmen- United Arab Emirates. tal work after all. Everything But the fate of the match is fine.” was thrown into doubt after Mutko had been one of five Malaysian off icials this week European candidates for seats banned the team from playing on the FIFA Council to be in Pyongyang, citing security decided in April. Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho and Daley Blind during the Europa League Round of 16 First Leg match against FC Rostov at the Olimp-2 Stadium in Russia.

AFP avoid fatigue. Chelsea manager admitted disappoint- would be happy with the point,” Mour- Rostov-on-Don, Russia And he acknowledged the importance ment at his side’s inability to hold their inho added. SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP of the Europa League as a potential route lead but hinted that the outcome still The United manager also spoke of his into next season’s Champions League for suited him. relief that the evening went off without anchester United manager a team currently sitting sixth in the Pre- “You know, an away goal is always trouble after the build-up to the match Jose Mourinho is hopeful the mier League. positive. It’s better 1-1 than 0-0 but the was overshadowed by fears of violence Rangers turmoil obstacle of a trip to Chelsea “We want to keep the two goals open. game is open,” said Mourinho, who won between travelling English supporters in the FA Cup does not hinder In the Europa League, if you manage to the UEFA Cup with Porto in 2003. and Russian hooligans. Mhis side’s prospects of completing a Eu- go to the quarter fi nals, then in the quar- “The result is open and this Rostov “I think everything was magnifi cent. won’t distract Celtic, ropa League last-16 win over Rostov. ter fi nals, you feel it so we have to try by team, they have experience at playing big People have been nice to us since we United drew 1-1 in Russia in the fi rst every means,” said Mourinho, whose side matches, big opponents and big stadi- landed,” said Mourinho, whose side were leg of their tie on Thursday after Hen- have already won the English League Cup ums. I don’t think it’s a problem for them backed by just under 250 of their fans on claims Rodgers rikh Mkhitaryan’s fi rst-half opener was this season. to compete against us. the long trip. cancelled out by an Aleksandr Bukharov “We have a trophy in our pocket which “They play Sunday against Terek Gro- “During the game, they supported AFP meeting of the season. strike shortly after the break. is always a good thing, a good feeling for zny, we play Monday against Chelsea. For their team but they did it like it should Glasgow Another win would put them It was a good result after a long trip for everyone. But now we have the Premier us, it’s diffi cult but we are one step from be done. I think our supporters also were on the verge of securing a sixth a match played on a shocking surface at league to try to be in the top four, we have being in the quarter-fi nals.” nice guests and they behaved properly. successive title win and hurt the Olimp 2 stadium — so bad that Mour- the Europa League to try to beat Rostov, “On the pitch, everything was an ex- eltic manager Brendan their rivals chances of catching inho had questioned whether the match and on Monday we cannot go with a bad ATMOSPHERE ‘MAGNIFICENT’ ample because the players fought hard, Rodgers insists the un- Aberdeen in second spot. should have gone ahead at all. team. Rostov will travel to England without they fought very hard for every ball but in certainty at bitter rivals Despite their incredible run, United host Rostov in the return at “Manchester United is too big. It’s not Timofei Kalachev and captain Aleksandr a positive way. Rangers will not aff ect Rodgers is taking nothing for Old Trafford next Thursday but before Chelsea’s fault that we’ll play on Monday. Gatskan, who will be suspended after “Everything was a good example and themC in tomorrow’s Old Firm granted. “Celtic v Rangers, the that they go to Chelsea in the FA Cup So we have to make changes, for sure, but picking up bookings. hopefully the Rostov fans that will go (to derby at Parkhead. games I’ve been involved in so far, quarter-finals on Monday evening, we cannot go to Stamford Bridge with a They also lost Vladimir Granat to a Manchester) next week, they have great Rangers have been in turmoil have been fantastic and of course meaning the Portuguese manager will bad team.” broken collarbone. conditions now to be welcome and for on and off the pitch in recent we played well in the three games have to adequately manage his squad to Of the game in Rostov, the former “Probably if this was a point, they everything to be a good example.” weeks since Mark Warburton and got the result,” the former Liv- and his backroom team departed erpool manager said. Ibrox last month. “We always anticipate a tough BOTTOMLINE Graeme Murty was placed in game and I’m sure this one will interim charge and has recorded be no diff erent.” three wins and two defeats in his If beating their biggest rivals fi ve games. The Under-20s coach wasn’t incentive enough, Rangers is likely to continue in the dugout could deny Celtic a host of Euro- for the fourth Old Firm derby of pean records by claiming victory. the season. The reigning champions have Pep faces FA Cup headache That is despite Portuguese won their past 22 Premiership AFP second-choice goalkeeper for need all the players. coach Pedro Caixinha looking set games as they chase their own Middlesbrough, United Kingdom league games, has come back in “We have to try to do the busi- to take the job permanently after record of 25 league wins in a row for the last two FA Cup ties and ness. Middlesbrough is going to being granted permission from and Benfi ca’s European record of should play again at the River- be a tough, tough game. Qatari club Al Gharafa to join 29 successive wins set in 1971/72. ep Guardiola faces a side Stadium, while full-back “They’ve had a rest for a Rangers. Rangers will be weakened selection headache in Pablo Zabaleta has also tended week. We’ll try to do our best. However, Rodgers believes by the suspension of Joe Gar- today’s FA Cup quarter- to be used in the competition. Of course, one trophy would be the Rangers players will put the ner, who scored a hat-trick in fi nal at Middlesbrough Perhaps the biggest question very welcome for us.” managerial situation to the back last weekend’s 6-0 thrashing Pas the Manchester City manager revolves around Sergio Aguero. Meanwhile, Middlesbrough of their minds and will be con- of Hamilton Academical in the juggles the demands of compet- The Argentina striker was de- boss Aitor Karanka insists he centrating on trying to infl ict a Scottish Cup. ing for silverware on two fronts. moted to the bench following the has the full backing of chair- fi rst domestic defeat of the sea- However, striker Martyn Guardiola must decide how January arrival of Gabriel Jesus man Steve Gibson despite seeing son on Celtic. Waghorn believes Rangers can many of City’s best players to from Brazilian club Palmeiras. his side drop into the relegation “The players are professional become the fi rst Scottish side risk for at the Riverside Stadium zone for the fi rst time this season enough to get on with it,” Rodg- to defeat Celtic this season and as they have a crucial Champions INDISPENSABLE after a 10-game winless run. ers said. “Graeme’s done an ex- make up for the disappointment League last 16 second leg clash Yet since Jesus broke his foot Karanka has held talks this cellent job.” they suff ered on their last visit. with Monaco four days later. against Bournemouth on Febru- week with Gibson and the Span- “It’s not an easy situation “Of course we can get a result The FA Cup off ers the more re- ary 13, Aguero has proved indis- iard conceded: “The last two when you’re working with the at Celtic. We must believe in our- alistic prospect of Guardiola’s fi rst pensable. weeks have been really bad.” younger players and then you’ve selves. We are playing some good trophy with City, but the Span- He scored twice in 5-3 fi rst leg Asked if he still has Gibson’s got to step into the position when stuff . We have turned the corner iard’s success in Europe was a key win against Monaco, and is City’s backing, he added: “Of course. the manager goes. after a diffi cult few weeks,” the factor in the decision to bring him File picture of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. best hope of the away goal they I’ve spoken to the chairman “I’m sure whatever way it forward said. to Manchester last year. may well need in the principality since the weekend. works out for him, he’ll have The former Barcelona and Bay- out his two best creative players. he is taking the competition to secure European progress. “We discussed the amazing benefi ted from it.” FIXTURES ern Munich boss will fi nd his skills David Silva was named as a more seriously the further he Guardiola cannot aff ord an opportunity we have to make Today (1500 GMT) tested to the limit in what is a de- substitute and Raheem Ster- progresses. injury to the striker, and so may it to Wembley by winning on ‘TURNED THE CORNER’ Aberdeen v Motherwell, Hearts v fi ning week for City’s season. ling was rested altogether as Having made eight changes decide to fi eld Kelechi Iheanacho Saturday. We know we have to Celtic are 33 points ahead of third- Hamilton, Partick Thistle v Inver- His most recent attempt City drew 0-0, leaving them 10 for their goalless fi fth round tie against Middlesbrough instead. be positive and believe in what placed Rangers at the top of the ness, Ross County v Kilmarnock, at squad rotation failed when points behind leaders Chelsea. at Huddersfi eld last month, he City midfi elder Yaya Toure we’re doing. Scottish Premiership and have St Johnstone v Dundee Guardiola decided to start Guardiola has rested players made only four for the replay, hinted that there will be some “I don’t really care what the won all three Old Firm encounters Wednesday’s Premier League for each of City’s FA Cup games which City won 5-1. changes today, saying: “We’ve critics say, because I’m my own this term, including a 5-1 league Tomorrow (1200 GMT) home game against Stoke with- so far, but there are signings that Claudio Bravo, now the got two games now where we biggest critic.” victory at Celtic Park in their fi rst Celtic v Rangers Gulf Times Saturday, March 11, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA BUNDESLIGA German fans start to feel love for Leipzig Neymar steps out AFP freshing football is being played in Berlin Leipzig and that their fans know how to behave,” Gunter A. Pilz, an expert on German football fan cul- he name ‘RB Leipzig’ re- ture, told SID, an AFP subsidiary. mains a red rag for most “These factors can positively hardcore German fans, change the image that a billionaire but the controversial from Austria came to create a club of Messi’s shadow TBundesliga club is winning over solely for advertising purposes.” mainstream supporters, and In a survey of 5,950 fans from rightly so, says Michael Ballack. Bundesliga clubs across Germany RB Leipzig are second only to by market research company LSC Bayern Munich in the German top Management, more than three fl ight and on course to qualify di- quarters said they feel RB Leipzig rectly for the group stages of next have enriched the Bundesliga. season’s Champions League. Some 94.5 percent believe the to fuel treble talk They are the only club from a club is doing a good job. city in former East Germany cur- “As a result, the opinions to- rently in the Bundesliga. wards RB Leipzig are far more pos- ‘This is the best game I have ever played. Not even in our wildest dreams could we Founded in 2009, when Red itive than what has been presented Bull took over a German Football by a marginal group of so-called dreamed the way it happened. The impossible is just a matter of opinion’ League (DFL) licence, they are by ‘fans’,” concluded the survey. far the youngest club in Germa- “Even among the ‘Ultras’, there ny’s top fl ight. are quite a few who acknowledge Backed by the energy drinks this,” added Pilz. giants, RB Leipzig resisted the “There will, however, al- urge to buy big-name stars for ways be those who, in their fi ght their fi rst season, snapping up against the commercialisation of young talent to nurture — with RB, see them as the enemy.” impressive results. Leipzig coach Ralph Hasen- Playing eye-catching foot- huettl is pleased his squad are ball, their young squad opened winning people over after regu- the club’s fi rst season at the top larly experiencing hostility from level with a Bundesliga-record opposing fans at away games. 13-match unbeaten run. “I am delighted that we are They picked off established able to win fans over through the names like Borussia Dortmund, way we play,” he said. Hamburg, Schalke and Wolfs- “We’re pleased that we are burg in the process. able to off er people a nice week- But they have received any- end experience.” thing but a warm welcome in Ex-Germany captain Ballack Germany’s top tier. believes some of the resentment Fans of rival clubs have shown shown towards Leipzig is just given them the cold shoulder jealousy at Red Bull’s investment — or indeed worse — due to the in the club and the city. perceived commercialism they “I think it is an debate based are seen to represent. on envy,” Ballack, who hails from In August, a severed bull’s Chemnitz, near Leipzig, told head was thrown from the stands magazine Sport Bild. during a German Cup game in “Every city would see them- Dresden. selves as lucky if a sponsor like In September, home fans Red Bull, with someone like staged a sit-down protest in (co-founder billionaire) Dietrich front of the RB team bus which Mateschitz, would come and meant kick-off had to be delayed provide economic support for before their game at Cologne. the local club.” And in February, hooligans in Dortmund attacked Leipzig Fixtures supporters, including families with children, which led to the Today hosts being fi ned by the German Bayern Munich v Eintracht Football Association (DFB). The Frankfurt (1430) Hertha Berlin animosity was intensifi ed after v Borussia Dortmund (1430) Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim RB Leipzig v VfL Wolfsburg Barcelona’s Brazilian forward Neymar celebrates their 6-1 victory at the end of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match against Paris Saint-Germain. Watzke last year described Leip- (1430) Freiburg v Hoff enheim zig as a club “performing” to sell (1430) SV Darmstadt 98 v AFP on corruption and tax evasion charges. Messi and Real Madrid rival Cris- and Copa del Rey in three seasons. cans of drink. Mainz (1430) FC Ingolstadt 04 Barcelona Yet, it is for nights like Wednesday that tiano Ronaldo have ruled the roost as “We believed before and now even But the resentment and even v Cologne (1730) Barca paid millions to recruit and then re- the world’s two best players since 2008 more (so),” added Neymar. pure hatred Leipzig have been new Neymar’s contract till 2021 in October. – sharing nine straight Ballon d’Or wins. After partying into the early hours of shown by diehard ‘Ultras’ here Tomorrow or a victory “defi ned by faith” Pre-match focus had framed the However, Neymar’s display on the big- Thursday morning with three-time For- is not refl ected by mainstream Schalke 04 v FC Augsburg according to Barcelona boss Luis seemingly impossible comeback only re- gest stage left many in little doubt he is mula One world champion Lewis Ham- football supporters, according to (1430) Hamburg SV v Borussia Enrique, the Catalans rose from alistic if Lionel Messi made it happen. the heir to their crown in the future. ilton, Barca and Neymar travel to Depor- a new survey. Moenchengladbach (1630) the dead inspired by the man who Instead, three times in a frantic fi nal “A night worthy of the Ballon d’Or,” tivo la Coruna on Sunday looking to avoid “It is acknowledged that re- neverF stopped believing. seven minutes, it was Neymar, not Messi, said Spanish sports daily Marca. a hangover. “As long as there’s a one percent chance, that took responsibility and dragged Bar- “With his speed, skill and powerful “It wouldn’t be a bad thing if Barca we’ll have 99 percent faith,” said Neymar ca back from the brink into a record 10th strike, PSG folded up against the best went out partying,” hopeful Deportivo SERIE A before a ball had been kicked in Barca’s consecutive quarter-fi nal. version of the Brazilian.” boss Pepe Mel told radio station Onda stunning revival from a 4-0 fi rst leg defi cit Firstly, he curled home a brilliant free- Neymar is used to carrying the biggest Cero with his side sitting just fi ve points to beat Paris Saint-Germain 6-1. kick and then took over penalty duty, despite burdens. He took Brazil to the semi-fi nals above the relegation zone. A few hours, two goals and a vital 95th Messi having earlier converted from the spot, of the World Cup on home soil in 2014 Samp target Genoa minute assist for Sergi Roberto to cap the to leave Barca needing just one more. before his back was broken towards the FIXTURES (ALL TIMES GMT) biggest comeback in the history of the Amid the bedlam of nearly 100,000 end of a bruising quarter-fi nal clash with Today Champions League later, Neymar hailed voices at the Camp Nou, Neymar then Colombia. Valencia v Sporting Gijon (1200), Sevilla derby, Inter face his display as the “best game” of his career. calmly cut inside with Barca’s last chance Some measure of revenge for that blow v Leganes (1515), Malaga v Alaves (1730), “This is the best game I have ever as the seconds ticked down to tease in the was taken by scoring the winning penalty Granada v Atletico Madrid (1945) played. For what it meant, for what we perfect cross on his weaker left foot for as the hosts claimed a fi rst Olympic gold acid test in Atalanta experienced,” said the 25-year-old. Sergi Roberto to apply the fi nishing touch. at the Rio Games in August. Tomorrow Neymar hasn’t always had the easi- “Not even in our wildest dreams could Rather than be cowed, Neymar is in- Real Sociedad v Athletic Bilbao, Deportivo AFP Stefano Pioli’s men return to est time since swapping Santos for Spain we dreamed the way it happened,” Ney- spired by the biggest moments when his la Coruna v Barcelona (1515), Celta Vigo v Milan the San Siro for the fi rst time three-and-a-half years ago. mar posted on Instagram alongside a cel- side need him most. Villarreal (1730), Real Madrid v Real Betis since a chastening 3-1 defeat to The murky series of contracts that sealed ebratory photo of he and Messi. And he could be the key with a sud- (1945) Roma, who saw Radja Nainggo- his transfer have seen Neymar, his father “The impossible is just a matter of denly revitalised Barcelona eyeing a sec- ormer Juventus striker lan stun the stadium into silence and Barcelona dragged through the courts opinion.” ond treble of Champions League, La Liga Monday: Osasuna v Eibar (1945) Fabio Quagliarella said with a spectacular double. respective positions in A superb 5-1 win at Cagliari the league table will be last week that saw Croatian mid- ignoredF today when Sampdoria fi elder Ivan Perisic hit a brace, LIGUE 1 face Genoa in derby “battle for suggests Inter are back fi ring on 90 minutes”. all cylinders. Sampdoria, sitting 10th at 29 Mario added: “We know what points off the lead, are nine points we’ve done up until now, and ahead of Genoa in 15th place in a we want to make amends. Ata- season where top fl ight survival lanta are a diffi cult side to come Silva a symbol of PSG’s failure for both is the only objective. up against, but we’re playing at AFP ances in the Champions League the best out of his teammates Having won their home fi xture home and we’re Inter. Paris still do not match their ambitions and doesn’t stand out in diffi - 2-1 last October, Quagliarella is “We really believe we can — four successive quarter-fi nal cult moments,” former PSG and confi dent Marco Giampaolo’s fi nish third, that’s what we’re exits and now elimination in the France defender Dominique Ba- men can make it two in a row, working towards. We can’t let here may not have been last 16 in spectacular fashion. thenay told L’Equipe. telling Premium Sport: “We’re Napoli get away.” the dramatic tears this Unai Emery’s side failed to It now remains to be seen how going into this game totally re- The chances of Napoli slipping time but there was a fa- make the most of their stunning Silva and PSG will recover from laxed, although it’s a game that up at home to relegation-bound miliar feeling of agony 4-0 win in the fi rst leg, when such a defeat, the club’s heaviest won’t take into account our re- Crotone, however, look slim — Tfor Paris Saint-Germain cap- Silva was absent. reverse in 20 years. spective league standings. even if the strugglers’ club offi - tain Thiago Silva on Wednesday The offi cial line was that the They are still alive in all three “Our results recently have cials hope otherwise. as his side suff ered their absurd former AC Milan man was suf- domestic competitions going shown how well we’re doing, but “We hope Napoli will be a lit- Champions League humiliation. fering from a calf problem, but into tomorrow’s trip to Ligue 1’s the derby is a match apart. It will tle tired, but knowing Sarri that Silva was derided for letting some have questioned that. bottom club Lorient, although be a battle for 90 minutes. Hope- is unlikely,” said Crotone sport- his emotions get the better of “It is diffi cult to say if he was they trail league leaders Monaco fully, we’ll win our second this ing director Giuseppe Ursino in him as he captained Brazil at the injured. Nothing much showed by three points. season.” comments to Radio Marte. 2014 World Cup, images of him up in the tests. It is as though he Emery, himself now under Inter Milan, one of several teams Ursino added: “We’re up in tears after a penalty shoot-out became paralysed as the game enormous pressure, will make battling for a coveted Champions against a great side, as they win over Chile seen as evidence approached,” one source told changes and Marco Verratti is League spot, face the acid test showed against Real. But we’ll go of a mentally weak side. sports daily L’Equipe after the suspended. with the visit of high-fl ying Ata- to Napoli looking to win.” That team, of course, ulti- fi rst leg. lanta to the San Siro tomorrow. mately lost 7-1 to Germany in File picture of Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian defender Thiago Silva. FIXTURES Amid their best Serie A sea- FIXTURES (TIMES GMT) the semi-fi nals. ‘NOT A LEADER’ Today son to date, Atalanta sit fi fth, Today As it happened, Silva did not ers. But nothing worked out. been hailed as the best player On Wednesday, he was back Monaco v Bordeaux (1545 GMT), one point ahead of Inter and Genoa v Sampdoria (1945) play in that game due to suspen- That is the truth. It is a defeat in the world in his position but alongside compatriot Marquin- Guingamp v Bastia, Montpellier fi ve points behind Napoli in the sion, but he was there wearing that hurts,” Silva said after the whether he should be captain- hos in the heart of the Paris de- v Nantes, Nancy v Lille, Rennes v third and last Champions League Tomorrow the armband as PSG succumbed game at the Camp Nou. ing some of the planet’s leading fence, with youngster Presnel Dijon (all 1900 GMT) qualifying spot. Sassuolo v Bologna (1130), Chie- 6-1 to Barcelona, the second most It is unfair to single out one sides is open to debate. Kimpembe making way, but to Portugal midfi elder Joao Mario vo v Empoli, Fiorentina v Cagliari, remarkable implosion in recent player in PSG’s train-wreck of After 2014, Dunga replaced Le Figaro Silva was “a leader out Tomorrow admits the Bergamo side pose a Inter Milan v Atalanta, Napoli v footballing memory seeing the an evening, but as captain Silva Luiz Felipe Scolari as Brazil of his depth”. Saint-Etienne v Metz (1400 “diffi cult” challenge, but said: Crotone, Pescara v Udinese (all French side lose 6-5 on aggregate. has to take his share of the re- coach and went on to axe Silva. “For a long time I have said he GMT), Lyon v Toulouse (1600 “On Sunday we can gift everyone 1400), Palermo v Roma (1945) “It is diffi cult to talk. As cap- sponsibility. In Paris, he has worn the arm- is not my cup of tea because he GMT), Lorient v Paris Saint-Ger- at Inter with a win, that’s what tain, I am very proud of my play- The 32-year-old has often band for a team whose perform- is not a leader. He doesn’t bring main (2000 GMT) we want.” Monday: Lazio v Torino (1945) Gulf Times 4 Saturday, March 11, 2017 CRICKET

FIRST TEST INJURED STARC OUT OF INDIA SERIES New Delhi: Australia’s hopes of Although Starc has only victory in their bitterly-fought taken five wickets in the first Fire alarm drama as series against India suff ered a two Tests, his lower-order severe blow yesterday when half-century in the first game pace spearhead Mitchell Starc in Pune proved to be a turn- had to head home with a stress ing point in the match, which fracture to his right foot. Australia won. Ahead of the Team physio David Beakley series, Indian captain Virat said Starc felt pain in his right Kohli singled out Starc as the S Africa edge ahead foot during Australia’s 75-run tourists’ dangerman, saying he defeat in the the second Test “is a world-class bowler”. in Bangalore which has failed “He has learnt the art of Maharaj claimed his first five wicket haul to halt the New Zealand innings at 341 to subside since the match reverse swing and bowling with ended on Tuesday. Starc, who the old ball as well. It’s amazing is also one of the world’s lead- to see, the way he has devel- ing all-rounders, would “return oped his skills,” Kohli added. home to Australia to start his The four-Test series, which rehabilitation” and therefore resumes next week in Ranchi, “be unavailable for the remain- has been marred by a row der” of the four-match series, between Kohli and his opposite Beakley added. number Steve Smith which led Selectors would name a re- the ICC to call a clear-the-air placement “in due course”, the meeting between the pair. statement said. The 27-year-old Starc has suff ered a number Starc is the second Australian of injury setbacks during his to be ruled out of the series career, including in September between the world’s top two when he suff ered a leg wound sides after Mitchell Marsh had which required 30 stitches by to return home following a colliding with training equip- deterioration of a long-running ment during a practice session. shoulder injury. He also also spent six Starc has been hampered by months on the sidelines injuries during his career but after fracturing his foot in he has emerged as a key player the historic day-night Test in for his side in all formats of Adelaide against New Zealand the game and is ranked in the in November 2015, before then world’s top 10 in both Test and undergoing ankle surgery. ODI cricket. He was also named He returned to play a star- recently in the International ring role on Australia’s tour of Cricket Council’s Test team of Sri Lanka, where he took 24 the year (ICC). wickets at an average of 15.16.

South Africa and New Zealand players and off icials stand in the middle of the field after fire alarm in the main grandstand during the first Test in Dunedin yesterday. (AFP)

AFP the nature of the beast.” which he faced 241 deliveries, the captain New Zealand I innings (overnight 177-3) Dunedin, New Zealand South Africa lost opener Stephen Cook was eventually undone by Kagiso Rabada T. Latham c de Kock b Philander 10 for a duck in the fi rst over of their second who used the extra bounce and move- J. Raval c Elgar b Maharaj 52 innings and, despite a 20-minute delay ment of the new ball to get an edge. K. williamson c de Kock b Rabada 130 outh Africa shrugged off a ground when the University Oval was evacuated It triggered a run of three wickets for 27 R. Taylor not out 15 evacuation because of a fi re alarm after a fi re alarm in the main grandstand, runs that had New Zealand 304 for eight H. Nicholls c Amla b Maharaj 12 to reach 38 for one in the fi rst Test they survived without further loss until when Neil Wagner levelled the scores J. Patel c du Plessis b Philander 16 against New Zealand yesterday, a bad light stopped play. with a nick off Vernon Philander that J. Neesham c de Kock b Morkel 7 leadS of fi ve runs. With the game evenly Firemen who searched the area blamed brushed Quinton de Kock’s fi ngers on its B. Watling b Maharaj 50 poised after an absorbing fi rst three days, steam for setting off the alarm and when way to the boundary. Boult put New Zea- M. Santner c Maharaj b Morkel 4 both sides were hoping looming rain over play resumed, in gathering gloom, New land in front with a single off Maharaj but N. Wagner c Duminy b Maharaj 32 the weekend did not dictate the outcome. Zealand’s spinners were unable to fi nd was bowled soon after by the spinner to T. Boult b Maharaj 2 “It does seem pretty even but we don’t success against Hashim Amla, who was bring Taylor back to the middle for a last Extras: (lb8, nb2, w1) 11 know what the weather holds. But hope- unbeaten on 23, and Dean Elgar (12). Cook stand with Wagner. Total: (all out; 114.3 overs) 341 ROUND-UP fully we can make a game of it, it’s always was caught behind off Trent Boult with- With the lead secured, Wagner opened Fall of wickets: 1-15 (Latham), 2-117 (Raval), nice to get a result,” said South Africa’s out scoring on the fourth ball, and walked up with a six and two fours off consecu- 3-165 (Nicholls), 4-184 (Patel, 5-193 (Nee- man of the moment Keshav Maharaj. rather than seek a review — although re- tive balls from Philander and added an- sham), 6-277 (williamson), 7-297 (Santner), Maharaj claimed his fi rst fi ve wicket plays were unable to detect the ball hit the other six and four off Maharaj. Taylor, 8-304 (Watling), 9-324 (Boult) India withdraw haul to halt the New Zealand innings at bat. Earlier Williamson’s 130 plus valu- crippled by a calf tear that forced him Bowling: Rabada 30-7-92-1 (1w), Philander 341 with a Kane Williamson ton and the able half-centuries from Jeet Raval and from the fi eld when on eight early in the 27-11-67-2 (2nb), Morkel 24-6-62-2, Maharaj heroics of an injury-hit Ross Taylor giv- Watling — along with Taylor’s late return innings, was barely able to run. 28.3-7-94-5, Duminy 5-0-18-0 Smith protest as ing them a 33-run fi rst-innings lead. BJ despite a calf injury — carried New Zea- After an early single off Maharaj, his Watling, who contributed to New Zea- land to 341. It was the fi rst time in seven one other scoring shot came from clout- South Africa II innings land’s total with 50, believed a result was Tests dating back to 2012 that New Zea- ing Morne Morkel over the ropes for six. S. Cook c Watling b Boult 0 boards make peace still possible with “one crazy session” land have led South Africa after the fi rst The 27-year-old Maharaj, in his fi fth Test, D. Elgar not out 12 that could change the balance. innings. ended the innings when he had Wagner H. Amla not out 23 ndia have withdrawn an involved in an ongoing four- “We’ve just got to (take) each session at Williamson brought up his 16th Test caught by JP Duminy for 32 to claim fi ve Extras: (lb3) 3 offi cial protest about the match series in India which is a time and see what that leaves us with,” century, putting him level with Taylor for 94. Total: (one wicket; 18.0 overs) 38 actions of Australia captain tied at 1-1 after two Tests, while he said. “You can’t play a game of cricket and one behind the New Zealand record Fall of wicket: 1-0 (Cook) Steve Smith in the second the fi nal details of the one-day expecting it to rain because sometimes it of 17 held by the late Martin Crowe. Af- Bowling: ITest as the governing bodies of international tour, pencilled SCOREBOARD Boult 4-2-6-1, Wagner 4-1-8-0, doesn’t and you get caught out. It’s just ter a patient 380 minutes in the middle, in South Africa I innings 308 Santner 5-2-6-0, Patel 5-2-15-0 both countries moved to bring in for October, have yet to be an end to the acrimony sur- confi rmed. rounding the ongoing four- FOCUS SPOTLIGHT match series. HOHNS NAMED AS AUSSIE The Board of Control for CHIEF SELECTOR Cricket in India (BCCI) had Trevor Hohns was named as the England earlier registered a complaint to chairman of Australia’s cricket the International Cricket Coun- selectors yesterday after record big Bangladesh openers, bad light cil (ICC) over Smith looking to steadying the ship as caretaker the dressing room for guidance chief following a string of de- ODI win over on whether to review an lbw feats last year. decision during the Bengaluru Hohns, who took over as care- Windies keep Sri Lanka at bay in Galle match. taker chairman when Rod Marsh Despite the hosts winning quit following an embarrassing Reuters AFP the Test to level the series at 1-1 home series defeat to South Af- Bridgetown, Barbados Galle, Sri Lanka on Tuesday, India skipper Virat rica, joins Greg Chappell, Mark Kohli alleged the tourists had in- Waugh and coach Darren Leh- dulged in the practice through- mann on the four-man panel. ngland’s Alex Hales and pener Soumya Sarkar scored out the match, sparking a war of Cricket Australia said the Joe Root struck centuries his second half-century of the words in the media and a robust panel had also been restructured as the tourists cruised match as Bangladesh kept their response from Australia. with Hohns, Chappell and Leh- to a series sweep with faint hopes of saving the fi rst The boards released a joint mann focusing on Test and one- aE massive 186-run victory over TestO against Sri Lanka alive in Galle yes- statement saying the chief day selection, with Waugh and West Indies in the third and fi - terday. Set a daunting target of 457 runs, executives of both bodies had Lehmann picking the Twenty20 nal one-day international at the Bangladesh reached 67-0 before bad light met in Mumbai on Thursday and squads. The rejig follows a slump Kensington Oval on Thursday. brought early stumps on the fourth day agreed to try and bring the focus last year when Australia lost all England, sent in to bat, with the visiting side still needing 393 runs “back to the game” ahead of next three Tests in Sri Lanka and were amassed 328 all out in exactly 50 for an improbable win on the fi nal day. week’s third test in Ranchi. thrashed twice at home by South overs before restricting the hosts Soumya, who made 71 runs in the fi rst in- The statement said Smith, Africa. to 142 in 39.2 overs for their big- nings, led the batting charge with an un- who blamed the incident on a gest ever win by runs over the beaten 53 while his opening partner Tamim “brain fade”, and Kohli, who was NZ OPENER GUPTILL Caribbean side. Opener Hales Iqbal took the unusual role of an anchor, criticised in Australia for his OUT FOR SIX WEEKS (110 from 107 balls) and Root scoring 13 not out. aggression during the match, Aggressive opening batsman (101 from 108 balls) put on 192 The fourth day’s play ended 14 overs ear- would meet to iron out their Martin Guptill has been ruled for the second wicket on an un- ly as thick clouds hovered over the ground, diff erences. out of all cricket to undergo even pitch, a record for England much to the frustration of the hosts who Despite the row, the ICC opted six weeks of strength training against West Indies. Ben Stokes were desperate to hammer home their ad- not to level any charge against and rehabilitation on separate (34 from 20 balls) ensured they vantage by clinching a wicket or two in the either Smith or Kohli, whose hamstring injuries that have made it past 300. fi nal session. Sri Lanka declared their sec- Bangladeshi batsman Soumya Sarkar (right) watches as Dinesh Chandimal of Sri Lanka public outburst could also have ruled him out of New Zealand’s Seamer Alzarri Joseph, 20, ond innings at 274-6, just fi ve overs into drops a catch during the fourth day of the opening Test in Galle yesterday. (AFP) been considered a breach of the limited overs side for a month. playing in just his third ODI, was the session, after local boy Upul Tharanga code of conduct. The 30-year-old was unavail- the pick of the home bowlers slammed his third Test century and second SCORECARD Did not bat: R. Herath, S. Lakmal, L. Kumara, able for New Zealand’s matches with 4-76 . against Bangladesh. Sri Lanka I innings 494 L. Sandakan SAKER TO REPLACE COACH against Australia and South England’s seamers exploited Tharanga was out for 115 at the end of a Bangladesh I innings 312 Bowling: Roy 7-0-34-0 (w5), Mehedi 20-1-77-2, LEHMANN FOR INDIA ODIS Africa in February, but scored the conditions superbly and 171-ball innings that featured 11 fours and Sri Lanka II innings Mustafizur 9-4-24-1, Shakib 25-2-104-2, Taskin Assistant coach David Saker 180 not out on his return in the decimated the West Indies top three sixes before he was bowled by off - D. Karunaratne c Mahmudullah b Taskin 32 8-0-32-1 (w1, nb1) will take charge of Australia for fourth one-day international order, reducing the hosts to 45 spinner Mehedi Hasan. Left-arm spinner U. Tharanga b Mehedi 115 their one-day international tour against the Proteas in Hamilton for six as Chris Woakes (3-16 in Shakib Al Hasan bowled Asela Gunaratne K. Mendis c Taskin b Shakib 19 Bangladesh II innings of India later this year, allowing on March 1. eight overs) started the collapse for a duck in the next over and Mehedi dis- D. Chandimal not out 50 Tamim Iqbal not out 13 head coach Darren Lehmann to He will miss the rest of New and Liam Plunkett (3-27 from missed Niroshan Dickwella for 15 to give A. Gunaratne b Shakib 0 Soumya Sarkar not out 53 take a break. Zealand’s domestic fi rst-class eight) joined in later on. Only Bangladesh something to celebrate in an- N. Dickwella c Liton b Mehedi 15 Extras (nb1) 1 Australia’s coaching set-up season and the beginning of the Jonathan Carter (46) off ered any other taxing day for the visitors. D. Perera c Liton b Mustafizur 33 Total (no wicket; 15 overs) 67 has seen former cricketers take Indian Premier League. Coach sort of resistance as West Indies . Dinesh Chandimal rode his luck after Extras (b2, lb1, w6, nb1) 10 To bat: M Haque, Mahmudullah, M Rahim, turns to fi ll in for Lehmann, Mike Hesson said Guptill’s im- Brief scores: England 328 (Hales being dropped by Soumya Sarkar at slip on Total (six wickets, 69 overs) 274 Shakib Al Hasan, L Das, M Hasan Miraz, T who recovered from deep vein portance to the one-day squad 110, Root 101, Joseph 4-76) beat 12 to stay unbeaten on 50 before the decla- Fall of wickets: 1-69 (Karunaratne), 2-134 Ahmed, M Rahman, S Roy thrombosis last year after being for June’s Champions Trophy in West Indies 142 (Carter 46, Woakes ration came with the dismissal of Dilruwan (Mendis), 3-198 (Tharanga), 4-199 (Gunaratne), Bowling: Lakmal 6-3-8-0, Perera 5-0-24-0, hospitalised for the condition. England meant a complete break 3-16, Plunkett 3-27) by 186 runs Perera, who made 33. 5-222 (Dickwella), 6-274 (Perera) Herath 4-0-32-0, Gunaratne 0-0-3-0 (nb1) The Australia test side are from cricket was the best option. Gulf Times Saturday, March 11, 2017 5 SPORT

NBA FORMULA ONE Raikkonen faster Westbrook’s Thunder than ever on fi nal day of testing

Reuters as Spaniard Fernando Alonso had stop Spurs’ win streak another tough session. The team Barcelona said the double world champion had experienced the same in- errari went faster than termittent electrical shutdown Westbrook said his priority is winning and not setting records ever on the fi nal morn- that hampered Belgian rookie ing of Formula One’s team mate Stoff el Vandoorne on pre-season testing yes- Thursday. Alonso was bottom of Fterday, with Kimi Raikkonen the time sheets, by more than a breaking through the one minute second, 4.1 seconds off Raikko- 19 seconds barrier at the Circuit nen’s pace and with only 19 laps de Catalunya, while McLaren to his credit at lunchtime. stayed slow. The Finn’s best ef- fort of 1:18.634 seconds, on su- 1964 F1 CHAMPION persoft tyres, was a circuit record SURTEES DIES AT 83 and 0.804 seconds quicker than John Surtees, the only man to Red Bull’s Dutch teenager Max win world championships on two Verstappen on the same tyre wheels and four, died yesterday compound in 1:19.438. Raikko- at the age of 83, his family said in nen’s teammate and four times a statement. The Briton won the world champion Sebastian Vettel 1964 Formula One champion- had been fastest on Thursday in ship with Ferrari after winning 1:19.024. four 500cc motorcycling world Before that, Mercedes had set titles between 1956 and 1960. the pace with Finland’s Valt- He also won three 350cc world Oklahoma City Thunder guard teri Bottas lapping in 1:19.310 championships. The family said Russell Westbrook (right) shoots on Wednesday. Triple champion in a statement that Surtees was the ball in front of San Antonio teammate Lewis Hamilton was admitted to hospital in London Spurs guard Danny Green due to wrap up the test in the last month with a respiratory during the NBA in Oklahoma. afternoon. The early signs from condition. (USA TODAY Sports) testing, which can be deceptive, are that champions Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull remain on a F1 MAKES COMMERCIAL diff erent level to the rest but that APPOINTMENTS last season’s gaps have closed at Formula One has appointed glo- the top. The season starts in Aus- bal heads for sponsorship and tralia on March 26. research as it accelerates into a “Between the top three and the new era under US-based Liberty other ones it is between one sec- Media following the departure of ond and 1.5 seconds, I think,” said Bernie Ecclestone. Haas team principal Guenther It said in a statement yester- Steiner. “There is no surprise day, it said former ESPN execu- that Mercedes and Ferrari and tive Murray Barnett would join Red Bull came out better than from World Rugby, where he was everybody else. They have more chief commercial offi cer, in April resources to do more testing and as global head of sponsorship that is what it is.” and commercial partnerships. Haas driver Romain Grosjean Matthew Roberts starts in June brought out the red fl ags to stop as global head of research, join- the session twice yesterday, with ing from Sky television where he troubled McLaren doing likewise led the sports insight division.

AFP ning and not setting records. “My job is ally, really admire that and respect that. tons, who have won three of their last Los Angeles to make sure we come out with a win,” he Because tomorrow is not promised. He is four contests. said. Victor Oladipo scored 20 points on just focused on right now. What do I have Marcus Morris and Ish Smith each eight-of-14 shooting from the fi eld in his to do right now to help the team right now added 12 points for Detroit, who out- ussell Westbrook moved into a second game back since missing six con- in this moment.” scored Cleveland 33-21 in the fourth tie with Wilt Chamberlain on tests with back spasms. Kawhi Leonard tallied 19 points, Pau quarter. James earned 29 points, 13 re- the regular season triple double Enes Kanter came off the bench to score Gasol scored 18 points for the Spurs, who bounds and 10 assists. list as the Oklahoma City Thun- 14 points and 10 rebounds as the Thun- saw their nine-game win streak come to Kyrie Irving tallied 27 points and Chan- derR shut down the San Antonio Spurs der snapped a four-game losing streak. a halt. The Thunder held Leonard to just ning Frye had 15, all from beyond the arc. with a 102-92 victory on Thursday. “I thought we did a good job, especially two rebounds and two assists. He sat out James had seven baskets off dunks. “In Westbrook recorded his 31st triple defensively,” Westbrook said. “Making the entire fourth quarter after being hit order for us to be great, we’ve got to be double to tie Chamberlain for the sec- an impact on the ball for 48 minutes, it in the mouth. The Spurs will need him good all across the board,” Irving said. JR ond-most triple doubles in a NBA season was good. It means that were on the right tomorrow when they take on the Golden Smith came off the bench after miss- and he did it against the red-hot Spurs track. Obviously throughout the season State Warriors. ing the previous 36 games with a broken who are one of the top seeds in the West- there are times you go through adver- Elsewhere, Reggie Jackson scored 21 thumb. He was one of nine from the fi eld. ern Conference. sity. The strongest teams stick together points and the Detroit Pistons overcame In Memphis, Austin Rivers scored 20 “It is a blessing,” said Westbrook, through adversity. Tonight was one of LeBron James’ 50th career triple-double points, Chris Paul added 19, JJ Redick who tallied 23 points, 13 assists and 13 those nights when we stuck together.” with a 106-101 win over the Cleveland had 15 and Blake Griffi n posted a double- rebounds. “I try to play at a high level. Thunder coach Billy Donovan praised Cavaliers. Andre Drummond fi nished double with 14 points and 12 rebounds to Whenever you mention guys like that I Westbrook for leading by example. “He with 20 points and 16 rebounds and lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a 114-89 don’t take it for granted.” says he plays every game like it’s the last Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Tobias win over the Memphis Grizzlies at FedEx- Ferrari’s Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen (right) with his son Robin at Westbrook said his priority is win- game of his career,” Donovan said. “I re- Harris had 15 points apiece for the Pis- Forum. the Circuit de Catalunya, near Barcelona. (AFP)

FOCUS Tampa Bay, fi ghting for wild card, take down Wild

Reuters delphia for their second straight win. points of Montreal for fi rst place in the Tampa, Florida Wayne Simmonds and Shayne Gostis- Atlantic Division. The Senators have behere scored for the Flyers. Frederik two games in hand. Brendan Perlini and Andersen made 36 saves in the Toronto Lawson Crouse scored for the Coyotes, he Tampa Bay Lightning, goal, while Flyers netminder Michal while Jean-Gabriel Pageau scored the scrapping for every point in a Neuvirth stopped 31 shots. other Senators’ goal. wild-card logjam, picked up two points on Thursday night DUCKS 1, BLACKHAWKS 0 SHARKS 4, CAPITALS 2 Twith one of their more impressive wins, Corey Perry scored and Jonathan Berni- Logan Couture scored a pair of power- surprising the Minnesota Wild in a 4-1 er made 43 saves as Anaheim snapped play goals while Brent Burns added victory at Amalie Arena in the National Chicago’s seven-game winning streak three assists on his 32nd birthday as Hockey League. at the United Center. Perry snapped a San Jose beat Washington. Joe Thorn- Andrei Vasilevskiy won for the fourth scoreless tie with 2:16 remaining in the ton and Joe Pavelski also scored for the time in fi ve games since taking over as second period with his 12th goal of the Sharks while Daniel Winnik and Brett Tampa Bay’s primary goaltender with season and fi rst in 11 games. Connolly scored for the Capitals. the trade of Ben Bishop last week, stop- Perry found himself a lane and fi red a ping the fi rst 28 Minnesota shots. He shot through traffi c and to Corey Craw- AVALANCHE 3, DEVILS 2 fi nished with 32 saves. Nikita Kucherov ford’s stick side that found its way into Francois Beauchemin scored the tie- continued his hot streak, adding two the back of the net. breaking goal at 18:46 of the third pe- goals and assist to give him nine goals riod, and Colorado beat New Jersey. in his past eight games. Victor Hed- FLAMES 5, CANADIENS 0 Nathan MacKinnon and Rene Bourque man and Andrej Sustr also scored for Johnny Gaudreau had a goal and three also scored, and Calvin Pickard made 25 the Lightning, while Marco Scandella assists as Calgary beat Montreal for saves for the Avalanche, who have won scored for the Wild. their eighth consecutive win. Michael two straight for just the fourth time this Stone and Sean Monahan added a goal season. Taylor Hall and Stefan Noesen HURRICANES 4, RANGERS 3 and an assist each, while goalie Brian had goals for the Devils, and Cory Sch- Sebastian Aho scored a pair of third- Elliott made 24 saves for his fi rst shut- neider stopped 19 shots. period, power-play goals as Carolina out of the season. Micheal Ferland overcame New York at PNC Arena. Jeff and Mark Giordano also scored for the ISLANDERS 4, CANUCKS 3 (OT) Skinner and Valentin Zykov, who was Flames. Al Montoya fi nished with 33 Andrew Ladd scored with 1:33 gone in making his NHL debut, also scored for saves in net for the Canadiens, who had overtime to give New York a win over the Hurricanes, who won for only the won six games in a row. Vancouver. Brock Nelson, John Tavares second time in the last seven games. and Anthony Beauvillier scored for the Mika Zibanejad scored twice for the KINGS 3, PREDATORS 2 (OT) Islanders. Josh Bailey had three assists. Rangers, who also received a goal from Jarome Iginla scored his fi rst two goals Antti Raanta (left) and Mika Zibanejad of the New York Rangers attempt to stop Elias Lindholm (right) of the Carolina The win leaves the Islanders one Chris Kreider. Derek Stepan was cred- since joining Los Angeles, including the Hurricanes from scoring at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Hurricanes won 4-3. (AFP) point ahead of the Toronto Maple Leafs ited with two New York assists. game-winner during a 4-on-3 power for the fi nal wild card playoff spot in the play in overtime. The Kings pulled third to make it 2-2 while Iginla’s goals .1:31 into the third period. overtime on a 2-on-0 break, and Mike Eastern Conference. Troy Stecher, Reid MAPLE LEAFS 4, FLYERS 2 within a point of the idle St. Louis Blues give him 621 for his career. Nashville Condon made 39 saves as Ottawa won Boucher and Sven Baertschi scored for William Nylander, Tyler Bozak, Mitch for the second wild card out of the rookie Kevin Fiala, who was a healthy SENATORS 3, COYOTES 2 (OT) its fi fth straight game with a victory the Canucks. Vancouver remains six Marner and Nazem Kadri each scored Western Conference. scratch in a 4-3 shootout loss Tuesday Erik Karlsson had two goals and an as- over Arizona at Gila River Arena. points behind St. Louis in the race for a goal and Toronto defeated Phila- Marian Gaborik scored at 10:55 of the at Anaheim, gave the Predators a lead sist, including the game-winner in The win pulled Ottawa within two the fi nal wild-card spot. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, March 11, 2017 SPORT

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Djokovic seeks to turn up heat in Bouchard bundled California desert AFP anchors a bottom quarter that Indian Wells, United States also includes four-time champi- on Roger Federer, and three-time winner Rafael Nadal. out of Indian Wells ive-time champion No- The talent-laden section also vak Djokovic will be out includes former US Open win- to reassert his dominance ner Juan Martin del Potro, Kyr- Beck made the most of Bouchard’s errors to dispatch the Canadian 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 on the hard courts of In- gios and young German Alex- Fdian Wells this week, seeking ander Zverev. “I haven’t had too AFP to shake off the slump that has many draws like that,” Djokovic Indian Wells, United States dogged him into 2017. Djokovic’s said.”It’s quite amazing to see fi ve titles in the California desert that many quality players are in include the last three. one quarter. ormer world number fi ve Eugenie But the Serbian star arrives “It is what it is,” he added. Bouchard’s 2017 struggles con- at a tournament he has owned “Obviously Nadal and Federer tinued Thursday at Indian Wells, shaken by a second-round exit at are starting to build their rank- where she fell in the fi rst round to the Australian Open, which was ings. They haven’t played, espe- Germany’sF Annika Beck. Beck made the followed by a shocking quarter- cially Roger hasn’t played for six most of Bouchard’s errors to dispatch the fi nal loss to young Australian months of the last season. Win- Canadian 3-6, 6-2, 6-2. Nick Kyrgios in Acapulco. ning the Australian Open he got Although it was her second fi rst-round The setbacks come on the back in the top 10 but he’s still not top exit in as many tournaments since her of a troublesome second half eight, obviously that’s potential- third-round defeat at the Australian of 2016, when he lost his world ly putting him in position to play Open, Bouchard said she was encouraged number one ranking to Andy last 16 with a top eight player. to be playing pain free after battling an Murray and relinquished his We’ll see what happens. I guess abdominal injury after Melbourne. Wimbledon and US Open titles. in the fi rst four or fi ve days of “I didn’t have a good serving day to- Annika Beck of Germany Acknowledging that his longed- the tournament we’ll have some day, but I did have a pain-free serving day returns a shot en route to her for fi rst French Open crown last very, very strong matches.” today so that was really good,” said the win over Eugenie Bouchard year left him emotionally deplet- Murray heads the draw that 23-year-old, who shot to stardom with of Canada in Indian Wells, ed, Djokovic nonetheless says his gives all 32 seeded players a her run to the Wimbledon fi nal in 2014. California. (AFP) game remains good enough to get fi rst-round bye. Among Thurs- Now that she’s able to train at 100%, him back to the summit. day’s matches, Italy’s Paolo Bouchard said, she hopes she can get her “Right now I feel like it was Lorenzi downed Robin Haase of season on track and improve on her cur- better than it was, especially in the Netherlands to book a fi rst- rent ranking of 53 in the world. the second part of last season,” round meeting with third-seed- “I feel like it is now at 100% for sure, it Djokovic said Thursday as un- ed Swiss Stan Wawrinka. has for a couple of weeks,” she said of her seeded men swung into action Canadian qualifi er Vasek training. “But as soon as you start train- in the fi rst ATP Masters tourna- Pospisil defeated Taiwan’s Lu ing 100% it doesn’t translate automati- ment of the year. “Particularly Yen-Hsun 6-7 (6/8), 6-4, 6-3 to cally. You still need weeks and weeks of after the US Open I had those earn a clash with Murray, while that to feel like normal.” couple months where I wasn’t France’s Jeremy Chardy beat Andrea Petkovic booked an all-Ger- myself on the court. Moldovan qualifi er Radu Albot man clash with second-seeded Angel- Now I’m at the better place 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 to book a meet- ique Kerber, and she’s hoping some inside and I believe that I’m headed in ing with eighth-seeded Austrian knowledge will help her get past her Ol- the right direction.” Dominic Thiem. ympic teammate and friend. Kerber is the Djokovic, who lifted the tro- The 23-year-old Thiem, who top player in the draw and guaranteed to phy in Doha this year before his won his eighth ATP title in Rio return to number one on the world thanks Australian Open defeat, insisted last month, is among the young to Serena Williams’ injury withdrawal. the latest setbacks haven’t dis- players keen to muscle in on the She enjoyed a fi rst-round bye while couraged him. “Generally if I game’s “Big Four” of Murray, Petkovic was leading Vania King 6-0, 2-0 see myself kind of (in) larger Djokovic, Nadal and Federer. when the American retired from their perspective today compared to Even after his 2016 Australian fi rst-round match Thursday with a left end of last season, I’m a diff er- Open victory more than a year ankle injury. “That’s defi nitely not how I ent player,” he said. “I feel more ago, Djokovic indicated he could want to win a match,” Petkovic said af- comfortable, I feel more fresh. feel them coming, telling report- ter notching just her second career win I look forward to competing ers that wolves running up the at Indian Wells in seven appearances. and I feel more confi dent on the hill are hungrier than the wolf at “But up until then I was happy with my court.” the top. “I guess I’m one of the performance.” She’ll need to be at the But he’s got a monumental wolves going up now,” Djokovic top of her game to get past Kerber, who task in Indian Wells, where he said. “And I’m hungry.” has won seven of their 10 prior meet- ings. “We played doubles at the Olym- pics — we even shared a room last year in Brazil,” Petkovic said. “I know how she breathes at night, even. I hope I can use that against her in the next match.” Elsewhere, Croatia’s Donna Vekic made the most of her wild card with a 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) victory over American appearance at Indian Wells, held on for a Thiago Monteiro (BRA) 7-6 (8/6), 6-3; Fabio 6-4, 6-4; Magda Linette (POL) bt Taylor Alison Riske, setting up a meeting with 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 victory over US wild card Fognini (ITA) bt Konstantin Kravchuk (RUS) Townsend (USA) 6-4, 6-2; Julia Goerges fourth-seeded Romanian Simona Halep. Irina Falconi. Jankovic, who had endured 0-6, 7-5, 6-4; Paolo Lorenzi (ITA) bt Robin (GER) bt Ajla Tomljanovic (CRO) 7-5, 6-2; Lau- Halep, the 2015 Indian Wells champion, two WTA fi rst-round exits since reaching Haase (NED) 6-4, 6-3; Alexandr Dolgopolov ren Davis (USA) bt Viktorija Golubic (SUI) 6-4, is eager to get back to work since being the third round of the Australian Open, (UKR) bt Viktor Troicki (SRB) 6-1, 6-4; Yoshi- 4-6, 7-5; Annika Beck (GER) bt Eugenie Bou- sidelined by a left knee injury since hob- booked a meeting with 12th-seeded Ve- hito Nishioka (JPN) bt Elias Ymer (SWE) 6-4, chard (CAN) 3-6, 6-2, 6-2; Donna Vekic (CRO) bling out of the St. Petersburg tourna- nus Williams. 6-1; Bjorn Fratangelo (USA) bt Bernard Tomic bt Alison Riske (USA) 6-3, 7-6 (7/2); Sara ment in early February. “I am addicted a (AUS) 6-2, 6-2; Darian King (BAR) bt Nikoloz Sorribes (ESP) bt Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) little bit to this sport,” she said. “When I Results (x denotes seeded player) Basilashvili (GEO) 7-5, 7-5; Mikhail Kukushkin 6-4, 6-2; Peng Shuai (CHN) bt Lesia Tsurenko don’t have competition, it’s tough to live.” Men’s 1st rd: Vasek Pospisil (CAN) bt Lu Yen- (KAZ) bt Jordan Thompson (AUS) 1-6, 6-1, 3-0 (UKR) 6-2, 2-6, 7-5; Lucie Safarova (CZE) bt Despite her competitive streak, Halep Hsun (TPE) 6-7 (6/8), 6-4, 6-3; Dusan Lajovic retired; Joao Sousa (POR) bt Diego Schwartz- Lara Arruabarrena (ESP) 6-3, 6-2; Jelena said she was trying to keep her expecta- (SRB) bt Francis Tiafoe (USA) 6-3, 6-3; Peter man (ARG) 4-6, 6-3, 6-4; Jeremy Chardy Jankovic (SRB) bt Irina Falconi (USA) 6-2, 3-6, tions in check. “I’m just happy the pain Gojowczyk (GER) bt Reilly Opelka (USA) (FRA) bt Radu Albot (MDA) 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 6-3; Shelby Rogers (USA) bt Jennifer Brady is not there anymore,” she said. “I cannot 6-4, 3-6, 6-1; Adrian Mannarino (FRA) bt (USA) 6-4, 7-6 (7/4); Varvara Lepchenko think about the results, winning a lot of Juan Monaco (ARG) 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-1; Karen Women’s 1st rd: Mariana Duque (COL) bt (USA) bt Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ) 4-6, 6-2, matches right now because of this knee.” Khachanov (RUS) bt Tommy Robredo (ESP) Patricia Tig (ROM) 6-4, 0-6, 6-4; Naomi Osaka 6-4; Pauline Parmentier (FRA) bt Oceane Former world number one Jelena Jank- 6-1, 7-5; Damir Dzumhur (BIH) bt Ryan Harri- (JPN) bt Risa Ozaki (JPN) 6-4, 6-2; Katerina Dodin (FRA) 6-2, 6-4; Andrea Petkovic (GER) Novak Djokovic fields questions from the media at a press ovic, the 2010 champion making her 16th son (USA) 6-4, 3-6, 7-5; Martin Klizan (SVK) bt Siniakova (CZE) bt Mona Barthel (GER) 4-6, bt Vania King (USA) 6-0, 2-0 retired conference at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on Thursday. (AFP)

Parisse warns Italy will RUGBY continue to bend rules Jones gets cranky as England eye history Rome: Italy captain Sergio France lost to England and Parisse has warned the Ireland, but beat Scotland AFP No 8 shirt. Azzurri will continue to use at the Stade de France. And London England also have strength in depth their controversial tactics as Parisse believes they can rival at loosehead prop, where Joe Marler has they prepare to face France France who they beat in 2011 held off Mako Vunipola, Billy’s brother, to in today’s Six Nations clash and 2013, and gave a lot of t’s strange trying to create a siege win his 50th cap. Marler and his front row in Rome. Italy’s ‘no-ruck’ ploy trouble to last year. “You talk mentality when your team have won colleagues could be key to the outcome, caused confusion among about these three matches but 17 Tests in a row but that appears to as Scotland have struggled at the scrum England players with the Six we’ve played a lot of others be England coach Eddie Jones’s ap- this season in the absence of injured cor- Iproach heading into today’s Calcutta Cup nerstone prop WP Nel. Nations champions trailing at where we took 30, 40 or 50 half-time before winning 36-15 points,” insisted the Stade clash against Scotland at Twickenham. And for all Stuart Hogg is a leading at Twickenham two weeks ago. Francais No 8. Victory this weekend would see Eng- candidate to tour New Zealand with this “We invented nothing,” “We don’t have the same land equal world champions New Zea- year’s British and Irish Lions, England said Parisse. “We tried to put technical or physical qualities land’s record of 18 successive Test wins will look to test the dashing Scotland full- the opponent in diff iculty by but we’re a team which has by a ‘tier one’ nation and might even be back’s much-talked about defence. But if respecting the rules. mental resources. So the ingre- enough to retain the Six Nations title the likes of rampaging lock Johnny Gray I don’t know if it will disap- dients like always it’s the battle, should Wales beat Ireland late last night. can disrupt England up front, mercurial pear or not, maybe the rules to be a team which hangs in A win would also leave England going Scotland fl y-half Finn Russell could still will change. Then we will have there, which doesn’t give up, for back-to-back Grand Slams in Dublin feature heavily. made a contribution to rugby.” which piles on the pressure. next weekend. Scotland last won at Twickenham in Conor O’Shea’s Italy delib- “We’re ready to give it Jones has overseen 16 of England’s 17 1983 and, even more signifi cantly per- erately avoided competing for everything so that France are consecutive victories and has won all his haps, it’s nine years since they beat Eng- the ball at Twickenham after under pressure until the end, matches as Red Rose coach since taking land anywhere. But this Six Nations has making a tackle, meaning for 80 minutes. France are charge following the team’s fi rst-round England’s coach Eddie Jones (centre) attends a training session at Twickenham already seen Scotland defeat both Ireland rucks were not formed. This a much stronger team than exit on home soil at the 2015 World Cup. stadium in London, ahead of the game against Scotland. (AFP) and Wales and it will be the Scots, rath- meant there was no off side us, like England two weeks The Australian has been widely praised er than England, who claim the Triple line, so the Azzurri could ago. Simply if we cause them for his central role in England’s revival, Of course, so long as England keep scoring against Ireland. But Jones’s re- Crown if they record just their fi fth win at stand among the opposition problems, under pressure, they yet appeared personally insulted when winning, Jones can pretty much say what sponse to a question about the fi tness of Twickenham this weekend. backline and prevent the ball are a bit like us, they can lose his team were left perplexed by Italy’s ‘no he likes in a bid to ease the pressure on his centre Owen Farrell, who suff ered a train- Cotter, who made just one change, being passed. “But tomorrow their coherence and look for ruck’ ploy at Twickenham last time out, team. There was certainly some method ing ground leg injury on Thursday, was with Hamish Watson replacing injured it’s France, a team with other individual solutions.” saying it was as unsporting as underarm in his comments about Scotland, with the surreal, with the coach proclaiming the back-row forward John Hardie, said: qualities, other weaknesses. France have scored just bowling in cricket. former Australia and Japan boss saying: goal-kicker “doubtful” before, moments “England haven’t lost for a long while and We have prepared ourselves two tries in three matches but Jones, possibly annoyed at being out- “Scotland’s a well-coached side and Vern later, declaring he would be “alright” we are playing them at home. I thought on that basis,” said Parisse. backs coach Jean-Frederic foxed, however, briefl y — England still Cotter is a good rugby coach so they will Jones has made three changes, with with Italy’s ruck tactics they adapted well Italy are heading for another Dubois admitted injecting scored fi ve second-half tries in a 36-15 participate in the spirit of the game.” wing Jack Nowell, centre Jonathan Joseph but they’ll be annoyed about that and wooden spoon after consecu- the trademark flair of French win over Italy — remained tetchy after It was an attempt to limit Scotland and scrum-half Ben Youngs all earning a they won’t want to be caught out again. tive defeats to Wales, Ireland teams of the past wasn’t a naming his side on Thursday. “There was while praising them, although Cotter’s recall. Meanwhile fi t-again powerhouse Eddie’s very competitive, they’re a very and England. pressing concern. someone confused in the fi rst half and it men showed an eye for a trick when cen- back-row Billy Vunipola returns to the competitive team.” wasn’t our players,” said Jones. tre Alex Dunbar joined a line-out before bench, with Nathan Hughes retaining the Gulf Times Saturday, March 11, 2017 7 SPORT

CYCLING MOTOGP TESTING AT LOSAIL GOLF Yates bosses Chawrasia stage takes lead AFP Fayence

riton Simon Yates came at rain-hit home alone in Friday’s sixth stage of the Paris- Nice with France’s Julian AlaphilippeB retaining the leader’s yellow jersey. Indian Open Orica rider Yates crossed the line 17sec up on Colombian Ser- gio Henao who gained a dozen seconds on fourth-placed Alap- hilippe. Alaphilippe heads the general classifi cation from his compa- triot Tony Gallopin, over half a minute adrift, with Henao 46sec away in third. Yates made a decisive move on the penultimate climb 20km from the fi nish of the near 200km Defending champion Marc Marquez (top) and former champion Valentino Rossi in action during testing at the Losail International ride between Aubagne and Fay- Circuit yesterday. The first race of the season will be held later this month at Losail. Pictures: Noushad Thekkayil ence. The 24-year-old brother of last year’s Tour de France fourth Adam Yates moves up to eighth overall at 1min37sec. “There’s still a lot of time to AFP form on the greens, holing take away from Julian Alaphilippe New Delhi lengthy putts on the fi fth and but he’s such a phenomenal rider. eighth holes of a course that he He’s one of the best riders of our knows well. generation,” said Yates. ocal hero and defending Spain’s Carlos Pigem was in Alaphilippe lost time when champion SSP Chawra- third place, following up his unable to stay with Henao when sia hit a fi ve-under par 67 opening round of 69 by carding the South American reeled in a on the second day of the 73 on day two — undone in part breakaway from Australian Rich- LHero Indian Open in New Delhi by hitting two double bogeys ie Porte. Friday, taking a one-shot lead on which left him three off the pace. “It was hard, I had cramp at the a rain-aff ected day. Play was suspended following foot of the climb,” the Frenchman The fi ve-time Asian Tour win- mid-afternoon lightning strikes revealed. ner hit fi ve birdies to put him- and organisers eventually called “He (Henao) is going to be a self one shot ahead of England’s an end to proceedings nearly serious rival tomorrow.” David Horsey who had topped three hours later, with half the Yesterday’s 177km seventh the overnight leaderboard before fi eld still to complete their sec- and penultimate stage concludes completing his fi rst round 66 ond round. with a 15.7km climb up to the yesterday morning then hitting Among those who have an 1678m col de la Couillole, the a disappointing 74 in his second early start are the Italian Matteo highest fi nish in the race’s 75- round. Manassero and Englishman Ed- year history. Although many of the main die Pepperell who are two shots “A rider like Henao can build contenders for the tournament behind Chawrasia. up gaps on a long climb like that, had their progress interrupted The event, sanctioned by the but he’s not the only one, I have by the rain in the Indian capital, Asian Tour and European Tour out watch out for others too,” ob- Chawrasia was able to wrap up for the third straight year, car- served Alpaphilippe. his round without a hitch. ries an enhanced prize purse of The 38-year-old was in fi ne $1.75mn.

ALL ENGLAND BADMINTON SPOTLIGHT Injury-hit Woods to Saina, Sindhu bow miss Palmer event

AFP want to skip. Arnold has meant Los Angeles so much to me and my family; I thought of him as a close friend.... He will be greatly missed and can our-time Masters win- never truly be replaced.” ner Tiger Woods said Palmer died at age 87 in Sep- out of contention yesterday he would miss tember. Fthe Arnold Palmer In- The 14-time major-win- With their exit, the Indian challenge in the tournament has also ended vitational, putting his partici- ner Woods returned from a pation in next month’s Masters 15-month injury lay-off in De- Agencies the Chinese Taipei shuttler to be beaten in champion, did enough to reach the quar- Lin has appeared keen to fi nish what may tournament seriously in doubt. cember and has slumped in the London 34 minutes. With this win, Tai Tzu entered ter-fi nals with hopes of defying the years well be his fi nal All-England by winning a The American made the an- world rankings. her third successive semi-fi nals of the once more. seventh title at the 117-year old event. But nouncement via Twitter say- “I have no timetable for my prestigious tournament. Lee – who delivered a revenge win over he was presented with by far the hardest ing he was out of next week’s return to golf, but my treatments he Indian challenge at the All Nehwal led in both games but the Korean Brice Leverdez of France and a beautifully quarter-fi nal task – against the imposing PGA Tour tournament because are continuing and going well.” England Open came to an end powered back to book her last four place. controlled performance against Wang Yzu and ambitious 23-year-old Dane has been of back problems. He has not Speaking at a news conference with both Saina Nehwal and P.V. Meanwhile, ageing badminton legends Wei of Chinese Taipei – has survived de- in the form of his life. played since he withdrew from prior to the Genesis Open in Los TSindhu losing their quarter-fi nal Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan have been te- spite a lingering knee injury. Axelsen’s capture of the World Super Se- the Dubai Desert Classic on Feb- Angeles in mid-February, Woods matches yesterday. naciously defying the odds on their way to “It’s been good so far, but I have to put it ries title in Dubai in December and the Ol- ruary 3. said he was hopeful he could Olympic silver medallist Sindhu fell to the last eight in the tournament. out of my mind. I compete by paying atten- ympic bronze in Rio has made him feel he “Unfortunately, due to ongo- make a successful return in 2017 Chinese Taipei’s world number 1 Tai Tzu The post-Olympics months have tion to my condition,” said Lee, who will bid can achieve great things here too. ing rest and rehabilitation on my but also admitted that during the Ying 21-14, 21-10, while Nehwal put up a brought a surge of young talent who are for a semi-fi nal berth against Tian Houwei, But youth will almost certainly have its back, I won’t be able to play in latest long layoff he wondered much better show before being ousted 22- threatening to paint the courts at the fi rst the seventh-seeded Chinese player and a day in the women’s singles. Six of the quar- this year’s Arnold Palmer Invi- whether he would ever return to 20, 22-20 by world number 3 Sung Ji-hyun World Super Series tournament of the year surprise fi nalist last year. ter-fi nalists, including the top-seeded Tai tational,” the 41-year old Woods golf. of South Korea. with new patterns and styles. “I’m just glad to be back at one of the Tzu Ying and the Olympic champion Caro- said. “I’m especially disappoint- “There was a time when I World No 6 Sindhu, who had beaten Tai But China’s Lin, the 33-year-old three- most prestigious Super Series tourna- lina Marin, are aged 23 or younger, and all ed because I wanted to be at Bay didn’t know if I could ever swing Tzu en route to her Rio Games silver, was times Olympic champion, and Malay- ments,” said Lin before his quarter-fi nal have improved as they adapted to the cool, Hill to help honour Arnold. a golf club again and play with erratic and couldn’t break the defence of sia’s Lee, 34, the three-times All-England clash with Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen. slightly drifty conditions. “This is one event I didn’t my kids,” he said.

BOTTOMLINE Herman grabs Valspar lead as Stenson lurks

Reuters National, where he has no top-10 aged more than two strokes higher. Miami finishes in 11 starts. “The morning is the time for “This is one tournament of a scoring around here,” he said. “It’s few leading up to Augusta so we certainly a good idea to be quick enrik Stenson wielded a want to get some answers where out of the blocks and we did that.” hot putter to card a flaw- the game’s at,” the world number Stenson’s 64 was matched by less seven-under-par 64 six told Golf Channel. American Russell Henley, while in the opening round at “I’m very happy with that, es- leader Herman reeled off five bird- Hthe Valspar Championship in Flor- pecially putting. Long game I can ies in his first seven holes en route ida on Thursday. go the range and work on a little to the lead. On a day when American jour- bit. I don’t think I’ve been play- “I was driving the ball really neyman Jim Herman came up ing super good any time going into well, putting myself in position for trumps with a 62 for a two-shot Augusta, so I’m just working away. good iron shots and I was putting lead, Swede Stenson displayed a “We’ve got some work to do but really well. That all usually adds up touch on the greens that will serve I’m not too worried about it.” to a pretty good score,” said Her- him well at next month’s Masters. Stenson, 40, finished second man. The British Open champion at the Dubai Desert Classic on the The 39-year-old is a late bloom- rolled in seven birdies, including a European Tour five weeks ago, be- er who enjoyed a coming out par- 50-footer and a 35-footer in ideal fore last week exiting the WGC- ty in 2016, winning the Houston morning conditions on the Innis- Mexico Championship during the Open. brook Resort’s Copperhead Course first round due to a stomach bug. A former club pro at Trump Na- at Palm Harbor. He and all of the other leaders on tional Bedminster in New Jersey, One month before the year’s Thursday played in the morning, he was a frequent golf partner of Henrik Stenson first major, Stenson has already enjoying calm conditions on a day United States President Donald of Sweden. turned an eye towards Augusta when the afternoon starters aver- Trump.

Saturday, March 11, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING SPOTLIGHT Gruelling Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Bentley rides turns into a sprint

By Our Correspondent ultimate stage for motorsport in Manama the Middle East. But the mount- ing pressure has ensured the immediate priority for all driv- he penultimate round ers is to successfully tackle the Stevie’s Wonder to of Season 8 of the Por- Round 5, starting with today’s sche GT3 Cup Chal- qualifying for the opening race Tlenge Middle East at of Round 5 on the reduced inner the Bahrain International Circuit BIC confi guration. It’s a track (BIC) this weekend will witness that guarantees high-octane ac- the championship’s intense and tion throughout. gruelling season shift gear to be- “Personally I hope from third come a short sprint with silver- position I can secure the points Musheireb Cup win ware quickly racing into sight. I need this weekend to close in After eight dramatic races over on Ryan in fi rst place but it will Coming on to the home stretch, Stevie’s Wonder had little trouble taking the lead four weekend rounds the most be tough from the second row. professional and competitive Although the season has literally championship in the region has raced by it also feels like I life- now descended upon its birth- time ago since I was last here in place at the prestigious Sakhir Bahrain. Once again I’ve learnt circuit for all fi nal four races in so much and I’m a lot more com- coming weeks. As many as eight fortable in the car so I’m expect- diff erent drivers could still win ing a strong fi nish over the last the title and the standings’ in all two rounds.” categories are brilliantly poised In the race for the overall in one of the closest battles in the driver’s title the consistency of championship’s history. Ryan Cullen (188 pts) has seen Everything suggests all titles the Irishman open up a gap of 23 are destined to go down to the points over second placed Char- very last race especially for Qa- lie Frijns (168 pts) of Qatar and tar-resident Charlie Frijns who Britain’s Tom Oliphant (152 pts) currently sits in an impressive third a further 16 points further second place in the overall driver back. standings. Series Manager Walter Lechn- After qualifying third for the er added: “This weekend is when fi rst race of Round 5 Frijns said: it really counts. Any driver who “The shortened track off ers a is already picturing glory in the completely diff erent challenge last race of the season will simply and leaves absolutely no room not put themselves in a winning for any mistakes so I’m satis- position. Every race has the same fi ed with third with only Ryan amount of points and those seri- Harry Bentley guides Stevie’s Wonder to win in the Musheireb Cup on thursday. and Tom ahead. The race should ous about getting on the podium Picture on left shows Jassim al-Ghazali receiving the owner’s trophy from Abdullah be pretty interesting as it will be need to be at their very best and bin Hassan al-Mahshadi. PICTURES: Juhaim hard to open up a gap but also seize the moment. There is liter- overtake. Everyone will be fi ght- ally no room for error. Qualifying ning the 1850 race in a thrilling fi nish. HH Lattam fi nished runner-up three and a ing for every position with things is all important so congratula- Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani half lengths ahead of Alban de Mieulle’s so tight in the championship. tions to Ryan Cullen and Tom By Our Correspondent es but a victory had stayed elusive since owned Ras Abrouq came closest to add- charge Majidah. Since the fi nal race of the se- Oliphant for securing the front Doha his winning debut in December 2015. ing a second victory to his tally, falling Harry Bentley’s fi rst win of the day ries falls as part of the Offi cial row.” On Thursday, Sanna had his mount a neck short at the post, under Marco was with Mohamed Jassim Ghazali’s Bahrain Formula One week- Round 5 of the Porsche GT3 track early leader Caid De L’Ardus, rid- Monteriso’s ride. Julian Smart trained ward Lagham in the seven furlong run for end on the 15-16th April, driv- Cup Challenge Middle East takes year after he last tasted vic- den by Harry Bentley for trainer Jassim colt beat Ibrahim al-Malki’s Zainat for the local purebred Arabian Maiden Plate ers could be forgiven for already place this weekend in Bahrain at tory, Mohamed Jassim Ghazali Mohammed Ghazali, before upping the the second spot. (Div 2). The Sheail bin Khalifa al-Kuwari looking to further into the future the Bahrain International Cir- trained Stevie’s Wonder was led pace coming off the final bend and then Qatari jockey Faleh Bughanaim regis- owned colt had last run in HH The Emir’s and the chance to perform on the cuit. Ain as the winner once again as slowly clawing his way ahead for a half a tered his second victory this season when Silver Sword and had fi nished midfi eld Harry Bentley guided the fi ve-year-old length victory. Messine de Sinuhe com- he guided Al Shaqab Racing’s Tharb to against a high quality opposition. to victory in the 2,000m Musheireb Cup, pleted the top three under Pierantonio a comfortable victory in a six furlong On Thursday, the 4yo shed his maid- the feature event at QREC on Thursday. Convertino’s ride. thoroughbred handicap (class6) (51-65) en status fi nishing a little over a length Bentley had Stevie’s Wonder run on Meanwhile, Injaaz Stud’s Al Jamaaheer race. Trained by Ibrahim al-Malki, the ahead of Julian Smart’s Fazan, who split the outside even as Under The Radar bounced back from an 11th place fi nish distance was the gelding’s shortest in Ghazali’s two wards, with JP Guillam- led for the bulk of the race with JP Guil- during HH The Emir’s Sword weekend his stint in Qatar so far, and he did well bert-ridden Marjan edged out to third by lambert at the helm. Coming on to the with a win in a seven furlong local thor- to go past the post fi rst, while Abdelaziz a neck. home stretch, Stevie’s Wonder had lit- oughbred handicap (59-90) race. al-Qathiri schooled Stolen Story, Andrea Running over a mile for the fi rst time in tle trouble taking the lead but the rest of Pierantonio Convertino had kept his Fele astride, came closest to winning for Qatar, Jassim Mohamed Ghazali trained the fi eld began chase, especially Ahmed mount on the rails, even as Abrar and the fi rst time since February 2016, fi n- Klaremount shed his maiden status by Kobeissi’s Hall of Mirrors, who kept clos- Waeed set the pace up front. As the ac- ishing ahead of Zuhair Mohsen’s ward winning the Thoroughbred Maiden Plate ing the gap under Adnan Hawa, but ran tion heated up on the home stretch, Al Founder, helmed by Adnan Hawa. (class 6 for three-year-olds). In his last out of track and had to settle for second. Jamaaheer took the inside line to go up Mohamed Hussain trained Tahri Baha outing two weeks ago, the Mansoor Ib- Stefano Ibido’s ward Hillal was ridden to front, while Harry Bentley had Muraqa- registered his fi rst career victory on his rahim al-Mahmood owned colt was well third by Alberto Sanna in the silks of HH bah pick up the pace. However the former fi fth attempt in Qatar this season. Rid- beaten, but on Thursday, under Marvin Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani. held on for his fourth career win, while den by Alberto Sanna in the seven fur- Suerland’s ride, the bay colt did enough In the race for purebred Arabians, Ju- Xavier Ziani helmed Khalid al-Nuaimi’s long race for the local purebred Arabian to edge out Al Muraqabah, trained by lian Smart’s She’ris notched up his sec- Ammon to third place. Maiden Plate, the Dhafi al-Ardi Al Marri Ghazali’s son Mohamed, by half a length. ond career victory under a confi dent ride In the thoroughbred Handicap (class owned four-year-0ld was in a league of The fi lly, running the distance for the fi rst by Alberto Sanna over a mile. HH Sheikh 5) (61-75), Darren Williams rode Al Ne- his own, beating the competition by fi ve time in her short career, edged out Ibra- Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani owned hayy to the colt’s fi rst victory in almost lengths. him Al Malki schooled Dariga. colt now has nine straight top fi ve fi nish- a year with Hadi Al Ramzani’s ward win- Mohamed al-Ramzani schooled M.J. Qatar based Charlie Frijns in action.

FOCUS MARKHIYA QUALIFY FOR QATAR STARS LEAGUE Ooredoo Temba winners to be decided today

he fi nal matches of the spot following a tough 19-15 win ‘Ooredoo Temba’ cham- against Ooredoo Team 2, while pionship, organised by Zekreat overcame the French Em- TAspire Zone Foundation bassy in an 11-5 win. One Team (AZF) in partnership with Oore- and Al Quds also scored remark- doo, will be held today on AZF’s able victories, with a score of 15-8 world-class 5-a-side pitches to against Al Thumama and 12-5 decide fi rst, second and third against Kafood respectively. place in the competition. The winning team will earn The championship kicked off glory and an all-expenses paid on March 6 and has seen 32 teams trip to Europe to watch one of the compete for glory. The last round matches, while second and third of the group stages saw Qatar place will receive cash prizes. Al Khayriya beat Q Chem 18-11, Commenting on his participa- Zekreat thrash Al Ahli 74 with tion in the competition, Zekreat 10-4 and One Team drub Shabab captain Mohamed al-Mannai, 17-9. Meanwhile, Al Quds secured said: “The championship’s or- an impressive 25-5 win over Mov- ganisation has been fl awless so enpick, Ooredoo Team 2 edged Al far and the lighting and artifi cial Zalamlik 17-16, the French Em- turf are great to play on. We ini- bassy prevailed over Real Casa- tially participated to be part of the blanca 8-7 and Al Thumama tournament’s lively atmosphere pipped Soukour Al Gharafa 10-9. and to play in a friendly competi- First and second placed teams tion, but the level of competition from each group then faced each we have seen has been tough and other in the quarter-fi nals, which we’re proud to have fought our ended with Qatar Al Khayriya, way through to make it this far. Al Markhiya Sports Club players and off icials celebrate after securing their promotion to next season’s Qatar Stars League. They drew Qatar Sports Club 0-0 on Thursday Zekreat, One Team and Al Quds all We’re looking forward to another ensuring their progress to Qatar’s top flight competition. going through to the semi-fi nals. challenging but fun game on Sat- Qatar Al Khayriya secured its urday.”