FIFA U20 World Cup in More for the Olympics, but Also Played Eight Where We Played at Camp Nou

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Tuesday, January 26, 2016 FOOTBALL Rabia II 16, 1437 AH Zidane proud GULF TIMES despite dent in Madrid title hopes SPORT Page 3 AFC U23 CHAMPIONSHIP, DOHA Qatar aim to punch ticket to Rio with win over S Korea ‘...Each game is like a final for us. We are proud to be at this stage of the competition and we will play with all we have. More than the pressure, we are proud to be here and we’re going to try to do a last eff ort in this final stage’

By Joe Koraith Semi-fi nal fi xtures Doha Qatar vs South Korea 7:30pm Al Sadd Stadium he battle lines have been drawn. The strategies have Japan vs Iraq 4:30pm been laid out. Now it is up to Lekhwiya Stadium Qatar’s young footballers to Tstep up and claim their spot in history. All those months of training, all for this match. “Abdulkareem Hassan those hours of analysing rivals and is going to be ok. Muntari is suspended plotting their downfall will face a se- with two yellow cards, he’s an impor- vere examination when the hosts meet tant player for us but we have 22 more continental giants South Korea in the and we have the resources to play the semi-fi nals of the AFC U23 Champi- match,” said the Spaniard yesterday. onship today at the Al Sadd stadium. Sanchez’s counterpart Shin Tae- One more win and Qatar will qualify yong is wary of Qatar and their attack- for the Rio Olympics later this year, ing prowess. “Their attack is very good thus ending a 14-year wait. and in all the matches they have been The last time Qatar qualifi ed for the managing the games very well and they Olympics was way back in 1992 when will be a very dangerous opponent for they went as far as the quarter-fi nals in us. It will be a good match. I think Qa- Barcelona, and their brilliant run in the tar is the most impressive team over- tournament so far has raised expecta- all,” said the coach yesterday. tions from the team who have won all If South Korea defeat Qatar, they will their matches in the group stages and qualify for the Olympics for the eighth scored more goals than any other team time in a row, which will be an Asian so far (11). Two of their players – cap- record. And he believes that concen- tain Abdelkarim Hassan and Ahmed tration is the key to winning this en- Alaeddin – currently top the goal scoring counter. “I don’t think it will be the charts with four goals apiece. Apart from matter who scores the fi rst goal but fl air, they also have plenty of grit. In two more about the team that maintains of the group stage matches, they came full concentration the longest,” he said. from a goal down to register victories. In their quarter-fi nal, they emerged victo- “Football is all about winning so rious in a keenly-contested tussle over I will prepare in that context with North Korea, which needed extra-time the same strategy and set piece to decide the winner. Qatar players during a training session ahead of their AFC U23 Championship semi-final against South Korea today. The match will be held at the Al Sadd Stadium. plays. I will try to prepare a South Korea, like Qatar, have had a strategy that will allow us to win good run, although a draw with Iraq stage of the competition and we will centration, right from the start. the match tomorrow” in the group stages somewhat blot- play with all we have. More than the The former Barcelona youth coach ted their campaign. But they are the pressure, we are proud to be here and knows that his opponents are a tough “That will be the key of this game. second-best team, in terms of goals we’re going to try to do a last eff ort in bunch. “We are going to face a top The coach will be happy with the scored (9) and two of their players - this fi nal stage,” said Sanchez during team. They showed during the tour- news that striker Hwang Hee-chan has Moon Chang Jin and Kwon Changhoon his pre-match press conference yes- nament the performance quality of been declared fi t to play the semifi nal – have scored three goals each. In the terday. the players and the organisation of after recovering from an ankle injury quarter-fi nal, they managed to break the kind of football they are playing. sustained against Jordan. down the resolutely defensive Jordan THE RIGHT START It’s very high quality. We are going to Tae-yong is preparing his team to side for a one-goal win. During the group stages, the hosts were do our best to concentrate to be able win and one the focus areas will be set The long and short of it, is that Qatar guilty of letting the opponents domi- to compete tomorrow and to have the pieces. “Football is all about winning will have to dig deep and give it their all nate the proceedings early on, before opportunity to qualify,” said Sanchez so I will prepare in that context with to help make that entry in the history they wrested back control. In the quar- yesterday. the same strategy and set piece plays. books. Coach Felix Sanchez, game face ter-fi nals, however Qatar were out of A huge relief for Qatar will be the I will try to prepare a strategy that will on as ever, played down the pressure. the blocks early and that helped theme news that skipper Hassan has been allow us to win the match tomorrow,” “The pressure is the same as in every dictate the tempo of the game. In to- declared fi t after having sustained an said the South Korea coach. other game because each game is like a day’s match too, Sanchez will need his injury in the earlier match but striker Qatar coach Sanchez would have fi nal for us. We are proud to be at this boys to be at the highest level of con- HERE’S THE PLAN: Qatar coach Felix Sanchez (L) talks to midfielder Akram Afif. Mohamed Muntari will be suspended surely taken note of that.

BOTTOMLINE I believe in Qatar, they have shown that they have great potential , says legend Evaristo

By Sports Reporter In 1984 Qatar reached their fi rst Australia, beating Brazil and England “Come to Rio! Qatar is always some refereeing decisions had gone our Doha ever Olympics in Los Angeles, on the way to the fi nal. on my mind and they are on the way we could have gone even further. drawing 2-2 with eventual winners Twenty-four years after Qatar’s last right track towards developing Of course now I am excited and will France in the opening game before Olympic participation, Evaristo told young players and a team which watch and fi nd out if Qatar can qualify varisto de Macedo, the legen- going out in the group stages. In www.sc.qa: “I believe in this Qatar can compete well in 2022. It for Rio 2016.” dary Brazilian coach who took 1992, however, Evaristo’s side not team, they have shown that they have would be fantastic if they make it The coach who took Qatar to their Qatar’s footballers to their fi rst only qualifi ed once more for the great potential. In this decisive match, to Rio 2016 and I look forward to fi rst Gulf Cup triumph in Doha in De- two Olympics in Los Angeles Olympics, but also played a memo- they have to believe in their qualities, meeting the team and welcoming cember 1992, concluded by saying that 1984E and Barcelona 1992, believes Qa- always think of victory and I know they the country was on the right track to rable tournament which saw them Qatar here in Rio de Janeiro” tar can make it to Rio 2016. reach the quarter-fi nals and play at can do it. That was the belief we had to developing a competitive team in 2022. Ahead of their crucial AFC U23 Camp Nou in Barcelona. qualify for the 1992 Olympics in Barce- a memorable tournament which saw “My message is simple,” he added. Championship semi-fi nal against lona.” them reach the quarter-fi nals and play “Come to Rio! Qatar is always on my South Korea on Tuesday, Brazilan leg- In 1984 Qatar reached their fi rst at Camp Nou in Barcelona. mind and they are on the right track to- end Evaristo de Macedo is convinced he fi ve-goal haul in a single game for Bra- ever Olympics in Los Angeles, draw- Speaking from his home in Rio de wards developing young players and a will welcome Qatar to his hometown if zil’s national team, Evaristo went on to ing 2-2 with eventual winners France Janeiro, Evaristo added: “In 1992 we team which can compete well in 2022. they simply believe in their own ability. coach Brazil’s Under 20 side before tak- in the opening game before going out played a fantastic qualifi cation tourna- It would be fantastic if they make it to Having played for both Real Madrid ing charge of Qatar’s national teams. In in the group stages. In 1992, however, ment and won it to reach Barcelona. We Rio 2016 and I look forward to meeting and Barcelona in an accomplished play- Evaristo de Macedo, the legendary 1981 he helped Qatar’s U20s reach sec- Evaristo’s side not only qualifi ed once played very well and reached the last the team and welcoming Qatar here in ing career as a striker which included a Brazilian coach. ond place at the FIFA U20 World Cup in more for the Olympics, but also played eight where we played at Camp Nou. If Rio de Janeiro.”. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, January 26, 2016 FOOTBALL

AFC U-23 CHAMPIONSHIP FOCUS Nadhim urges Iraq Tough test for Japan to remain focused

AFC against old foe Iraq Doha aptain Mustafa Nadhim has warned reigning champions Iraq that ‘We must overcome Iraq in order to show ourselves on the world stage, so we will try our best’ they can ill aff ord to give AFCC U23 Championship semi- fi nal opponents a fl ying start when the duo meet at the Abdul- lah Bin Khalifa Stadium today. Barring their campaign opening 2-0 defeat of Yemen, Iraq have been forced to come from behind to record a win and a draw against Uzbekistan and Korea Republic respectively during the group stage, before again recovering from going 1-0 down to beat the United Arab Emirates in Saturday’s quarter-fi nal encounter. Having seen Japan register four victories from the four games they have played thus far, Nadhim is adamant that his side must be on their guard against Makoto Teguramori’s charges if they are to progress to the fi nal and guarantee themselves a spot at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. “Japan are a very good side and one of the strongest at the U23 Championship in my opin- ion,” Nadhim, a member of the Iraq side that win the inaugural AFC U22 Championship in Oman, told the-afc.com. “We didn’t play well at the start against the UAE and com- mitted a few errors which allowed them to take the lead. We should therefore give 100 per Iraq has beatean Japan twice over the cent against Japan and stay fo- last two years in continental competition. cused, as a comeback would be PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed diffi cult. “We must now remain focused on the game with Japan, who have been to every Olym- AFC Games in Rio de Janeiro this can show the high level pics since 1996. We can however Doha of Japanese football.” do that because we too have a Iraq will go into the game without the suspended good group of players.” Safa Jabbar as well as right back Hamzah Adnan, The other semi-fi nal will see akoto Teguramori is hoping his Japan who is injured, but coach Shahad Abdulghani is host nation take on Korea Re- side can fi nally overcome Iraq today and confi dent his team can compensate for their loss. public as the four semi-fi nalists advance to the fi nal of the AFC U-23 “It’s normal if we miss one or more players,” he battle it out to claim the three Championship having lost twice to the said. “Remember against Korea Republic we played spots on off er at this summer’s MWest Asian nation over the last two years in conti- with the second team, the substitute players, so all Olympic Games in Brazil. nental competition. the players are ready and I will decide who will play Iraq defeated Teguramori’s team 1-0 in the quar- against Japan. “But be sure we are preparing the ter-fi nals of the AFC U22 Championship in Oman players who will be good replacements and I don’t two years ago before handing them a 3-1 loss in the think it will aff ect the team and its performance. I group stages of the Asian Games in Incheon later promise the fans we will give all of our eff ort to pro- the same year. vide a good game and we have the capabilities to do But with qualifi cation for the Olympic Games as well and to try to win.” well as a place in the fi nal of the AFC U23 Cham- The Iraqis last qualifi ed for the Olympic Games pionship at stake, the former Vegalta Sendai coach in 2004, when Adnan Hamed steered the country thinks his team can overcome doubts about the to the semi-fi nals and in recent years the country quality of the current crop of young players. has been one of the dominant forces in age group “Tomorrow’s match will be the crucial game for football in Asia. After reaching the fi nal of the AFC going to the fi nal and as well as qualifying for the fi - U19 Championship in 2012, Iraq won the AFC U22 nal stage for the Olympic Games, so it will be excit- Championship in Oman two years later. ing and challenging,” said Teguramori. And while Abdulghani’s team has a positive “So far we have played against Iraq twice and we record against the Japanese, the coach is taking were defeated twice, so at this very important stage nothing for granted. “The Japanese team is one of we have to face a very strong opponent and this is the best four teams in the tournament and the Japan fate for us. We must overcome Iraq in order to show team deserves to be in the semis, and statistics are ourselves on the world stage, so we will try our best there to confi rm their good performance. to qualify for the fi nal. “We will try to do our best to use the appropri- “This team and this generation is now in the mid- ate style and strategy to counter the Japan team dle of their growth and they haven’t participated in despite the short time since our last game, because the FIFA U20 World Cup and we were defeated by the Japanese team had one more day’s rest than our Iraq in Oman and at the Asian Games, so all the team. Matches in football don’t recognise previous players know what they have experienced. But this results, but I want to tell you the previous wins give experience will lead to their growth and this is what us motivation, but we have to look for the appropri- Japan coach Makoto Teguramori (left) and his Iraqi counterpart Shahad Abdulghani shake hands I believe, so if they can qualify for the Olympic ate way to win the game.” ahead of their team’s semi-final clash. PICTURE: Anas khalid Iraq captain Mustafa Nadhim.

SPOTLIGHT Loew leaving Euro 2016 Pressure mounts on under-fi re Van Gaal door open for Boateng Munich: Germany coach He now needs patience and AFP doesn’t have any impact (on me). They Joachim Loew says he will shouldn’t put himself under Manchester have also knowledge of football, of en- keep the Euro 2016 door open pressure. We will be support- tertaining football, and you have to play until the last minute for injured ing him.” Manchester United manager football to entertain the fans. (On Satur- central defender Jerome Loew has some question anchester United may offi - Louis van Gaal. (Reuters) day), I don’t think we have entertained Boateng. marks in defence, with Schalke cially be keeping quiet about the fans, so they can be very angry.” Loew said he had spoken defender Benedikt Hoewedes the future of Louis van Gaal Van Gaal said a raft of injuries and the yesterday with the Bayern also sidelined for several but the manager accepts his fact teams line-up defensively at Old Munich defender and told him months with a thigh muscle Mposition is being increasingly called into Traff ord had worked against him. “There that “despite the serious mus- injury. Boateng tore a groin question by the club’s fans. The mood are diff erent aspects. We are not very cle injury he can make it to the muscle in Friday’s 2-1 Bundes- turned sour at Old Traff ord during the lucky with our injuries, that’s a problem,” European Championship.” liga win at SV Hamburg and course of Southampton’s 1-0 win over said Van Gaal, who saw Matteo Darmian Boateng is expected to be now faces a lengthy lay-off , United on Saturday. go off in the second half against South- sidelined for at least three Bayern said. Some fans didn’t even wait until the fi - ampton holding his chest after an aerial months, putting a question “It should normally be nal whistle to jeer Van Gaal, venting their collision with Shane Long. mark over his fitness for the enough time for the European frustration as soon as Charlie Austin “Now we are missing fi ve full-backs. June 10-July 10 tournament Championship, but I will then headed in the Saints’ 87th-minute win- But nevertheless, we had to win, and we in France. Loew has to name have to get back to my normal ner. Jeers rang out around the ground and could have won, but it is not happening. his 23-strong Euro squad by level” Boateng told Germany’s the Dutchman received further taunts as You have seen two teams who were very May 31. The coach recalled the Kicker magazine. “On Friday he headed down the tunnel at full-time. busy with tactics, but they don’t create example of midfielder Sami and Saturday I was shocked United’s executive vice-chairman Ed many chances, and that’s why it was a Khedira who was fit at the last and sad. From today I am Woodward has staked a lot on bringing poor match.” moment for the 2014 World looking forward, but mustn’t the Dutchman to Old Traff ord and so Van Gaal has spent more than £250 Cup in Brazil following a cruci- overdo it.” would be unlikely to want to end his time million ($356 million, 329 million euros) ate knee ligament injury. Bayern captain Philipp Lahm with the club. United are now fi ve points on players since joining United but he “Just as with Sami Khedira said Boateng’s injury was a adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham Hot- dismissed suggestions he had been prof- ahead of the World Cup in Bra- setback to the team in view of spur. Failure to qualify for the Champi- But were United playing their tradi- “I’m very disappointed that I cannot ligate in the transfer market. zil we will keep the door open injuries to other defenders. ons League cost David Moyes, Van Gaal’s tional brand of football associated with reach the expectations of the fans,” Van “We have also sold a lot of players. I as long as possible,” Loew said. “You have to remember that predecessor, his job but Van Gaal reacted legendary United managers Matt Busby Gaal said. “They have—or they had— never read that. You know when Man- “Jerome is a fighter and very our other central defenders angrily when asked at a news conference and Alex Ferguson, vVn Gaal might have great expectations of me, and I cannot chester United is coming, we have to pay professional, and has the will- have suff ered injury setbacks if he would resign if there was no im- some breathing space. The fact they are fulfi l them, so I am very frustrated be- much more than another club, so that’s power and the attitude to do in the past. It is a blow to lose provement in results. “This question, I not means the manager is under even cause of that.” also an analysis, and it is not rubbish everything possible (to return). him,” Lahm said. shall never answer to you,” he said. greater pressure. He added: “I agree with them, so it what I am saying.” Gulf Times Tuesday, January 26, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA SERIE A Dybala stuns Zidane ‘proud’ Roma, De Rossi accused of despite dent in racial abuse

AFP during games,” said the Juve Rome coach. Juve had won their last four league meetings at home with oma midfi elder Daniele Roma, scoring at least three goals De Rossi was accused of on each occasion. Dybala sent Madrid title hopes racially abusing Juven- the stadium wild when he ran tus’s Croatian striker on to Paul Pogba’s short through MarioR Mandzukic in Sunday’s ball to beat Wojciech Szczesny Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw at Real Betis on Sunday stormy 1-0 win for the Turin gi- with a crisp angled strike. ants. A late Paulo Dybala strike Juve’s 14th win and 11th con- secured a 1-0 win and an 11th secutively means they remain consecutive league victory for second but the champions have Italian champions Juventus, who closed the gap on Napoli, 4-2 closed to within two points of winners over Sampdoria ear- Serie A leaders Napoli. lier Sunday when striker Gonzalo The bad-tempered aff air in Higuain hit his 21st goal in as Turin got off to the worst possi- many games, to two points. ble start when Mandzukic crum- “To win these type of games, bled to the ground in pain after a you have to strike at the right De Rossi stamp. moment,” said a smiling Juve Internet reports claimed tel- coach, Massimiliano Allegri. evision cameras had caught De “Paradoxially, in the opening Rossi telling the Croatian: “Shut half hour Dybala was nowhere to up, shitty gypsy.” be seen. Then he was brilliant to Roma coach Luciano Spalletti score the winning goal for us in did not deny De Rossi’s com- the closing stages.” ments. He claimed Mandzukic Roma remain fi fth but are 12 had insulted his players through- points off the pace after what out the game and said De Rossi’s was Luciano Spalletti’s second only mistake was not to cover game in charge following the his mouth with his hand, a tech- sacking of Rudi Garcia two weeks nique used by many players and ago. The Italian denied his team coaches to conceal what they are had come to stifl e Juve’s game- saying. “He (De Rossi) didn’t put winning strategy, but admitted: his hand up to his mouth, but I “Our priority is to get down to will tell him to do that next time,” working a certain way. When Spalletti said, after seeing Roma we start playing and doing well, slip to 12 points off the pace. “In then we can start to talk about diffi cult moments like that, cer- our objectives and (our position tain manners can go amiss. But in) the league table.” Mandzukic was taking the piss With Spalletti deploying a out of all the (Roma) players dur- new 3-4-1-2 formation that saw ing the game.” Belgian midfi elder Radja Naing- Juventus coach Massimiliano golan move up behind strikers Allegri tried to play down the Edin Dzeko and Mohamed Salah, incident. “I don’t know what De Juve failed to score in the opening Rossi said to Mandzukic and I half of a league game for the fi rst don’t know what Mandzukic said time since November when they to De Rossi, but players regularly put three, second-half goals past trade comments with each other Palermo. Real Betis’ defender Alvaro Cejudo (second left) celebrates with teammates after scoring a stunning goal during the Spanish La Liga match in Sevilla. (AFP)

AFP very good things tonight and we need to top corner which Zidane himself would claiming a sixth title in eight years. Madrid take those positives forward and fi ght un- have been proud of in his playing days. “It isn’t impossible, but it has become til the end.” Madrid responded well to going behind more diffi cult and it is a bit further out Atletico Madrid also spurned the and Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe both of our reach,” he said. “We need to keep eal Madrid boss Zinedine Zi- chance to move back on top as they failed missed glorious chances to equalise be- working as a team and try to get the idea dane insisted he was proud of his to break down 10-man Sevilla in a 0-0 fore half-time, whilst Benzema also had a of what Zizou wants as quickly as possi- side’s display despite slipping draw at the Vicente Calderon. Barcelona huge penalty claim waived away. ble.” further behind Barcelona in the and Atletico now lead Real by four points However, Zidane’s men did get a break Elsewhere, Gary Neville’s win- LaR Liga title race with a 1-1 draw at Real at the top of the table, whilst Barca also for the equaliser 19 minutes from time less streak in La Liga as Valencia boss Betis on Sunday. have a game in hand on both sides from when James Rodriguez appeared to be stretched to seven games despite Alvaro Zidane had cruised to victory in his the capital. off side as he latched onto Toni Kroos’s Negredo’s 93rd minute equaliser in a 1-1 fi rst two games in charge since replacing “The truth is I didn’t expect (to drop through ball and squared for Benzema to draw at Deportivo la Coruna. Valencia Rafael Benitez earlier this month, scor- two points) but football is like that, if you tap home his 21st goal in 20 games this remain a mammoth 16 points off fourth ing fi ve goals against Deportivo la Co- don’t take your chances anything can season. place in 11th as their run without a league runa and Sporting Gijon. However, Los happen,” Zidane added. “But given how Antonio Adan then produced two stun- win since November 7 continued at De- Blancos were stunned by Alvaro Cejudo’s we played, I can’t reproach the players for ning saves to prevent Rodriguez and Ben- portivo. early opener and, despite dominating the anything.” zema in as many minutes as Madrid piled Lucas Perez coolly slotted home his majority of the match, could only reply Betis hadn’t scored in their previous on the pressure in search of a winner. Yet, 13th goal of the season to give the home through Karim Benzema’s 21st goal of the seven games as part of a 10-game winless it was Betis who had a huge chance to win side a deserved half-time lead. However, season 19 minutes from time. streak, but needed just seven minutes to the game in stoppage time when Ruben Neville’s men again came from behind “I am very proud of what they did make the breakthrough in spectacular Castro fi red inches wide. to salvage a point for the fi fth time in his tonight, we’re just missing two more fashion. Barca also face both Atletico and Real at seven league games in charge when Ne- points,” said the Frenchman. “We are on Keylor Navas made a fi ne save to block home in the tile run with Atletico visiting gredo powered home Dani Parejo’s cross the right track and we need to take the Ruben Castro’s fi rst eff ort, but the ball the Camp Nou next weekend. And Pepe with virtually the last action of the game. Roma’s Daniele De Rossi (back) fights for the ball with Juventus’ positives. It is clear losing two points is eventually fell to Cejudo on the edge of was more realistic about his side’s chanc- Athletic Bilbao gunned down high-fl ying Mario Mandzukic during the Italian Serie A football match at the negative thing, but there were some the area, who unleashed a volley into the es to preventing the European champions Eibar 5-2 in a Basque derby at San Mames. Juventus Stadium in Turin on Sunday. (AFP)

FOCUS SHEIKH SALMAN WOULD OFFER SENIOR Presidential candidate Sexwale asked FIFA POST TO ENGLAND’S SCUDAMORE London: The Bahraini sheikh bidding to become FIFA president next month says he would like Richard Scudamore, chief executive of the to explain lacklustre FIFA campaign Premier League, to be his secretary general if he wins the election. SHEIKH SALMAN BIN EB- Reuters South Africa’s economic heart- RAHIM AL-KHALIFAH, president of the Asian Cape town Tokyo Sexwale land, and later as a cabinet min- Football Confederation (AFC) and a front-runner ister in South Africa. He also in the FIFA election, also said he wants former proved successful in mining and Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson to IFA presidential candi- other businesses. join a board of advisers that he would set up. date Tokyo Sexwale has His association with Mandela The election to choose a new head of FIFA been called to appear has failed to earn him credibility was called after the organisation was plunged before the South African with FIFA member associations, into the worst crisis in its 111-year history last FootballF Association (SAFA) to however, and his election mani- May with the arrest of off icials by American “Absolutely, they have the experience and the answer questions about a lack- festo, which off ered few ideas on and Swiss authorities probing corruption personality, everybody respects them and the lustre election campaign, SAFA how to change the corruption- allegations. work they have done. said yesterday. haunted FIFA, did him no favours Scudamore, who would be off ered the role “There are other people around the globe Plans for him to meet the as- either. Its main point was an off er of running FIFA’s day-to-day business under who I am sure could make a similar contribu- sociation’s leadership yesterday to lift a ban on sponsorship ap- Sheikh Salman’s proposal, has overseen the tion,” he added. were cancelled, however, be- pearing on national team shirts development of the Premier League into the Salman, who has widespread support in Asia cause Sexwale is overseas, SAFA to allow associations to increase world’s richest and most popular domestic and probable support from Africa after the spokesman Dominic Chimhavi revenue. football competition. Ferguson was responsible two confederations signed a Memorandum of told Reuters. Sexwale, invited to serve on for United’s dominance of that League, with 13 Understanding, is one of five men bidding to SAFA wants him to explain his FIFA’s anti-racism and anti-dis- titles in two decades. replace the banned Sepp Blatter as president campaign tactics and progress crimination committee by Blat- In an interview with Sky Sports, Sheikh Sal- when the election takes place on Feb.26. after backing his bid for the pres- ter, was a member of South Af- man said: “Richard ... is still doing a great job at The other candidates are former FIFA execu- idency and helping him obtain rica’s 2010 World Cup organising the Premier League, and at the end of the day tive committee member Prince Ali bin al-Hus- the fi ve nominations he needed Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifah “There were concerns about committee. Earlier this month we have to choose (someone) who is ready to sein of Jordan, former FIFA deputy secretary to stand in the Feb. 26 ballot to of Bahrain and UEFA’s backing of his low-profi le campaign and he expressed his support for the come in and take up this responsibility. general Jerome Champagne of France; Gianni replace Sepp Blatter. the Swiss Gianni Infantino. they want him to come and ex- now banned FIFA president. Sheikh Salman told Reuters in a recent Infantino, who is Swiss and the current general The billionaire businessman, “The NEC (National Executive plain himself.” “I feel very sorry for (Blatter). interview that he would split FIFA into sepa- secretary of the European football body UEFA; who is not a formal SAFA mem- Committee), which is the highest The 62-year-old Sexwale is in I don’t say he was a friend but he rate ‘business’ and ‘football’ entities if he wins and South African businessman and politician ber, has made little impact, fail- decision-making body of the as- Qatar before going to Brussels on is a friend... Blatter’s work is a next month’s election in Zurich, and saw the Tokyo Sexwale. ing to get an endorsement from sociation, made a resolution at its Wednesday to attend a meeting monument that stands for itself,” presidential role as a non-executive one involv- The corruption allegations against FIFA have the Confederation of African meeting at the weekend that they of the New FIFA Now pressure Sexwale told reporters. ing delegating rather than micro-managing the led to 41 people and entities being charged Football despite being the only want to engage with him to fi nd group. Sexwale is a former po- Frenchman Jerome Cham- organisation. in the United States and have rocked football African in the fi ve-man race. out how his campaign is going litical prisoner jailed alongside pagne and Prince Ali bin al-Hus- Asked if Ferguson and Scudamore could be worldwide. Blatter and UEFA president Michel This contrasts with Asian sup- and what he thinks his chances Nelson Mandela and served as sein of Jordan are the other FIFA on his proposed advisory board, he replied: Platini were banned for eight years last month. port for their president Sheikh are,” Chimhavi said yesterday. Premier of Gauteng province, presidential candidates. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, January 26, 2016 FOOTBALL

PREVIEW LEAGUE CUP PSG play Toulouse Lurching Liverpool eye for place in fi nal

AFP League Cup fi nal spot Paris

aris Saint-Germain ‘If we can score five goals and defend set-pieces a little bit better, we would be winning games easily’ continue their quest for a domestic treble tomorrow when they meet PToulouse for the third time in just eleven days. Having already knocked Do- minique Arribage’s men out of the French Cup and beaten them in the league in the last fortnight, PSG will be looking to complete a quick-fi re hat-trick of wins in their League Cup semi-fi nal at the Parc des Princes. Laurent Blanc’s side are going for a third successive League Cup success and with the league title all but sealed already, they can aff ord to focus on the three cup competitions. Blanc opted to make a host of changes for the quarter-fi nal victory over Lyon earlier this month, although it is likely that goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu will miss out on a start this time with doubt still surrounding his future. Edinson Cavani has lost his place in the starting line-up in recent weeks to Lucas Moura, but will probably get a chance to showcase his talents in this tournament. The capital city outfi t will be expected to have little trou- ble in seeing off Toulouse, who are fi rmly stuck in the relegation zone after suff ering a 4-0 thrashing at Monaco on Sunday. PSG dished out a hammering of their own on Saturday as they put fi ve past Angers, with An- gel di Maria taking plenty of the plaudits for an excellent brace. The champions elect are 21 points clear in the French top A draw in today’s League Cup second leg semi-final against Stoke City will suff ice for Liverpool to reach a first major final since 2012. (AFP) fl ight with only 16 games remaining, although hopes of a AFP “If we can score fi ve goals and defend With Everton leading Manchester at Carrow Road. Stoke went into the “We needed to be better, but we’ll quadruple still appear overly London set-pieces especially a little bit better, City 2-1 in the other semi-fi nal, there is fi rst leg on the back of impressive victo- be looking to bounce back quickly,” he optimistic given the calibre of we would be winning games more com- the prospect of a fi rst Merseyside derby ries over Manchester City, Manchester added. “We have managed to do that the teams left in the Champions fortably,” he told the Liverpool website in a major fi nal since the deciding match United and Everton, but their form has more often than not. We have a huge League knock-out stages. igzagging across the road like after the victory at Carrow Road. of the 1988-89 FA Cup, which Liverpool tapered off somewhat since the turn of game on Tuesday and I expect my team PSG will take on Chelsea in the a clown car they may be, but “But it will give us a lot of belief. On won 3-2. But Liverpool’s fans cannot the year and they were beaten 3-0 at to respond very quickly.” last 16 of that competition, but Liverpool are also just 90 min- Tuesday we have a very big game, a know which version of their team will Leicester City on Saturday. Everton and Manchester City meet at for now it is all about the League utes from Wembley ahead of to- semi-fi nal and a chance to go to Wem- show up—the slick, counter-punching Injuries have also started to bite, with the Etihad Stadium tomorrow with the Cup and improving their record Zday’s League Cup semi-fi nal second leg bley. We will do everything we can to get side that won 3-1 at Chelsea, 4-1 at City captain Ryan Shawcross a doubt for the visitors in pole position after goals from haul of fi ve titles since the inau- against Stoke City. A team that recorded there. It’s one of the biggest games of and 6-1 at Southampton, or the meek- trip to Anfi eld after suff ering a recur- Ramiro Funes Mori and Romelu Lukaku gural edition in 1994-95. seven 1-1 draws in nine games in Sep- the season until now and a good chance ly surrendering one beaten in recent rence of a back problem at Leicester. secured a 2-1 fi rst-leg win at Goodison The fi rst semi-fi nal tie though tember and October is beginning to gain for us to go to Wembley. weeks by West Ham United, Watford However, their attacking trident Park. is today in Lille when three-time a reputation for slapdash spectaculars, “We don’t need any more motiva- and Newcastle United. should be realigned after Xherdan Sha- Sergio Aguero scored twice as City winners Bordeaux make the trip following the recent 3-3 draw at home tion. We will recover and for sure eve- Injuries to Dejan Lovren and Martin qiri made a successful return from a drew 2-2 at West Ham United on Sat- to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy. to Arsenal and Saturday’s remarkable ryone will be 100 percent, mentally and Skrtel mean that Klopp must continue hamstring problem at the King Power urday, while Everton lost 2-1 at home to Willy Sagnol’s team are un- 5-4 victory at Norwich City. physically, for Tuesday.” to depend on the unconvincing centre- Stadium while Bojan Krkic and Marko Swansea City on Sunday. beaten in 11 matches in all com- It has made Jurgen Klopp’s side a A draw will suffi ce for Liverpool to back partnership of Mamadou Sakho Arnautovic were being rested. FIXTURES petitions after a late show res- breathless watch, but with a 1-0 lead to reach a fi rst major fi nal since 2012, and Kolo Toure, which was badly ex- Stoke manager Mark Hughes, seek- (AGGREGATE SCORE IN BRACKETS) cued an unlikely point against protect at Anfi eld on Tuesday, Brazilian when they won the League Cup and lost posed at Norwich. ing to steer the club to their fi rst League Match starts at 1945 GMT: Nantes at the weekend. Lille on midfi elder Lucas Leiva knows that it is to Chelsea in the FA Cup fi nal, after Jor- But Adam Lallana could return to the Cup fi nal since they won the tourna- Today: Liverpool v Stoke City (1-0) the other hand have seen their imperative his team tighten up at the don Ibe’s fi rst-half goal settled the fi rst starting XI after rising from the bench ment in 1972, said the loss to Leicester Tomorrow: Manchester City v Everton recent resurgence under new back. leg on January 5. to lash home the 95th-minute winner was “one of those days to forget”. (1-2) coach Frederic Antonetti stutter.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Arsenal don’t have Chelsea block: Wenger Panathinaikos fans AFP er Olivier Giroud, which drew a chorus of court controversy London boos from the home supporters. But he was unrepentant, saying: “Do you want to make a poll for every decision to see Reuters cus Berg and Ghana midfi elder rsenal manager Arsene Wenger who does what? I make the decision and Athens Michael Essien—his fi rst strike dismissed suggestions that his for me it was a normal decision.” since playing for Real Madrid in side have a mental block re- While Arsenal were left three points June 2013 — were enough for the garding London rivals Chelsea below leaders Leicester City, Chelsea put anathinaikos fans Greens to remain in third spot followingA a 1-0 home defeat that carried seven points between themselves and the caused further contro- and within four points of sec- an air of deja vu. bottom three to ease any worst-case- versy when an off ensive ond-placed AEK Athens. Arsenal were bidding to return to the scenario relegation fears that their fans banner protesting at The “logic of football” means top of the Premier League table in Sun- may be harbouring. Pcrowd sanctions against the club the club should be allowed its day’s game, but they were left in third The champions, unbeaten in seven and aimed at Greece’s deputy fans, said Berg. place after Per Mertesacker was sent off league games since Jose Mourinho’s dis- minister for sport delayed Sun- “They mean so much to us and and Diego Costa scored to give Chelsea a missal, remain 14 points below the top day’s 2-0 away win at Leva- we need to have them always by clinical 1-0 victory. four, but captain John Terry said that diakos. The start of the second our side,” he told reporters. “I Arsenal have not beaten Chelsea in Champions League qualifi cation was still half was halted for 25 minutes don’t agree with the decision to nine league games and have not scored “doable”. because of the large banner tar- close Gate 13 and from here and against them in the league in nine hours “If the captain says yes, then we’ll fol- geting Stavros Kontonis, which onwards we want to have them and 32 minutes, but Wenger said that low the captain! You always follow the match offi cials ordered to be re- with us at all games.” Mertesacker’s 18th-minute dismissal, captain,” Hiddink said in response. moved before play could begin. for a last-man foul on Costa, meant it “It’s a gap. If you see the results in the The slogan, which was direct- The start of the second half impossible to compare the game with Premier League, you see how competitive ed at Kontonis because he signed was halted for 25 minutes previous fi xtures. all the teams are, whether you’re down at off the sanctions, contained on Sunday because of the “I think today (Sunday) was a special the bottom or high in the ranking. abuse, described him as a left- large banner targeting game. We played with 10 men, we were “All teams can beat all teams. With this wing fascist, and said “Nobody Greece’s deputy minister 1-0 down straight away. Normally you gap, it’s diffi cult to go into fourth posi- messes with the people of Pana- Stavros Kontoni lose a game like that 3-0 or 4-0,” he told tion, but when the captain is saying that, thinaikos...” reporters at the Emirates Stadium. I will follow my captain.” Kontonis’ ministry fi ned Elsewhere, Ronald Vargas “When you have to chase the game, Hiddink also revealed that Costa, Panathinaikos 90,000 eu- scored the only goal of the game (there’s) nothing more dangerous than withdrawn in the 68th minute, would ros ($97,092.00) and partially as AEK defeated PAOK Salonica being down to 10 men. Overall we come undergo tests on a knee injury. “I don’t closed a section of their Apos- 1-0 at the Olympic Stadium to out with a lot of regret because we feel we know if it’s slight or more severe, but tolos Nikolaidis stadium where cement their grip on second spot couldn’t play with our team. we’ll check on it,” said the Dutchman. “It the team’s famous Gate 13 Ultras behind runaway Super League “And looking at Chelsea today, I think was a little bit on the knee.” are housed for disturbances last leaders Olympiakos Piraeus. there was a lot of room to beat them if we Arsenal host second-tier Burnley in November at the Athens derby Gus Poyet’s AEK have made had played with 11 players.” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and assistant manager Steve Bould (left) are the FA Cup at the weekend before resum- against Olympiakos. a superb return to the top fl ight Mertesacker was shown a straight dejected as they watch their team’s loss against Chelsea in London. (Reuters) ing their title challenge at home to South- The Greens had already been this season having been relegat- red card for felling Costa after he had ampton on February 2 and Wenger said deducted three points, forfeited ed to Greece’s third tier three latched onto a through-ball from Wil- fi xture, earning the Arsenal centre-back “facts”, but maintained that referee Mark that time was on his team’s side. “There the Nov. 21 match with a 0-3 years ago because of fi nancial lian. The Chelsea striker immediately a red card, and Wenger told a TV inter- Clattenburg’s decision had been “harsh”. is a long way to go,” said the Frenchman, scoreline, received a four-match problems. made his side’s numerical advantage viewer: “He has got two (Arsenal) players Chelsea’s interim manager Guus Hid- who welcomed Alexis Sanchez back after supporter ban and been fi ned The Athens club are 16 points count by converting Branislav Ivanovic’s sent off this season.” dink said that Mertesacker’s lunge had two months out with a hamstring injury. 190,000 euros by league au- adrift of Olympiakos, who com- cross with a near-post volley in the 23rd Addressing the print media shortly merited “a red card without any discus- “What we take from today is that we are thorities. pleted a 1-0 home win over Skoda minute. Costa had goaded Gabriel into after, the Arsenal manager backtracked, sion”. Wenger reacted to Mertesacker’s disappointed, but have a lot of positives On the pitch, second-half Xanthi on Saturday thanks a goal kicking out at him in September’s reverse saying that he had only been stating dismissal by sending Gabriel on for strik- from our attitude and spirit.” goals from Swedish striker Mar- from Mexico striker Alan Pulido. Gulf Times Tuesday, January 26, 2016 5 CRICKET

ENGLAND’S TOUR OF SOUTH AFRICA PAKISTAN’S TOUR OF NEW ZEALAND Nicholls leads New Rabada strikes Zealand to victory over Pakistan

AFP twice as South Wellington solid 82 by Henry Ni- cholls (pictured) followed by a ninth-wicket batting blitz carried NewA Zealand to a convincing Africa seek victory 70-run victory in the opening one-day international against Pakistan in Wellington yesterday. England, set a target of 382, were 52 for three at stumps on day four In reply to New Zealand’s 280- 8, Pakistan were skittled out for 210 with four overs remaining. Nicholls apart, New Zealand’s recognised run-makers strug- gled against a fi red-up Pakistan attack, with the other six batsmen in the top seven contribut- ing just 47 in total. broke their stand when he had The hosts were in a perilous Hafeez caught at long on for 42. position at 99-6 before Mitchell Azam, without attempting to Santner joined Nicholls in a 79- boost the run rate, continued on run stand for the seventh wicket. to 62 off 76 deliveries before he Matt Henry and Mitchell Mc- miscued an attempt to hook Corey Clenaghan then added 73 off 33 Anderson and sent the ball straight balls in a closing onslaught to to Nicholls at deep midwicket. ensure a target which eventually Sarfraz Ahmed (30) and Anwar proved too much for Pakistan. Ali (16) put on 35 for the seventh “If we’re going to be honest wicket but their partnership end- we should have got them out for ed when they tried to lift the scor- 200-odd, seeing the start we ing and Ahmed was well caught by had,” a disappointed Pakistan Anderson on the boundary. batting coach Grant Flower said. Where the New Zealand tail “The short ball worked to a had exploded, Pakistan’s fi zzled certain extent but we overdid it, out—with the last four wickets and we didn’t learn and we just falling for fi ve runs. didn’t bowl enough yorkers.” Trent Boult fi nished with four Man-of-the-match Nicholls, for 40 while Grant Elliott, who only in the side as cover for the removed openers Ali and Sheh- injured Ross Taylor, said it was a zad as well as Sohaib Maqsood, matter of making the most of his took three for 43. opportunity. After being sent into bat on a “It’s nice to be able to do that,” windy Wellington day, New Zea- he said, adding he was philo- land never really settled against a sophical about being dropped by hostile Pakistan attack. Mohamed Hafeez on 15. Openers Martin Guptill and “I was a bit more dirty on the Tom Latham were both out for shot rather than worried about 11, with Mohamed Irfan and what happened with the catch. It Mohamed Amir taking a wicket was meant to be and it was a life each. I needed.” Amir in his second spell removed Anderson (10) and Luke BRITTLE BATTING Ronchi (5) in the space of three After Azhar Ali (19) and Ahmed balls. Shehzad (13) fell early in Pakistan’s Anwar Ali also took a dou- innings, Hafeez and Babar Azam ble in quick succession when he lifted Pakistan’s confi dence. broke a 45-run stand for the third They cruised past the 100 wicket by Kane Williamson and mark in the 23rd over, the same Nicholls. South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada (right) celebrates with teammates after bowling out England’s Nick Compton on day four of the fourth Test at Centurion yesterday. (Reuters) as New Zealand, but with only He bowled Williamson for 10 two wickets down. and two balls later bowled Elliott AFP Amla was on 96 at tea and his approach However, the brittle nature of without scoring, before return- Centurion Scorecard in the fi rst over after the interval sug- the Pakistan batting was high- ing later to claim the prized scalp gested he was keen to get to his century lighted as Kane Williamson of Nicholls. South Africa (1st innings) 475 13.2-0-53-0 (1w), Ali 17-3-60-0, Root quickly with a declaration imminent. irst innings hero Kagiso Rabada England (1st innings) 342 4-0-12-0 Stuart Broad set seven fi elders on the struck two early blows as South South Africa (2nd innings - o/n 42/1) off side. Amla tried to play across the Scorecard Africa pushed for victory on the S. Cook c Bairstow b Anderson 25 England (2nd innings) line to leg, then fl ashed at a wide ball. He fourth day of the fourth and fi nal D. Elgar c Bairstow b Anderson 1 A. Cook c and b Morkel 5 chased another wide delivery and was NEW ZEALAND PAKISTAN FTest against England at SuperSport yes- caught behind after a 199-ball innings H. Amla c Bairstow b Broad 96 A. Hales lbw b Rabada 1 M. Guptill c Riaz b Irfan 11 A Ali c Henry b Elliott 19 terday. A. de Villiers lbw b Anderson 0 N. Compton c De Kock b Rabada 6 during which he hit 11 fours. T. Latham c Ahmed b Amir 11 A Shehzad c Williamson b Elliott 13 England, set an unlikely target of 382 J. Duminy c Bairstow b Stokes 29 J. Root not out 19 But, with heavy clouds rolling in, South K. Williamson b Anwar Ali 10 M Hafeez c Henry b Williamson 42 on a deteriorating pitch, were 52 for three T. Bavuma not out 78 J. Taylor not out 19 Africa batted on until rain stopped play H. Nicholls b Anwar Ali 82 B Azam c Nicholls b Anderson 62 at the close after South Africa declared Q. de Kock not out 9 Extras (lb2) 2 half an hour after tea. Bavuma hit James G. Elliott by Anwar Ali 0 S Maqsood c sub (Milne) b Elliott 10 their second innings on 248 for fi ve. Extras (b2, lb5, w3) 10 Total (3 wkts, 21 overs) 52 Anderson for six over wide long-on, bat- C. Anderson c Ahmed b Amir 10 S Ahmed c Anderson b Boult 30 Rabada, who took seven for 112 in the Total (5 wkts dec, 83.2 overs) 248 FoW: 1-2 (Hales), 2-8 (Cook), 3-18 ting for 154 balls in total and hitting nine L. Ronchi c Ahmed b Amir 5 I Wasim c Ronchi b Santner 1 fi rst innings, dismissed Alex Hales and FoW: 1-5 (Elgar), 2-49 (Cook), 3-49 (De (Compton) fours and a six. M. Santner c Ahmed b Irfan 48 A Ali c Latham b Boult 16 Nick Compton, while new ball partner Villiers), 4-106 (Duminy), 5-223 (Amla) Bowling: Morkel 6-4-12-1, Rabada 6-2- Anderson was England’s best bowl- M. Henry not out 48 W Riaz not out 5 Morne Morkel claimed the wicket of Bowling: Anderson 18-5-47-3, Broad 15-2, Abbott 1-0-6-0, Piedt 5-2-7-0, Elgar er, taking three for 47. The veteran fast M. McClenaghan retired hurt 31 M Amir b Boult 0 England captain Alastair Cook for the 15-4-33-1 (1w), Stokes 16-4-36-1, Woakes 2-1-8-0, Duminy 1-0-2-0 bowler, who had taken only four wickets T. Boult not out 4 M Irfan b Boult 0 second time in the match. at a cost of 63.50 runs each in six previous Extras (b4, lb3, w13) 20 Extras (lb2, w10) 12 If South Africa are able to take the re- innings, struck twice in three balls early Total (8 wickets, 50 overs) 280 Total (10 wickets; 46 overs) 210 maining seven wickets today it would be Cook did not last much longer before De Kock fumbling a ball which turned in the day, reducing South Africa to 49 FoW: 1-23 (Guptill), 2-25 (Latham), Fall of wickets: 1-33 (Ali), 2-37 a consolation victory, with England hold- pushing back a return catch to Morne sharply. for three. 3-70 (Williamson), 4-70 (Elliott), (Shehzad), 3-118 (Hafeez), 4-142 ing a winning 2-0 lead in the series. Morkel after scoring fi ve. Kyle Abbott, who had not been expect- Anderson had Stephen Cook caught 5-93 (Anderson), 6-99 (Ronchi), (Maqsood), 5-168 (Azam), 6-170 Hales made only one run before he Compton was next to go, for six, edged to bowl because of a hamstring injury, behind for 25, then trapped South African 7-178 (Santner), 8-203 (Nicholls) (Wasim), 7-205 (Ahmed), 8-206 received a virtually unplayable ball ing a drive against Rabada to be caught took the fi eld and bowled one over. captain AB de Villiers leg before wicket Bowling: Irfan 10-0-43-2 (w1), (Anwar Ali), 9-210 (Amir), 10-210 from Rabada which shot through low behind by Quinton de Kock. Compton Hashim Amla and Temba Bavuma bat- with a superb in-swinger. It was De Vil- Amir 8.1-0-28-3 (w3), Anwar Ali (Irfan) and trapped the batsman in front of his sought a review which showed a clear ted South Africa into a virtually unbeat- liers’ second duck of the match and his 9.5-0-66-3 (w3), Wahab Riaz 10-0- Bowling: Henry 8-0-43-0 (4w), stumps. edge. able position with a fi fth wicket stand of third in successive innings. 67-0 (w3), Imad Wasim 8-0-47-0 Boult 9-1-40-4 (w3), Elliott 10-1- It fi nished a disappointing series for It could have been worse for England. 117. JP Duminy (29) provided solid support (w2), Azhar Ali 4-0-22-0 (w1) 43-3 (w2), Anderson 9-1-35-1 (w1), Cook’s latest opening partner. Hales With South Africa using two spin bowl- Amla followed up his fi rst innings of to Amla in a partnership of 57 before the Santner 8-0-36-1, Williamson made 136 runs in eight innings at an aver- ers in fading light, Root, on ten, survived 109 with a resolute 96, while Bavuma Amla-Bavuma stand took the match be- 2-0-11-1 age of 17.00. a stumping chance off Dane Piedt, with struck an unbeaten 78. yond England’s reach.

INDIA’S TOUR OF AUSTRALIA FOCUS Need bowlers to execute plans for Raina, Yuvraj: Finch Bodi gets 20-year ban

IANS Besides Yuvraj, left-handed batsman raring to give his all both with the ball and over match-fi xing Adelaide Suresh Raina, who was dropped from the the bat. ODI squad will be waiting to prove him- Pacer Shaun Tait has been recalled by self once again after a successful domes- Australia after an absence of almost fi ve AFP lice had been informed in terms head of the fi rst Twenty20 tic season. years and the 32-year-old will aim to use Pretoria of anti-corruption legislation. International against India, Raina led Uttar Pradesh to maiden glo- the conditions to good eff ect and mark a Lorgat hinted that some play- Australia skipper Aaron Finch ry in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tourna- memorable comeback in international ers might be charged with failing yesterday hoped that his bowl- ment recently. cricket. ormer South African in- to report approaches by Bodi. ersA will execute well their plans against “India have brought in a lot of expe- “In T20I, and in ODI cricket, if you don’t ternational cricketer Gu- Bodi, 37, played in two one- experienced batsmen Suresh Raina and rienced players, which I think leading take wickets with the new ball, it puts so lam Bodi was on Monday day internationals for South Af- Yuvraj Singh (pictured) in the three up to a world tournament in a couple of much pressure on the others because it is banned for 20 years after rica, both against Zimbabwe, in matches. months is about trying everyone possi- so hard to contain good batting line-ups on Fhe admitted charges of contriv- August 2007. India will seek to reverse their One- ble. We’ll have some individual plans for fl at wickets through the middle overs. ing or attempting to fi x domestic He played in a single Twenty20 Day International (ODI) series blues and guys like Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina. “Where Australia have been good over Twenty20 matches. international against the West hit some form ahead of the World Twen- It’s just important that our guys with the the while is we’ve been able to take early The ban, which will take im- Indies in December of the same ty20 in their meeting with the hosts at ball have got to execute plans as well as ers regardless of their age, you just pick wickets. And on the other side, we’ve mediate eff ect, was announced year and was a member of South the Adelaide Oval here. you can. If they’re just hitting the good them,” he said. been able to accelerate through the mid- by Cricket South Africa (CSA) Africa’s squad for the inaugural India go into the series after suff ering ball, that’s not a problem,” Finch said at Australia are sweating on the fi tness of dle part and really set up a strong back chief executive Haroon Lorgat. World Twenty20 in 2007, al- a 1-4 defeat in the ODI series against the the pre-match press conference ahead of their hard-hitting batsman Glenn Max- half of the innings. It’s no diff erent in this Lorgat said aspects of the in- though he did not play in a game. hosts. They are to host the World T20 from the T20 match on Tuesday. well who is struggling with an injury. format as well,” he added. vestigation were still ongoing. His last appearance in a domestic March 8 to April 3 where they will take on “When you’ve got a group of senior But they have enough batsmen in “You have to get off to a fl ier, but it’s a He refused to confi rm or deny game was in January 2015. New Zealand in the opening match of their players, it’s brings quite a calmness to form to cover for his absence with David bit of a risk-reward. If you’ve got damag- names of other players who have Five years of Bodi’s ban are campaign on March 15 at Nagpur. the group. There tends to be less panic Warner, Aaron Finch, Steve Smith, Shaun ing players who can bat through the mid- been reported to be under inves- suspended on condition that Yuvraj, who has not played for India in the dressing room. If you’ve a lot of Marsh all among runs. dle overs, then it sets up and gives you a tigation, but said: “We are fortu- he commits no further off ences since the 2014 World T20 fi nal, is back in youngsters, everyone’s on edge. Where- All-rounder Shane Watson was in- lot more freedom for the back half of the nate that several players rejected and actively participates in cor- the national squad after a strong perform- as the senior players know how the cluded in the T20I squad after being innings, and Shaun Tait is worth taking his approaches.” ruption-related education pro- ance in the domestic Vijay Hazare Trophy. games go. If they’re still the best play- dropped from the ODIs and he will be that risk.” He said the South African po- grammes. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, January 26, 2016 NFL

SPOTLIGHT Broncos book Super Bowl showdown with Panthers ‘This is a sweet day, a sweet victory. To me this victory is a great example of what this season has been like’

AFP Denver

ge-defying Peyton Manning defeated Tom Brady in the NFL’s epic quarterback ri- valryA Sunday to send the Den- ver Broncos into Super Bowl 50 and a championship showdown against the Carolina Panthers. Manning threw for two fi rst- half touchdowns and Denver’s ferocious defense withstood a New England rally in the dy- ing seconds for a 20-18 triumph over the visiting Patriots in the American Football Conference fi nal. Cam Newton ran for two touchdowns and threw for two more to spark the Panthers over the visiting Arizona Cardinals 49-15, setting a scoring record for the National Football Con- ference fi nal. Manning will become the oldest starting quarterback in Super Bowl history at age 39 when the Broncos face the Panthers in two weeks in Super Bowl 50 at the San Francisco 49ers’ stadium in Santa Clara, California. “This is a sweet day, a sweet victory. To me this victory is a great example of what this season has been like,” Manning said. “It hasn’t been easy, been a lot of diff erent people stepping up at diff erent times ... but everybody did their part and it truly was a team win.” Manning will try to match his brother Eli with a second NFL crown as the Broncos seek their fi rst Super Bowl win since 1999. Denver matches Pittsburgh, Dallas and New England with an eighth Super Bowl appearance but has only gone 2-5 before. Carolina lost to New England Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning waves to the crowd after winning the AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports in 2004 in its only prior Super Bowl appearance. At Denver, the Patriots were day,” he said. “It was just tough “We’re not done yet,” Newton undone by a missed extra point for us to get into a rhythm.” said. “We all battled and worked conversion kick from Stephen Brady also refused to blame Golden oldie Manning to set Super Bowl record so hard. For it to come to fruition Gostkowski early in the game, Gostkowski for his missed kick, is great. I’m excited. But we’re forcing New England to at- his fi rst since 2006 after a run of Peyton Manning will become the oldest Manning meanwhile would not be drawn Manning’s appearance in the Super Bowl not done yet. We’re not satisfi ed tempt a two-point conversion 523 successful conversions. starting quarterback in Super Bowl history when asked to reflect on what might have off ers the veteran quarterback the chance until we win the Super Bowl.” to equalize after Brady threw a “He’s a great player, he’s the next month after piloting the Denver Bron- been his 17th and final duel with Tom Brady of a fairytale finish to his career should Asked how he felt about fac- touchdown to Rob Gronkowski best,” said Brady. “Everyone cos to a 20-18 victory over the New England on Sunday may have meant. he decide to call it quits at the end of the ing fi ve-time NFL Most Valuable with 17 seconds remaining to misses one at some point.” Patriots on Sunday. “I’m not going to get into what if scenarios,” season. Player Manning, Newton said, “I create the fi nal margin. At Charlotte, the Panthers Manning, who turns 40 in March, will sur- he told reporters. It follows a testing campaign for the don’t want to make it personal. Denver’s defense denied New forced seven Arizona turnovers pass Broncos legend John Elway, the previ- “But I’ve stated it all week, I’ve stated it Broncos that saw Manning lose his place as “Everyone has worked their England and the Broncos recov- and Newton completed 19 of 28 ous oldest Super Bowl quarterback who my entire career—I have great respect for starting quarterback to understudy Brock tail off to get us this far,” he add- ered an onside kick attempt to passes for 335 yards. His four was 38 when he appeared in a 1999 victory Tom as a player and as a friend and for Osweiler before being recalled for the ed while the crowd chanted “M- seal the victory. touchdowns gave him 50 for the against the Atlanta Falcons. the job he’s done as a quarterback for that playoff s. V-P” behind him. “We’ve got one more game to season, one in which Carolina “It’s a tremendous honour,” said Manning, franchise.” “This is a sweet day, a sweet victory. To me Carolina defender Luke go, and then we’ll have a parade,” went 15-1 in the regular-season who will be chasing a second Super Bowl Before Sunday’s win, Manning was already this victory is a great example of what this Kuechly said the Panthers will Broncos receiver Emmanuel and rolled to two playoff wins. ring after a 2007 victory with his former the second-oldest quarterback following his season has been like,” Manning said. try to impose themselves upon Sanders said. In the fi rst-ever NFL playoff team, the Indianapolis Colts. appearance in 2014 at the age of 37 when “It hasn’t been easy, been a lot of diff erent Manning in the title matchup. matchup of former collegiate “It has been a special four years playing in the Broncos suff ered a 43-8 loss to the Seat- people stepping up at diff erent times. “We’ve just got to try to get Everyone misses sometime Heisman Trophy winners as top Denver for these great fans and for this great tle Seahawks. was just ahead of Baltimore “It’s been a unique season and this was a some pressure on him,” he said. Brady paid tribute to Denver’s amateur player, Palmer was in- organization. To be going to our second Super Colts icon Johnny Unitas who was also unique football game today. But every- “We’ve got to try to get after him ruthless defense. tercepted four times and lost two Bowl in four years is very special and just an 37 when he played in the fifth Super Bowl body did their part and it truly was a team early and our guys do a great job “We could never play on our fumbles while Newton humbled awesome eff ort by our entire organisation.” against the Dallas Cowboys in 1971. win.” of that.” terms. It was an uphill battle all the Arizona defense.

FOCUS Carolina Panthers pulverise Cardinals 49-15

Reuters tle Seahawks in the Divisional Charlotte Round before holding on for a Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton celebrates aft er a touchdown 31-24 victory. against the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Championship game at Bank of Three more interceptions of America Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY SPO RTS he Carolina Panthers, beleaguered quarterback Carson led by all-around quar- Palmer, including one returned terback Cam New- 21 yards for a touchdown by Luke ton and a defence that Kuechly, and cool execution by Tforced seven turnovers, mauled Newton in the second half ex- the Arizona Cardinals 49-15 in panded the rout. Charlotte on Sunday to set up a “We wanted to be effi cient, we Super Bowl 50 clash against the wanted to start fast, wanted to Denver Broncos. keep the pressure on and wanted Newton ran for two scores, to ﬁ nish, most of all,” Newton soaring above defenders at the said after the game. goal line, and threw for two oth- Newton, who led the team ers to set off a victory party at to an NFL-best 15-1 record and Bank of America Stadium by is the favourite to claim league reaching the Feb. 7 National Most Valuable Player award, Football League championship spoke to the team at halftime game outside San Francisco. about playing hard to the end. Earlier, Denver and veteran “We won as a team. We came quarterback Peyton Manning out here and fought our tails off , edged last year’s champion New and we did what a lot of people England Patriots and their signal said we couldn’t do,” Newton caller Tom Brady 20-18 for the said. “It’s not over yet. We’ll be AFC title. Carolina scored the ready to go in two weeks.” ﬁ rst three times they touched Newton completed 19 of 28 terson fumbled a punt return in But Palmer tried to strike right Arians. zona tied the most ever in an this fashion,” said Cardinals vet- the ball in seizing a 17-0 lead passes for 335 yards and added the second quarter for Arizona’s back for a touchdown and was “After the punt fumble, we NFC championship set by the eran wide receiver Larry Fitzger- and led 24-7 at halftime, taking 47 yards on 10 rushes. other giveaway. intercepted by Kurt Coleman on get the pick and then we throw 1978 Los Angeles Rams against ald, who was held to 30 yards advantage of four turnovers by a Palmer, pressured continually Arizona looked set to cut the the very next play to set back the a pick. I thought that was the the Dallas Cowboys, and helped receiving after gaining 176 yards shaky Arizona attack. by the Carolina pass rush, threw Carolina advantage before half- Cardinals. change in the game. But give Carolina reach their second Su- last week against the Green Bay Last week the fast-starting four interceptions and fumbled time after Peterson intercepted “The interceptions. I think credit to Ron and his football per Bowl after a 32-29 loss to the Packers. Panthers raced to a 31-0 lead by twice to provide the Panthers an overthrown Newton pass and the big one was right before the team.” Patriots 12 years ago. “We just didn’t have it today. intermission against the Seat- with six turnovers. Patrick Pe- ran it back 72 yards. half,” said Cardinals coach Bruce The seven turnovers by Ari- “It hurts to lose like this, in That really stings.” Gulf Times Tuesday, January 26, 2016 7 SPORT

NBA NHL Lowly Nets stop Blackhawks blank Blues

By Tom Timmermann The game Sunday was a win- St. Louis Post-Dispatch nable one for the Blues, who controlled the puck for long Thunder’s 7-game stretches in the fi rst two periods he Blues may not have but couldn’t score. closed the fi rst half of As often happens, they paid their season they would the price for that. The Black- have liked to, losing to hawks took the lead with 4:34 Tthe Central Division-leading to go in the second as Patrik Blackhawks 2-0 on Sunday at Kane, the league leader in goals the United Center, but they had and assists, backhanded a pass winning streak to be just glad to close it. cross ice to rookie Artemi Pan- Now the healing can begin. arin, who blasted a shot in from After a rugged fi rst half of the the left circle that got some el- ‘That’s the type of showing I would like to see from him going forward’ season that saw the team fi eld evation when it hit Kevin Shat- its top lineup for about the fi rst tenkirk’s stick and went into 65 minutes of the season — the the top right corner to beat El- opener vs. Edmonton and the liott. start of the game at Minnesota The goal snapped a scoreless before Robby Fabbri left with a run of 154 minutes, 43 seconds concussion — the team now gets for the Blackhawks, who hadn’t a well-earned breather. scored since the fi rst minute of They go into the break having two games before. played 52 games, which for the The Blues’ off ense hasn’t ex- moment is tied for the most in the actly been explosive. They start- league. (The Blackhawks will pass ed their three-game trip to three them when they play their 53rd time zones with a 2-1 win in De- game on Tuesday.) That they go troit and followed it with a 2-1 in, at the moment, only six points loss in a shootout in Colorado. is a tribute to the team’s resource- Chicago got a pretty much fulness and defense. They’ve lost insurmountable 2-0 lead in the two straight, but have points in third period on a power-play nine of their past 11 games. goal by Andrew Shaw. With The Blues now begin a lengthy Dmitrij Jaskin off for tripping, All-Star break, the second- Marian Hossa took a shot from longest of any team in the the top of the right circle that league. The team, except for Shaw defl ected past Elliott. All-Star Game bound Vladimir The Blues did a good job of Tarasenko, won’t be on the ice controlling the puck in the fi rst again until Feb. 1, the day before period, but couldn’t score. Scot- they start the second half of the tie Upshall, back into the lineup season with a game at Nashville. after being a healthy scratch in By then, injured forward Colorado, had a good chance, Jaden Schwartz will be closer to going strong to the goal while a comeback and could even be fi ghting off a defender, but ready to return (he’ll keep skat- Crawford made the same. Late ing on his own over the break) in the period, Ty Rattie made a and goalie Jake Allen should be pass to an open Patrik Berglund closer to coming back, though on the right dot but he fanned on with the way Brian Elliott has the shot. been playing, that’s less of a Results concern. Elliott made 23 saves, San Jose 2 Los Angeles 3 (OT) and both shots went in on de- Carolina 5 Calgary 2 fl ections, one by the Blues, one Chicago 2 St. Louis 0 by the Blackhawks. Ottawa 3 NY Rangers 0

Oklahoma City Thunder center Enes Kanter (L) and forward Kevin Durant defend against Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (C) during second half. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

DPA pone games in Washington and RESULTS behind 14 points from Lopez. his second triple-double of the Los Angeles Philadelphia. The Nets opened up a season, and the Rockets (24-22) “We talked about not being Brooklyn 116 Oklahoma City 106 13-point cushion in the third - minus centre Dwight Howard able to practice on Saturday Philadelphia 92 Boston 112 that was trimmed to 81-77, be- (left ankle sprain) - beat the he Oklahoma City because of snow, and even the Toronto 112 LA Clippers 94 fore an 8-0 period-ending run visiting Mavericks. Chandler Thunder couldn’t possibility the game might get Houston 115 Dallas 104 restored it to 85-77 heading into Parsons poured in a season-best weather the storm and postponed,” Brown said. The the fi nal 12 minutes. The Thun- 31 points for Dallas (25-21), and got snowed under. Nets found it to be refreshing der drew to within 98-93 mid- German juggernaut Dirk Nowit- TBrook Lopez had a season- and had no problems once in- pace the Thunder (33-13), while way through the fourth frame zki fi nished with 19. high 31 points with 10 rebounds, side the packed Barclays Center fellow All-Star Russell West- but the Nets responded. zToronto Raptors 112, and the lowly Brooklyn Nets in the wire-to-wire win against brook fi nished with 27 points, 11 Young sandwiched a tip-in LA Clippers 94: Kyle Lowry cooled off the red-hot Thun- the Northwest Division leaders. rebounds and seven assists. and jumper around a follow scored 21 points, Jonas Valan- der’s season-high seven-game “We played at another level “Not to take anything away basket by Lopez, that quickly ciunas added 20, and the surg- winning streak, with a 116-106 energy-wise and confi dence- from Brooklyn because they pushed the lead to 104-93 with ing Raptors (29-15) extended victory on Sunday. wise,” Lopez said. “We trusted played well in a lot of diff erent 4:11 remaining before cruising their winning streak to a sea- “I thought Brook was out- each other and we played togeth- phases but we didn’t put our- home. son-high eight after sailing past standing,” Nets interim head er for essentially a full game.” selves in a position to win the “This was exactly the type the visiting Clippers. Chris Paul coach Tony Brown said of his Bogan Bogdanovic fi red in game,” Thunder coach Billy Do- of test we needed,” Lopez ex- had 23 points with 11 assists, centre. “That’s the type of 18 points off the bench while novan explained. plained. “We didn’t play well while DeAndre Jordan accumu- showing I would like to see from Thaddeus Young had 14 with as “The last six or seven games against Utah on Friday, so this lated 15 and 13 rebounds for the him going forward.” many rebounds for the Nets (12- we’ve been trending in the right was a perfect time for a team Clippers (28-16), who fell to 1-2 Originally scheduled as a 33) who snapped a fi ve-game way and for whatever reason we like this to come in. We know we on their fi ve-game road trip. matinee, the game was pushed slide with just their second win were off . We didn’t play at the needed to step up and we did.” zBoston Celtics 112, Phila- back four hours due to one of the in the last 15 home games. level I know those guys wanted Elsewhere: delphia 92: Jae Crowder and worst blizzards to ever hit New “We played great,” to play at. We battled and fought zHouston Rockets 115, Isaiah Thomas scored 20 points York City. Winter storm “Jonas” Bogdanovic said. “We played but we couldn’t keep it going.” Dallas Mavericks 104: Trevor apiece, Avery Bradley added dumped 60 to 90 centimetres of great defence and limited their Brooklyn shot a hot 57 per Ariza hit six triples en route to 19, and the host Celtics (24-21) snow in and around the north- players.” cent and held a held a two-point a season-high 29 points, James beat the league-worst Sixers (6- Artemi Panarin (L) of the Chicago Blackhawks gets a hug from Artem east area of the country Satur- Kevin Durant had 32 points, lead after the opening quarter Harden added 23 points with 31) despite Robert Covington’s Anisimov after scoring a second period goal against the St. Louis day, causing the league to post- 10 rebounds and seven assists to that grew to 60-52 at halftime 15 rebounds and 10 assists for game-high 25 points. Blues at the United Center in Chicago. (Getty Images/AFP)

BASEBALL A’s confi dent they’ll bounce back in 2016

By Matt Kawahara address some of the issues that “Hopefully, this clubhouse Designated hitter Billy Butler, major-league experience. The Sacramento Bee we had last year.” STEPHEN VOGT feel will be a lot better than it coming off a disappointing fi rst Melvin said the hope is Rich Chief among those for a team was last year, and we win a lot season with the A’s, and told re- Hill, whom the A’s signed to a that lost an Oakland-era record more ballgames. Winning’s go- porters Sunday he expects a bet- one-year, $6 million contract s a panel of A’s players 35 one-run games was the ing to bring you together, and ter spring training than last year, in November, will emerge as the fi elded questions from bullpen, which posted the A.L.’s when you don’t win, it’s going when he went in with a sore left No. 2 starter behind Gray. Kend- the public at the team’s highest ERA. The A’s dedicated to tear you apart, so hopefully wrist. all Graveman, Chris Bassitt and FanFest event Sunday, much of their winter activity to that’s something we can control The A’s hope to regain a Jesse Hahn started at times for aA young fan took the microphone bolstering that unit, acquiring and fi x this year.” healthy Coco Crisp but admit- the A’s last season, but Hahn did and, referencing a popular chant veteran relievers John Axford, Despite their 2015 fi nish, tedly are uncertain what to ex- not pitch after July 1 because of among A’s supporters, asked: Liam Hendriks, Ryan Madson several players cited roster car- pect from the 36-year-old out- elbow problems, and Graveman “Should I still believe in Stephen and Marc Rzepczynski to bridge ryover as a reason for optimism. fi elder, who played in just 44 missed the last six weeks with an Vogt?” The A’s catcher, feigning the gap to closer Sean Doolittle. The A’s return their two All- games in 2015 due to injuries. abdominal strain. a look of shock, responded: “One All four newcomers have Stars from last season in starter “We have a lot of young guys Jarrod Parker appears a long hundred percent.” postseason experience, while Sonny Gray and Vogt, who, along that got a lot of experience last shot to crack the rotation, re- Vogt actually was one of the Doolittle himself could be with Reddick and third baseman year,” Doolittle said. “And see- turning from an elbow fracture few bright spots last year for an viewed as an acquisition after Danny Valencia, should anchor a ing the guys we picked up, these sustained while he rehabbed A’s team that fi nished with the missing most of last season with we went along. ... I think with makeover produced little, either lineup that stays mostly intact. are veteran guys but also veteran from his second Tommy John American League’s worst record. shoulder problems. all those parts combined, we’re in wins or clubhouse chemistry. Center fi elder Billy Burns, guys that have been on winning surgery. But Melvin did not rule But as the A’s reconvened at the “You look at the one-run looking forward to having a good “I think (the clubhouse) was shortstop Marcus Semien and teams. I think having that kind out either Parker or Sean Ma- Coliseum on Sunday, not drasti- games and how we did in the year.” a big issue for us,” right fi elder utility player Mark Canha, all of experience is really impor- naea, the A’s prize acquisition in cally diff erent roster-wise from bullpen late in the games, and With players standing around Josh Reddick said. “There were newcomers last spring, are back tant when you have a young team last summer’s trade of Ben Zo- where they ended last season, you look at what we acquired and chatting before their Fan- days that, myself included, it for a second season. The A’s overall that’s trying to have a brist to Kansas City who fi nished the mood was largely optimistic this year — you win a good share Fest duties, Sunday felt more was tough to come to the ball- parted ways with infi elders Ike bounce-back year.” last season at Double A. Melvin about 2016. of those games instead of losing like a reunion than last year’s park. You just couldn’t wait for Davis and Brett Lawrie and re- One area that still requires called Manaea “a little bit of a “I like where we are,” Vogt them, and now we’re in a com- event, when the A’s off season the fi rst inning to come around placed them with Yonder Alonso some resolution this spring is the wild card.” said. “Obviously, everybody has pletely diff erent position,” A’s roster overhaul meant many because you could get in your and Jed Lowrie, the latter already starting rotation. After Gray, the “I think we like where we are,” excitement going into every sea- manager Bob Melvin said. “And players were meeting each other game mode and not have to talk a familiar face after playing in A’s have a group of candidates Melvin said, “and the depth that son. But I feel like we really did I think the off ense got better as at FanFest for the fi rst time. That to anybody. Oakland in 2013 and 2014. to start but few with signifi cant we have.” Gulf Times 8 Tuesday, Janaury 26, 2016 SPORT

RUGBY SPOTLIGHT Hartley named F1 drivers want cockpit England captain safety device

Reuters tion became a priority after the London deaths last year of Briton Justin Wilson, a former F1 racer who suff ered head injuries from de- ormula One drivers are bris in an IndyCar crash, and calling for a new safety Frenchman Jules Bianchi. for Six Nations device to be installed in Bianchi, Formula One’s fi rst their cockpits from 2017, driver fatality in 21 years, died in hopingF the so-called “halo” will July, nine months after suff ering ‘It is a huge honour to captain England and a very proud day for me and my family’ prevent the lethal threat posed severe head injuries at the 2014 by fl ying debris. Japanese Grand Prix when his Grand Prix Drivers’ Associa- car skidded off and hit a recovery AFP tion (GPDA) Chairman Alexan- tractor. London DYLAN HARTLEY der Wurz said yesterday that his In 2009, Brazilian Felipe members wanted “swift imple- Massa suff ered near-fatal inju- mentation” of the design initial- ries when hit on the helmet by a orthampton hooker ly suggested by Mercedes—a bar bouncing spring during qualify- Dylan Hartley was attached to the car that curves ing for the Hungarian Grand Prix yesterday confi rmed around the driver’s head and is for Ferrari. He recovered and as England captain for supported in front by an upright now races for Williams. Nthe Six Nations tournament by strut. Wurz said that backing from head coach Eddie Jones. Formula One has been testing the drivers should make the in- Hartley, 29, replaces Chris various ways of improving head troduction of the halo “a for- Robshaw at the helm despite protection, weighing up the pros mality” missing over a year of his career and cons of the halo compared “Obviously structural chang- for disciplinary reasons. with completely closed cano- es are required to the chassis “Dylan is an honest, hard- pies, an option that some people but, with almost a one-year lead working bloke and I admire his fear could trap the driver in the time, I don’t see any technical aggressive and uncompromis- event of a crash. person speaking against such ing approach to playing rugby,” The halo is designed to be re- substantial safety improve- said Jones of Hartley who has moved quickly in such cases. Its ments, especially given the last led England on one previous oc- backers say it does not signifi - big accidents in open-wheel casion - against South Africa in cantly obstruct the line of sight. racing involved head injuries,” 2012. “The research the FIA experts he said. New Zealand-born Hartley have done is very thorough and FIA safety director Laurent has been capped 66 times, but the process has brought forward Mekies told reporters last Octo- has amassed 54 weeks of sus- a clear solution,” said the Aus- ber that a head protection device pensions for off ences including trian, who retired as a driver last could be introduced in 2017 if eye-gouging, biting and swear- year and now works on safety tests produced satisfactory re- ing at a referee, forcing him to with the sport’s governing body. sults. miss two World Cups and one “Now the drivers feel it’s time Team technical directors are British and Irish Lions tour. to implement the extra protec- due to have a regular meeting However, he was sorely tion at the latest in 2017,” he told with the FIA on Friday to discuss missed during England’s woeful the BBC. changes for the 2017 season and World Cup campaign on home Improving head protec- beyond. soil, and will skipper England during the Six Nations, starting with the February 6 clash with Scotland. Fry joins ex-McLaren “It is a huge honour to captain England and a very proud day teammates at Manor F1 for me and my family,” Hartley Formula One’s smallest team a tiny budget compared to said. “I’m really excited about Manor Racing announced his previous employer’s huge the challenge ahead, but in real- yesterday that Pat Fry was join- resources—last November. ity leading this squad of players ing as an engineering consult- “The aim is to bring perform- will not fall just to me. ant, bringing another former ance to the car with eff ect from “It’s essential for the suc- McLaren employee on board. the Barcelona (pre-season) cess of this team that we quickly The move reunited three senior tests (next month), then trans- develop and establish a strong figures from McLaren’s past late that to the race track in leadership group. with former chief engineer Fry Melbourne to ensure we make “There are a number of guys joining aerodynamics head the strongest possible start to in this squad who will all have Nikolas Tombazis and racing di- 2016,” Ryan said in a statement. important leadership roles to rector Dave Ryan also at a team Manor, previously known as play so we can take this team that is switching to Mercedes Marussia and before that Virgin forward. engines. Racing, failed to score a point “There is a lot of young talent Manor said Fry, who moved last year and finished 10th and and potential which is great to from McLaren to Ferrari in 2010 last overall. see. Our focus over the next two before being shown the door in They have yet to name a prin- weeks is to work hard and pre- 2014, will provide engineering cipal, with founder John Booth pare for the Scotland game. expertise as the team prepare and sporting director Graeme “Playing at Murrayfi eld will for the season starting in Aus- Lowdon departing at the end be a huge challenge and one we tralia on March 20. of last year, or their 2016 driver are all looking forward to.” Tombazis and Fry were also col- lineup. Hartley who moved to Eng- leagues at Ferrari before both land from New Zealand as a left in the restructuring which 16-year-old, was Northampton led to Maurizio Arrivabene tak- captain from 2009-14. ing over as principal of the Ital- He has missed seven weeks ian team that provided Manor of this season through concus- with engines last year. sion and sat out one more game Dylan as England captain. I know “As a former captain of team tactically and passion- he has all the qualities needed to Ryan, who spent 35 years at with a rib problem, but started it will be a very proud moment Northampton and someone ately. lead this group of players. McLaren before leaving in Saints’ last two matches against for him, his club, his family and who has a lot of experience “English rugby is indebted to “We look forward to working 2009, was appointed racing Glasgow and the Scarlets. friends when he leads England playing for England I have Northampton to have produced very closely with him to build a director at Manor—a team with “I am delighted to announce out at Murrayfi eld,” Jones said. every faith he will lead the such a fi ne player and we think successful England team.”

ATHLETICS Russia bans Maracheva, three others for doping

AFP bombshell report by a World Moscow Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Scandal prompts Adidas to cut short IAAF deal independent commission alleg- IRINA MARACHEVA ing state-sponsored doping and German sportswear company Adidas AG is opened a criminal investigation into him. ussia’s Olympic Com- mass corruption in the sport. to end its sponsorship deal with the Interna- Asked about the Adidas contract, the IAAF is- mittee (ROC) has The IAAF provisionally sus- tional Association of Athletics Federations sued a statement saying: “The IAAF is in close banned four athletes for pended the Russian athletics (IAAF) almost four years early because of contact with all its sponsors and partners as doping, as the country federation in November, mean- the scandal surrounding the sport, the BBC we embark on our reform process”. strugglesR to overturn a suspen- ing that the track and fi eld team reported yesterday. The BBC, citing anonymous sources, said the sion on its track and fi eld team cannot compete in international The BBC said Adidas, whose 11-year deal made sponsorship deal, signed in November 2008, that could see it miss the Rio Ol- competitions. it the biggest sponsor of athletics’ govern- was worth around $8 million (5.6 million ympics. The bans are the fi rst handed ing body, decided against continuing with pounds) per year. The Olympic Committee out by ROC since it took control the contract as a direct result of the doping Adidas is one of the IAAF’s “Off icial Partners” said Irina Maracheva, an 800m of the sport following the Rus- and corruption allegations that emerged in along with Canon, Toyota, Seiko, TDK, TBS medallist at the 2012 Euro- sian federation’s suspension. December. and Mondo. pean championships, had been The IAAF said Russia could The BBC also said Adidas considers the If confirmed, the disclosure represents the banned for two years, along with only be reinstated if it fulfi lled accusations of corrupt practices within the latest in a series of setbacks for the Monaco- race walker Anna Lukyanova, strict criteria, including compli- organisation a breach of their agreement with based IAAF. for doping violations based on ance with all WADA and IAAF the IAAF. Late last year an independent commission documents handed over by the anti-doping rules and require- Neither Adidas or the IAAF were willing to for the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) International Association of ments. confirm the report, when asked to by Reuters. revealed widespread, state-sponsored doping Athletics Federations (IAAF). An IAAF inspection team is Adidas would only repeat its standard line in Russia. Last week the commission released Offi cials have also confi rmed due to meet Russia’s new athlet- about the IAAF scandal: “Adidas has a clear a second report on its investigations that ac- a four-year ban for the run- ics chief Dmitry Shlyakhtin in anti-doping policy in place. Therefore, we are cused the IAAF of having “embedded corrup- ners Yelena Nikulina and Maria Moscow. in close contact with the IAAF to learn more tion” at the very top of the organisation under Nikolayeva, the Olympic Com- The two-day visit by the IAAF about their reform process.” former president Lamine Diack. mittee said in a statement dated taskforce will be a “low-key Adidas, which has a long-running deal with Diack and his son, Papa Massata, are both Sunday. No more details of the meeting behind closed doors,” scandal-plagued FIFA, has come under fire under investigation by French police over reasons for the bans were given. Russian athletics federation for refraining to distance itself from FIFA corruption allegations. Both men have denied Russian athletics is currently spokeswomen Alla Glushchenko President Sepp Blatter after Swiss authorities wrongdoing. mired in scandal following a told AFP. Gulf Times Tuesday, January 26, 2016 9 TENNIS

REPORT FOCUS I would not have played on if Sears had Calmer Raonic deteriorated: Murray rocks Wawrinka to reach quarters He credits new coach Moya for giving him confidence to stray from the baseline

Reuters gel’s health,” Murray said. “If the Melbourne news was not positive, then, no, there was absolutely no chance I would have kept playing.” ndy Murray (pic- Murray returned to Melbourne tured) would not have Park on Sunday to resume prac- continued playing at the tice having spent a few hours with Australian Open if his Sears. The incident had shaken Afather-in-law’s health had de- him up, he said, but he was now teriorated following his collapse pleased the 58-year-old was on at Rod Laver Arena, the world his way home. number two said yesterday. “It was a tough few days. Cer- Nigel Sears, who is the coach tainly wasn’t straightforward,” of Ana Ivanovic, fell ill during the he said. “Just glad that he’s on his Serb’s third-round match against way home now and can be back Madison Keys on Saturday and with his family.” was taken to hospital. Murray said he felt “drained” He was discharged on Sunday on Monday after expecting to ﬁ nd and cleared to return to Britain. some sanctuary on the court, the Murray, who was playing his incident had still aff ected him own third-round match on the throughout the match against adjacent Margaret Court Arena, Tomic. was oblivious to Sears’s col- Several times he was talking lapse until afterwards and rushed to, and chastising, himself for the straight to hospital following his way he was playing, which used a victory. lot of energy and he found himself The 28-year-old Briton plans going through a roller coaster of to leave Melbourne if his pregnant emotions. wife Kim goes into labour early “Certainly I was trying to just and he said after his fourth-round concentrate on the match when I win over Bernard Tomic on Mon- was out there, but it’s been a hard, day that the same would have hard few days,” he said. applied if Sears’s condition had “I just can’t believe something worsened. like that happened. It’s ...very, “Obviously it depended on Ni- very scary.”

DOUBLES ACTION Sania, Bopanna enter quarters

Canada’s Milos Raonic celebrates after winning his Australian Open fourth round match against Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka in Melbourne yesterday. (Reuters) IANS pair failed at it. Melbourne The Indo-Swiss pair, dubbed Reuters a week later, integrity fears returned as fourth seed to set up a second successive Eighth-seeeded veteran Ferrer booked ‘SanTina’, were easily the domi- Melbourne a former Australian professional player quarter-fi nal at Melbourne Park. his sixth quarter-fi nal at Melbourne nant pair in the fi rst set, winning pleaded guilty to match-fi xing at a Syd- Having lost to Djokovic a year ago, he Park, thrashing American John Isner 6-4 ndian tennis stars Sania 39 points out of which 15 were ney court. will be favourite against French showman 6-4 7-5. Mirza and Rohan Bopanna winners. ilos Raonic struck a blow for Former world number 187 Nick Lin- Gael Monfi ls who delighted fans with earned contrasting victo- A little while earlier, Bopan- the next generation of men’s dahl appeared in court just hours after a some spectacular dives as he beat Russian MEN’S SINGLES RESULTS (RD 4) ries to sail through to the na, partnering Chinese Taipei’s tennis by fl ooring former top global bookmaker suspended betting Andrey Kuznetsov 7-5 3-6 6-3 7-6(4) to Iquarter-fi nals of their respective Yung-Jan Chan, beat the Czech- Gael Monfils (FRA) bt Andrey Kuznetsov champion Stan Wawrinka after heavy gambling on a mixed doubles reach the quarter-fi nals for the fi rst time. (RUS) 7-5, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/4); Milos Raonic categories at the Australian Open Polish combine of Andrea Hla- Myesterday before China’s Zhang Shuai match at Melbourne Park. Raonic is on an eight-match winning here yesterday. vackova and Lukasz Kubot in the (CAN x13) bt Stan Wawrinka (SUI x4) 6-4, became the fi rst qualifi er to reach the The winning doubles pair dismissed streak since the start of the year, a run 6-3, 5-7, 4-6, 6-3; David Ferrer (ESP x8) bt Top seeds Sania Mirza and mixed doubles second round. Australian Open quarter-fi nals in more suspicions over the match after being which included upsetting Roger Federer John Isner (USA x10) 6-4, 6-4, 7-5; Andy Martina Hingis earned their 33rd The third seeds needed an hour than 20 years. questioned by integrity offi cials. to win the Brisbane International, and he Murray (GBR x2) bt Bernard Tomic (AUS victory in a row to enter the last and 10 minutes to win the second Second seed Andy Murray, returning There was no questioning the com- credits new coach Carlos Moya for giving x16) 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) eight of women’s doubles by eas- round 4-6, 6-3, 10-6 on Show to court two days after his father-in-law mitment of Raonic and Wawrinka as the him confi dence to stray from the baseline. ily moving past experienced but Court 3 of Melbourne Park. was rushed to hospital, hit back for the pair slugged out a three-hour 44-minute “He’s sort of organising my strengths, MEN’S QUARTERFINAL LINE-UP scratch combination of Svetlana After sharing the fi rst two old guard in the evening session at Rod thriller in the day session on Rod Laver my weapons and how to use them better,” Playing today Kuznetsova (Russia) and Roberta sets, it all boiled down to the Laver Arena though, banishing Bernard Arena. the 13th seed told reporters. Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) v Kei Nishikori Vinci (Italy) 6-1, 6-3 at the Mar- super tie-break where the Indo- Tomic, the last home hope in the singles. Long seen as a threat to the Novak Monfi ls literally fl ew into the last eight (JPN x7) garet Court Arena in an hour and Chinese Taipei pair proved a Murray’s win capped a banner day for Djokovic-led establishment, 25-year-old where he will add some fl air to proceed- Roger Federer (SUI x3) v Tomas Berdych 21 minutes. tad better to clinch it 10-6. Bo- Britain following Johanna Konta’s advance, Raonic showed ice in his veins to fend off ings. One dive on the unforgiving Mel- (CZE x6) Both the pairs earned as many panna and Chan were easily the giving the nation men’s and women’s sin- the 2014 champion 6-4 6-3 5-7 4-6 6-3 bourne court against Kuznetsov left him Playing tomorrow as six break point chances in the more dominant pair. Their serve gles quarter-fi nalists at the same grand after the 30-year-old Swiss roared back with a cut hand. Andy Murray (GBR x2) v David Ferrer (ESP fi rst set but the diff erence was proved both a boon and a curse slam for the fi rst time in nearly 40 years. from two sets down. “I just go for it. I’m just a competitor, I x8) that the top seeds were able to as, though they served as many Melbourne Park was rocked by corrup- Unveiling an aggressive serve-volley want to win every point and I think I can Milos Raonic (CAN x13) v Gael Monfils convert two, which won them as 10 aces, they also double fault- tion allegations on its opening day, and game, Raonic fi red 82 winners past the get it and I just fl y,” he said. (FRA x23) the set, while the Russian-Italian ed seven times!

BOTTOMLINE Doubles partners interviewed over match-fi xing report

AFP va and Kubot to beat Spaniards Lara Ar- thing after the match,” Kubot said. Melbourne ruabarrena and David Marrero, far more, Curacao-based Pinnacle was not im- the paper said, than would usually be mediately available to confi rm the report. wagered on a fi rst round match. Arruabarrena and Marrero, mean- wo players at the Australian Marco Blume of Pinnacle Sports told while, rejected any possibility of match- Open said yesterday they have the paper the fi rm suspended betting on fi xing, according to the New York Times. been interviewed by offi cials the match 13 hours before it began. The TIU did not immediately respond over reports their opponents The Times’ dispatch was dampened, to queries from AFP, and Melbourne po- Tmay have deliberately lost their fi rst however, by two major betting compa- lice would not comment on the case spe- round mixed-doubles fi xture, fuelling nies reportedly contradicting the claim. cifi cally. fresh fears of match-fi xing in tennis. The Sydney Morning Herald said Wil- Match-fi xing fears have overshad- The remarks by Lukasz Kubot and An- liam Hill and Betfair kept betting open for owed the year’s opening Grand Slam, drea Hlavackova came after the New York the match and logged no unusual activity. with some players revealing bribery at- Times reported an online bookmaker had Kubot and Hlavackova defeated Ar- tempts including world number one No- suspended gambling on the lowly match ruabarrena and Marrero 6-0, 6-3 before vak Djokovic, who said he was off ered because of unusual betting patterns. bowing out in the second round. $200,000 to throw a match in 2007. All players involved in the match re- “I just spoke with TIU (Tennis Integ- According to the BBC and BuzzFeed jected the claims of a fi x. rity Unit)... and I will keep that confi - report, three Wimbledon matches were The allegation by betting fi rm Pinnacle dential,” Poland’s Kubot told reporters suspicious and at least eight of a “core Sports came after the BBC and BuzzFeed on Monday, with his Czech partner Hla- group” of 16 players on the fi xing radar said last week players who had been in the vackova also confi rming she met with were at the Australian Open. sport’s top 50 had repeatedly fallen under TIU offi cials. The latest developments came as re- suspicion but had never faced action. Both said they had never been involved tired Australian player Nick Lindahl The New York Times reported on Sun- in a match where they thought anything faced court in Sydney over allegations day that ahead of their match, a large was wrong. he off ered to throw a match at a Futures amount of money had backed Hlavacko- “I didn’t see and I didn’t look at any- tournament in 2013. Poland’s Lukasz Kubot (left) and Czech Republic’s Andrea Hlavackova have denied knowledge of any wrongdoing. Gulf Times 10 Tuesday, January 26, 2016 TENNIS

FOCUS Child’s play

Roger Federer said he’s been getting advice from his six-year-old twin girls about what to do on the tennis court. “Once they Ominous Vika fi res up as told me I should play on the lines. They think that’s a good thing. I was like, ‘Okay, I’ll try that,’” he said. “The other one said that maybe you should look that way and play the other Zhang dream continues way. I said, ‘Okay, I’ll try that, too. It’s not as easy as you think it is, but I’ll try.’ ‘I played smart, aggressive and really took my opportunities’ That was actually quite funny. When they came to practice the other day, they asked me to do the trick. I was like, ‘Which one?’ ‘The one where you look the one way and play the other way.’ So they have given me advice, if you like, yeah. They’re good coaches.” Federer doesn’t want them to become too good, however—he’s not keen on them becoming professional players, saying he doesn’t want to end up spending 40 years on the tennis tour. Ring in the changes

Newly-wed Tomas Berdych is still getting used to married life—including wearing a wedding ring. The world number six, who married Ester Satorova last July, said the first thing he does on court is take off his ring, which he finds uncomfort- able to wear while playing. “No, no, I don’t play with it. Especially with the double- handed backhand... if you just make a blister like that, that’s not a thing you want to have, especially on the court. So, no, I put it right down just before I go play. It’s the first thing I do still on the court.” He quickly added that he doesn’t take the ring off for other reasons. “No, it’s just for that time,” he said. Note a good idea

Victoria Azarenka of Belarus gestures after her victory in the Australian Open fourth round match against Czech Republic’s Barbora Strycova in Melbourne yesterday. (AFP)

AFP out there on the court.” the Czech, who stunned third seed Gar- Melbourne The only other British women to get bine Muguruza in the last round. as far were Virginia Wade, who won in “She is such a tough opponent. I’m 1972, and Sue Barker who made the just happy I went through. I played wo-time champion Victoria semis twice. smart, aggressive and really took my Azarenka remained in ominous opportunities,” said Azarenka. form yesterday to surge into the FOCUSED AND COMPOSED Melbourne Park has been a happy Australian Open quarter-fi nals, Zhang booked her place by battling past hunting ground for Azarenka, who has Tas Chinese qualifi er Zhang Shuai’s injured and tearful 15th seed Madison now made the quarters or better fi ve amazing Grand Slam run stayed alive. Keys. times in her last seven attempts. Former world number one Azarenka She had lost all 14 of her previous Grand Kerber, who had a stellar 2015 but proved too strong for Czech Barbora Slam matches before this year’s tourna- underachieved at the majors, eased past Australian fans have taken Strycova on Rod Laver Arena, storming ment and was mulling retirement, but she Beck who fell apart in the second set af- issue with off icial broadcast- through 6-2, 6-4 to set up a last-eight has now won four in a row after beating ter pressing her compatriot hard in the er Channel Seven for zoom- clash with Angelique Kerber, who beat the American 3-6, 6-3, 6-3. fi rst. ing in on a cheat sheet used fellow German Annika Beck 6-4, 6-0. It was devastating fi nale for Keys, by Daria Gavrilova (pic- Azarenka, the 14th seed who won at last year’s semi-fi nalist, who needed WOMEN’S SINGLES RESULTS (RD 4) tured), the Sydney Morning Melbourne Park in 2012 and 2013, has a treatment on her upper left leg which Angelique Kerber (GER x7) bt Annika Herald reported. The notes, 6-0 record over Kerber, including in the hampered her movement. She gamely Beck (GER) 6-4, 6-0; Victoria Azarenka used by the Moscow-born Brisbane International fi nal this month, carried on but was clearly in pain, with (BLR x14) bt Barbora Strycova (CZE) 6-2, Australian during her loss making her a hot favourite to keep her tears on court. 6-4; Johanna Konta (GBR) bt Ekaterina to Carla Suarez, included title run going. China’s Zhang Shuai celebrates after winning her fourth round match against “Bad luck Madison. She was injured Makarova (RUS x21) 4-6, 6-4, 8-6; Zhang tactical pointers as well as “I’m looking forward to it. She’s such Madison Keys of the US yesterday. (Reuters) and I’m very lucky today,” said Zhang. Shuai (CHN) bt Madison Keys (USA) 3-6, motivational messages such a fi ghter and such a nice person,” said “It was so diffi cult to concentrate be- 6-3, 6-3 as “Believe in yourself”, and the Belarusian, looking ahead to the test but that will be a challenge,” she said. Johanna Konta joined them to reach cause I could see she was in pain.” were flashed around the on Wednesday. “I’ll just give it my best “It’s a new one, it starts from zero, her maiden Grand Slam quarter-fi nal Azarenka, 27, has been in the zone at WOMEN’S QUARTERFINAL LINE-UP nation as the TV cameras and I’m sure she’ll do the same.” and I know what’s coming from her. and become Britain’s fi rst woman to Melbourne Park, dropping just 11 games Playing Tuesday zeroed in. The newspaper Seventh seed Kerber powered past I will try to be aggressive and try to go reach the Australian Open last eight in four matches as she zeroes in on a re- Serena Williams (USA x1) v Maria Shara- called it a “breach of trust” Beck to reach the quarter-fi nals for the and win the match.” since Jo Durie in 1983. turn to the top after battling injuries for pova (RUS x5); Agnieszka Radwanska and said many disgruntled fi rst time and knows she has a formi- World number one Serena Williams Konta prevailed in a three-hour, four- the past two years. (POL x4) v Carla Suarez (ESP x10) fans had reacted on Twitter. dable task ahead against a player who and fi fth-seeded rival Maria Sharapova minute slugfest 4-6, 6-4, 8-6 against She went into the Strycova clash with Playing Wednesday The notes were eventually has won each of their encounters dating play each other in a headline last-eight Russia’s Ekaterina Makarova. a clear advantage, whipping her on all Angelique Kerber (GER x7) v Victoria torn to shreds as Gavrilova, back to 2012. clash on Tuesday, while fourth seed “Goodness gracious,” said Konta, four of their previous meetings, includ- Azarenka (BLR x14) reacting angrily to her loss, “I had tough matches against her in the Agnieszka Radwanska faces 10th seed who will next face Zhang. “Mentally, ing at the last two Australian Opens. Johanna Konta (GBR) v Zhang Shuai left the arena. past. I never won against her right now, Carla Suarez. emotionally and physically I left it all But it wasn’t straightforward against (CHN)

BOTTOMLINE Goodness gracious! Konta ends 32-year British wait

AFP fi rst round, as the victory sunk in. “Men- The match was heavy-hitting from the Melbourne tally, emotionally and physically I left it all word go, with little between the two play- out there on the court. ers. But it was Konta who bagged the fi rst “I ran down every ball and kept fi ghting break, with Makarova smacking a forehand relieved Johanna Konta became for every point and fortunately managed to into the net to hand the Brit a 2-1 advan- the fi rst British woman to reach capitalise on some opportunities and close tage. a Grand Slam quarter-fi nal since it out in the end.” She held for 3-1 but the Russian then 1984 Monday when she came She rated it as one of her toughest wins, reeled off three games in a row as the pres- throughA a three-set slugfest at the Austral- saying she was thinking only, “Oh, my God, sure built on Konta, who couldn’t prevent ian Open, afterwards exclaiming: “Good- it’s fi nished!” when asked what was going the set going the Russian’s way. ness gracious!” through her mind at the end of such a gruel- Undeterred, she attacked the Makarova The unseeded Konta, ranked 47 in the ling encounter. serve and went 1-0 up on a break at the start world, ground down Russian 21st seed “It was just, I guess—well, a lot of it is re- of the second set. Ekaterina Makarova 4-6, 6-4, 8-6 in three lief. It’s a big crescendo, it’s suddenly over. It’s There were no easy points and both hours, four minutes on Margaret Court more like another, ‘Oh, wow, that was long.’” women fought grimly, but it was Konta who Arena—the second longest women’s match Konta had beaten the left-hander during held her nerve to close out the second set of the tournament. their only previous meeting, at Eastbourne and take it to a third. The draining victory marked the Austral- last year, and she made it two out of two as After holding serve in a 16-minute open- ian-born 24-year-old’s furthest progres- she outlasted the Russian, a semi-fi nalist ing game, the Russian called for the trainer sion at a Grand Slam, and is the best Brit- last year. for treatment to her right foot, seemingly ish eff ort at a major since Jo Durie made the It was an impressive win against a player because of blisters. Wimbledon quarter-fi nals 32 years ago. who has always enjoyed Melbourne Park, But she seemed untroubled and the pair Durie also reached the Australian Open making the fourth round or better on her kept plugging away. It went with serve quarters in 1983. The only other British last six outings, including quarter-fi nals in until Konta fi nally earned a break in game women to get as far were Virginia Wade, 2012 and 2013. nine, but she couldn’t fi nish the set off and who won the tournament in 1972, and Sue “I’m just incredibly happy and humbled Makarova struck back. Barker who made the semis twice. with the way I was able to compete today. The Briton scored another break as the “Goodness gracious,” said Konta, who That’s the thing I’m most happy about,” clock approached the three-hour mark, and stunned eighth seed Venus Williams in the said Konta. this time she made no mistake. Gulf Times Tuesday, January 26, 2016 11 GOLF

CAREER-BUILDER CHALLENGE Grammy-winning band Soul II Soul to feature in Friday Dufner edges David concert at CBQM British legends Wembley and New York’s Univer- join US hip-hop sal Ample Theatre. America embraced Soul II Soul icons Arrested to such a degree that in 1990 they Development as picked up two Grammys, while in playoff for title founder Jazzie B was given the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters’ first keys to seven cities in the US. ever joint headliners More recently, Soul II Soul has ‘I am fortunate to be in this position and happy to be playing good golf again’ kept itself contemporary— Keep On Movin was used for high By Sports Reporter profile Renault Clio television Reuters Doha ads, Mary J Blige and Sean La Quinta, California Kingston have both released cover versions of Back To Life; ritish soul and R&B legends while Beverly Knight released her ason Dufner clinched his fi rst ti- Soul II Soul will play the version of FairPlay in 2011. A year tle in more than two years with joint headline slot on the B later, Back to Life was featured a nerve-jangling playoff victory evening of Friday (January 29), in the Opening Ceremony of the over David Lingmerth at the Ca- the penultimate day of this year’s London 2012 Olympics. reerBuilderJ Challenge in La Quinta, Cali- Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, Commercial Bank Qatar fornia, on Sunday. which begins at the Doha Golf Masters organisers—the Qatar Swede Lingmerth’s bid for a second ca- Club tomorrow. Golf Association (QGA), Qatar reer win on the circuit ended with a splash The double Grammy Award- Olympic Committee (QOC) and and double-bogey at the second extra hole, winning band will join US hip-hop Commercial Bank—are expecting the par-four 18th, after he hit his approach icons Arrested Development on the to welcome thousands of visitors into water, while Dufner safely two-putted main stage in the Public Village at from long range for a decisive par. DGC, with fans now set to enjoy a to Doha Golf Club for another Both players had parred the fi rst extra transatlantic music double-header exciting weekend packed with hole, also the 18th, with Dufner sinking from two of the leading urban acts world-class golf and family enter- a clutch 10-footer to keep his title hopes of the past three decades. tainment over the next four days. alive after he had conjured a miraculous To date Soul II Soul has sold Families will have the opportu- escape on the penultimate hole of regula- over 10 million albums in over 35 nity to soak up the atmosphere at tion, the par-three 17th. territories worldwide and have gourmet pop-up restaurants, in- Dufner, who won his fourth Tour title, product on over 200 compilation dulge in the shopping boulevard came perilously close to fi nding water off CDs. Signed by Virgin Records in with a wide selection of merchan- the tee on 17. However, his ball ended up 1988, just one year later the band dise on sale and enjoy a myriad of in a clean lie beside rocks just off the back enjoyed huge global success with activities in the family zone. of the green from where he nearly holed hit singles Keep on Movin and With many of the world’s top out for birdie before tapping in for par. Back to Life (However Do You golfers competing on the course “I thought I was in the water,” the Want Me), the later topping the for the illustrious title and both 38-year-old told Golf Channel about his UK Singles Chart for four weeks. Soul II Soul and Arrested Develop- wayward tee shot. Throughout their 25-plus year ment performing on-stage, the “I got a great break. Sometimes those career, the band has performed in 2016 Commercial Bank Qatar things happen, you need those to happen to over 20 countries, and appeared Masters is set to be another spec- win after you hit a poor shot. I looked at it at some of the most famous tacular event on Doha’s sporting and had a pretty clean lie ... venues in the world including and entertainment calendar. “I leaned the shaft a little bit with the face open and tried to hit one where you kind of get a lot of grip. I thought it was going to sneak in there for a minute. “I am fortunate to be in this position and happy to be playing good golf again,” added Dufner after ending a title drought dating back to his victory at the 2013 PGA Championship. For Lingmerth, who secured his fi rst PGA Tour win at last year’s Memorial Tournament, it all came down to a “little mistake” with his approach from the Jason Dufner (left) is presented with the trophy by former United States president Bill Clinton after winning the CareerBuilder right rough on the second extra hole. Challenge in partnership with the Clinton Foundation, at the TPC Stadium course in La Quinta, California, on Sunday. (AFP) “I didn’t choke up enough on the club,” said the 28-year-old. The duo had finished the 72 regu- Dufner narrowly missed a 20-foot Mickelson, competing in his fi rst event “The grass just grabbed it a litle bit, lation holes at 25-under 263 after a birdie putt at the last before carding a since last October’s Presidents Cup, which made the ball turn over. It wasn’t wildly fluctuating final round where two-under 70 while Lingmerth carded a closed with a 68 to share third place at really a bad swing, just a little mistake on four players held at least a share of the bogey-free 65 at PGA West’s TPC Stadi- 21 under with fellow Americans Andrew my part,” he added. lead. um Course. Twice former champion Phil Loupe (68) and Kevin Na (68). COMMERCIAL BANK QATAR MASTERS: ONE DAY TO GO

(TOP) Players during a practice round on the 18th hole of the Doha Golf Club course yesterday, ahead of the 2016 Qatar Masters which begins tomorrow. (LEFT & RIGHT) A young Qatari female golfer in action during the Challenge Match yesterday, which was won by Sergio Garcia’s team for the third year in a row. The fun-filled, five-hole Texas Scramble challenge match is held every year ahead of the Qatar Masters to let young and budding local golfers gain an experience they can relish besides also helping them develop their game. A total of 12 juniors took part in the Challenge Match this year, up from nine last year and six in 2014. The 12 youngsters were led by Garcia, an 11-time European Tour winner and seven-time Ryder Cup representative, four-time Major winner Ernie Els and 2010 Open champion Louis Oosthuizen. PICTURES: Jayaram

Tuesday, January 26, 2016 GULF TIMES COMMERCIAL BANK QATAR MASTERS

FOCUS Defending champion Grace eyes elusive double ‘I’m really happy with my game in terms of consistency and I want to continue this momentum. The 2015 season was probably my best so far, and it all started after my win here in Doha. I feel good about my form at the moment, and I also feel that I return here this year as a much better player than I was last year. The DGC is both a tough and unique course, and can be unforgiving if you make mistakes. Wind is also a factor, and I hope it’s a bit less windy this time’

Defending Qatar Masters champion Branden Grace of South Africa (third from left) with other dignitaries and off icials during the pre-event press conference at the Doha Golf Club yesterday. PICTURES: Jayaram

By Sports Reporter top-10 fi nish on The European Tour. for the Internationals against the USA “Branden Grace was a very worthy Colin Macdonald, Deputy Chief Ex- fantastic support over the past decade,” Doha “I will certainly target victory this at the Presidents Cup in Korea. winner of the Qatar Masters and we’re ecutive Offi cer, Commercial Bank, said: Probyn said. week and get myself in a winning mind- “I’m really happy with my game in delighted to see how that victory spurred “Our support of the Commercial Bank “The European Tour is now entering set. I often play videos of past victories terms of consistency and also in terms a sensational year for him in 2015. He Qatar Masters has helped it grow into a second decade of working closely with efending champion Branden to help with this and I’ll do that again,” of competing at the biggest tourna- seems to be continuing that form this a world-class annual spectacle that Commercial Bank to develop the tour- Grace has said he will target Grace said. ments of all,” Grace said. “I want to year, so I expect him to be among the has put the country on the global sport- nament, which is one of the circuit’s victory at this week’s Com- “However, the reality is that the continue this momentum and keep im- contenders for the Mother of Pearl Tro- ing map. long-standing events and a regular stop mercial Bank Qatar Masters, chances are slim, especially when you proving.” phy this week,” al-Nuaimi said. “As well as featuring a wide range for many of our top players.” beginningD tomorrow, while also admit- look at the fi eld. So many top players “The 2015 season was probably my “Along with other stars like Sergio of family-friendly entertainment, the Since 1998 the prestigious Qatar ting that the odds are against him of be- like Sergio (Garcia) have won here and best so far, and it all started after my Garcia and Louis Oosthuizen, we’re tournament has become a focal point Masters golf tournament has been coming the fi rst player to retain his title return year after year. Then we have win here in Doha. I feel good about my also looking forward to seeing leading for the growth of golf in the country hosted by the Doha Golf Club, which at the Doha Golf Club. Louis (Oosthuizen) coming back here form at the moment, and I also feel that amateurs Bryson DeChambeau and Jin and an inspiration to Qataris, which is boasts of a unique and challenging Major winners Adam Scott (2002, and a lot of other players in really good I return here this year as a much better Cheng make their tournament debuts. vitally important as Commercial Bank desert-type course, which has proven 2008) and Paul Lawrie (1999, 2012) are form, so we’ll just do our best and see player than I was last year. “We’re also proud to welcome back is dedicated to supporting the local to be one of the longest par-72 courses the event’s only two-time winners, but what happens.” “The DGC is both a tough and unique two of our leading Qatari players, Saleh community.” on the tour. no player has won back-to-back titles The South African has enjoyed a course, and can be unforgiving if you al-Kaabi and Ali al-Shahrani, and the David Probyn, Tournament Direc- Designed by Peter Harradine and un- in Doha, unlike at The European Tour’s spectacular run of form since late 2014, make mistakes. Wind is also a fac- winner of this month’s Qatar Open, tor, The European Tour, said Commer- veiled in 1997, the 7,374-yard Champi- three other events in the Middle East. becoming a regular contender at the tor, and I hope it’s a bit less windy this Rayhan Thomas.” cial Bank’s long-term title sponsorship onship Course features eight strategi- The Commercial Bank Qatar Masters world’s biggest events. time,” added the South African. A regular stop for the world’s top had ensured the tournament remained cally positioned lakes, 65 giant cacti, sits at the heart of the circuit’s three- Last year, after winning in Doha in Hassan al-Nuaimi, President of the players, the US$2.5 million tournament a fi xture on the calendar and an essen- numerous imposing limestone rock stop ‘desert swing’ early in the year January, he fi nished joint fourth at the Qatar Golf Association, welcomed the has grown into one of The European tial part of the circuit’s strong start to formations and an abundance of lush and Grace, 27, is well acclimatised after US Open in June and third at the US defending champion back to Doha at Tour’s leading events, boosted by Com- every season. and lengthy green fairways, presenting competing in Abu Dhabi, where he tied PGA Championship in August, while in yesterday’s pre-tournament press con- mercial Bank’s continued title sponsor- “The Qatar Masters has grown huge- a startling contrast to the desert that for fi fth on Sunday for his fi fth straight October he won all of fi ve of his matches ference. ship from 2006. ly in status with Commercial Bank’s lies beyond. CHALLENGE MATCH HAT-TRICK FOR TEAM GARCIA Team captain Sergio ment in Ahmed. He’s grown up a little Garcia secures a third bit, he’s developing his swing and is straight victory in the getting better, but it’s not only him. Commercial Bank Qatar I’ve seen a couple of the others before. Nada and Arnav both have really Masters Challenge Match, good swings. beating out junior sides “It’s really nice to see how every- captained by South thing is developing with Qatari golf African stars Ernie Els and and it’s great to see from three years Louis Oosthuizen ago how much better the kids have become. It’s awesome,” Garcia added. By Sports Reporter Els, who won his fourth Major title Doha at the 2012 Open Championship, enjoyed his time guiding a team featuring Abdulla Abedeen (17), Ali al- eam Garcia secured a third Mesaifri (15), Laila al-Abdulla (14) and straight victory in the tradi- Fahad Mir (14). Ttional Commercial Bank Qatar “Some of them were pretty good Masters Challenge Match, which was and some of them had just started, so held at the Doha Golf Club yesterday. I tried to pass on some tips,” Els said. Sergio Garcia, 36, and his team of “They hit some good shots, so I used four Qatari teenage amateurs edged their golf balls quite a few times. We out the sides captained by four-time had a good time out there.” Major winner Ernie Els and 2010 Oosthuizen captained two teenag- Open champion Louis Oosthuizen in ers who played in last year’s event— the fun-filled, five-hole Texas Scram- Abdulrahman al-Dehaimi (14), who ble challenge. played with Stenson, and Abdulrah- The total of 12 juniors was up from man al-Thani (13), a member of Rose’s nine last year and six in 2014. side. Three-handicapper Laila Hrinda Garcia, an 11-time European Tour (17) and 11-year-old Dylan Maisey (11) winner and seven-time Ryder Cup were the two tournament newcomers. representative, reunited for a second As well as captaining his side, year with Ahmed al-Muttawah (15). Oosthuizen said he was trying to get They were joined by six-handicapper his own bearings as he competes in Arnav Jain (15), who was playing with Qatar for the first time since 2013. his third diff erent pro, having played “It was fun, but it was very windy, with Justin Rose last year and Henrik so they were a tough few holes to Stenson in 2014. play. I was passing on some advice, Female amateur Nada Mir (16), who but I was trying to find my own game played with Stenson last year, and the as well! There were some good play- towering Yanis Sherif (16) were also ers. Laila’s got a great game and I part of the winning team. think she’ll do really well in future,” “I have now won it three times, but the South African said. that’s because I get good teams! It Garcia (2014) and Els (2005) are was good fun. The guys were great, former winners of the Commercial really nice players, so we had a good Bank Qatar Masters, while Oosthuizen, time," said the Spaniard. who missed out the 2014 and 2015 edi- “I can definitely see the improve- tions, was a runner-up in 2009. Sergio Garcia's team, comprising of Ahmed al-Muttawah, Arnav Jain, Yanis Sherif and female amateur Nada Mir, won the CBQM Challenge Match yesterday.