FOOTBALL Verratti Entertainment!

P 6 | FOOTBALL P 22 | TENNIS VErrATTI ENTErTAINmENT! bASELINE WArrIOrS! Marco Verratti, whose game has developed Top two seeds Novak Djokovic and Rafael greatly since arriving at Qatar-owned Paris Nadal have plenty to prove at the 24th Saint-Germain, is destined for bigger success. edition of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open.

WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 | Vol X | No.48 | QR 2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Follow us on

World champion and top seed Magnus Carlsen of Norway holds his nerve in a thrilling play-off to lift the Qatar Masters Open trophy. PAGES 4-5 KING cArL! DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod

UK ...... £1 UAE ...... Dh 5 Europe ...... €2 Yemen...... 75 Riyals P 24 | GOLF Oman ...... 200 Baisas Sudan ...... 1 Pound Bahrain ...... 200 Fils KSA ...... 2 Riyals P 20 | POSTER Egypt ...... LE 2 Jordan ...... 500 Fils ‘My best show Lebanon ...... 3,000 Livre Iraq ...... $1 EXCLUSIVE Kuwait ...... 250 Fils Palestine ...... $1 WILLIAN Morocco ...... Dh 6 Syria ...... LS 20 INTERVIEW is yet to come’ www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 3

OPINION

» The writer can be contacted at: Editor-in-Chief Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi [email protected] Managing Editor Kumar Ravi Senior Editor/Writer Aswin Abraham Senior Sports Writer N Ganesh Sports Writers Sajith B Warrier Mohammad Amin-ul Islam Sarath Pookkat Photographers Mohan Salute to all who’ve kept Vinod Divakaran Fadi Al Assaad Mohammed Dabboos A K BijuRaj the Qatari flag flying high Graphic Designers Abhilash Chacko Gopakumar K EHIND great sports achievements lie fascinating Lab Qatar reached a major milestone when it was Joice Michael tales. Qatar scripted plenty of them in the accredited by World Anti-Doping Agency. And Technical support Shaheen Mohammed Bpast year, be it at the regional, continental or orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital Aspetar was Abdul Naser M international level, both on and off the field. recognised by the International Handball Federation as Handballers led the march by pulling off a historic a worldwide reference centre for Athlete and referee runners-up finish at the World championship. They Health. sprang many surprises en route to reaching the final. And what better way to cap off the year for Qatar The team followed it up by gaining a maiden entry sports than hosting the high-profile friendly between P.O. box: 24598, Doha, Qatar Tel: +974 44138065, Fax: +974 44138597 into the Olympics, having won the Asian Qualification Paris Saint-Germain and Inter milan? It’s a key factor www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Tournament. that the match evoked interest from the entire football Editorial: Tel: +974 44138522, Fax: +974 44138593 Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah had a tremendous season fraternity as we get ready to organise the FIFA World cup e-mail: [email protected] as he bagged four honours. The ace driver gave a hint in seven years’ time. Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 of what was to expect from him by regaining the Qatari competitors and officials are sure to be on their e-mail: [email protected] Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 gruelling Dakar title. He went on to win the World rally toes in the forthcoming year as well. The football team e-mail: [email protected] championship’s support category, middle East event and will be seeking an Olympic entry by finishing among the cross-country World cup. top three at the Asian Under-23 championship at home Footballers failed to impress at the Asian cup in next month. www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus Australia, but came up with a far better show as they Doha will also host the Asian indoor athletics and www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar became the first side to reach the final round of World cycling road Worlds. I salute all people who’ve kept the cup qualification. Qatari flag flying high and those who strive hard to do so. www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar On the organisational front, Qatar did not lag behind. The successful conduct of the Handball Worlds, IPc Athletics World championships, boxing Worlds and Publishers: ASPIrE Printing, Publishing and Distribution global schools tennis competition, among others, bears Printed at ASPIrE Printing Press testimony to it. Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi As far as facilities were concerned, the Anti-Doping Editor-in-chief

INSIDE NO ONE COVERS P 10 | FOOTBALL P 26 | VOLLEYBALL P 31 | TENNIS Najim is mascot Star of the show The rich list! Desert fox Najim is unveiled as brazilian professional Geraldo Goiano roger Federer and Novak QATAR SPORTS BETTER mascot of the AFc Under-23 does the star turn for Al Ahli in their Djokovic are poised to become championship, to be held in win over Qatar Sc in the Qatar League. the first $100m players in the Catch every pulse of action... Stay tuned www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Doha from January 12 to 30. men’s game in 2016. P 27 | FOCUS ON QOC P 30 | CRICKET QOC chief honoured The blitzkrieg! Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution P O Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar. The Qatar University selects martin Guptill scores 93 not Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 Qatar Olympic committee chief out off 30 balls to guide New e-mail: [email protected] HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Zealand to a 10-wicket victory Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 Thani as the corporate Social over Sri Lanka in the second e-mail: [email protected] responsibility Person of the Year. One-Day International. www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 3

OPINION

INSIDE P 10 | FOOTBALL P 26 | VOLLEYBALL P 31 | TENNIS Najim is mascot Star of the show The rich list! Desert fox Najim is unveiled as brazilian professional Geraldo Goiano roger Federer and Novak mascot of the AFc Under-23 does the star turn for Al Ahli in their Djokovic are poised to become championship, to be held in win over Qatar Sc in the Qatar League. the first $100m players in the Doha from January 12 to 30. men’s game in 2016. P 27 | FOCUS ON QOC P 30 | CRICKET QOC chief honoured The blitzkrieg! The Qatar University selects martin Guptill scores 93 not Qatar Olympic committee chief out off 30 balls to guide New HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Zealand to a 10-wicket victory Thani as the corporate Social over Sri Lanka in the second responsibility Person of the Year. One-Day International. 4 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 5

PICK OF THE WEEK | CHESS

COVER STORY Beauties with brains!

Mohammad Amin-ul Islam

TATISTIcS reveal that men dominate chess, especially at Sthe top level. A cursory glance at the list of Grandmasters reveals King Carl! that almost all of them are men. And there has never been a woman WORLD CHAMPION AND TOP SEED MAGNUS CARLSEN OF NORWAY MAKES ALL THE world champion. but the long list of women RIGHT MOVES AGAINST DEFENDING CHAMPION YU YANGYI OF CHINA IN A THRILLING participants at the Qatar masters PLAY-OFF TO WIN THE QATAR MASTERS OPEN, WRITES SAJITH B WARRIER. Open clearly indicates that this trend would be bucked one day. Norway’s world No.1 and world Nino champion magnus carlsen, who Batsiashvili

AGNUS carlsen must have the winner’s trophy from Abdullah relatives in his hour of glory. was held to a draw by Georgian DSP/Mohan certainly heaved a sigh of Abdulghani & brothers managing The uneventful ninth-round International master Nino Mrelief after winning the Director Dr Nasser Al Abdulghani. encounter between Kramnik and batsiashvili, in the opening round, Journal of Economic Behaviour and Grandmaster Judit Polgar, who Qatar masters Open at the Ladies chinese star Yu, who won the carlsen was in stark contrast to the can probably tell you what it is like Organisation. competed with men, was a hard club in Aspire Zone on Tuesday. inaugural edition last year in thrilling game between Yu and So. facing a female opponent. After carslen was held to a draw, nut to crack. She is the only woman The world No.1 held his nerve in a dramatic fashion despite trailing It was a long and exciting battle as Women players also have strong the tournament’s Twitter account to have won a game against a thrilling play-off against defending by half a point in the penultimate both players gave it their all, but The idea of organising and analytical minds like men. was flooded with suggestions that reigning world No.1 player and has champion Yu Yangyi to end the year round, tried his best, but carlsen in the end, the chinese took the the tournament carlsen, with all his super talent, it was time to end the separation of defeated current or former world on a high. proved too good. full point to take the title fight to a was to increase the must be knowing that women men and women chess. champions in either rapid or classical While everyone had expected a “Overall I’m happy with the play-off. game’s popularity players are equally tough as his male “batsiashvili empowered women games. Polgar, one of the world’s top final showdown between carlsen “being the defending champion, I in Qatar and make opponents across the board. players, reacted to a claim by british and Vladimir Kramnik, the chinese was under a little bit of pressure. but the country a chess A recent study suggested that Grandmaster Niger Short that men had other ideas. IT WAS NEVER EASY. THE I relish such challenges. Hats off to destination in the Gulf male players choose riskier strategies WOMEN PLAYERS ALSO are naturally better players. The ninth-round match between ONLY THING IN MY MIND magnus (carlsen). No wonder, he’s region. From what I’ve when playing against an attractive HAVE STRONG AND “It’s not a matter of gender, but it’s the Norwegian world No.1 and the WAS TO GET MY MOVES the world No.1,” said Yu. seen over the last 10 female opponent, even though this ANALYTICAL MINDS a matter of being smart,” said Polgar russian ended in a draw, and with RIGHT WHICH I DID. carlsen, who took home the days, I think it does not improve their performance. LIKE MEN. in an interview. Yangyi defeating the Philippines’ winner’s purse of $27,000, reflected has served the On the contrary, women’s strategies The Hungarian was a prodigy Wesley So later, a tie-break blitz on the positives of victory. purpose well. are not affected by the attractiveness along with her sisters Susan and game was required. way the year went through. There “I loved being part of this fantastic of the opponent. with this draw,” read one tweet. Sofia, and broke bobby Fischer’s carlsen had never lost in a have been highs as well as a few event. It was the best-possible finish Khalifa Mohammed “In a female opponent’s bela Khotenashvili, the highest- record to become the youngest play-off and he again made all the forgettable performances. to the tournament. I enjoyed every Al Hitmi, attractiveness, male participants placed women player in last year’s Grandmaster at 15 in 1991. right moves. The reason why some people round. maybe I was a bit more tense Qatar chess Association in top chess competitions have an competition in Doha, challenged Other prominent women players “I just tried my best. It was never say I had a bad year is because the than usual in the final few hours. President. eight per cent greater propensity former world champion Vladimir in the Doha competition included easy. The only thing in my mind fans have set high standards and I Now I can enjoy,” concluded carlsen, to play risky openings which aren’t Kramnik with multiple draw china’s former world champion Hou was to get my moves right which take that as a compliment,” added as he joined the customary Magnus that beneficial,” Stockholm School of variations, but the russian scraped Yifan (2,683), who was also the I did,” said carlsen, after receiving carlsen, who was swamped by his cake-cutting celebration. PRIZE MONEY Carlsen Economics Associate Professor and through with a win. top-ranked player, and russian co-author Anna Dreber wrote in the Legendary Hungarian Alexandra Kosteniuk. $130,000 Divakaran DSP/Vinod Total $27,000 ‘We want to produce more Grandmasters’ Winner HE Qatar chess Association Stadium Plus. medaikhi said, “To be honest, we The 10-day event gained a lot (QcA) can take pride in its “magnus carlsen was the top star haven’t contacted him and he of publicity in international media. $16,000 organisational capabilities as this time. carlsen is a very big name hadn’t showed any interest either. However, the QcA wants to continue runner-up T another edition of the Qatar masters and his participation has helped I always felt he wouldn’t take part. with its development work as their Open concluded last week. It was popularising the event. I hope Hence, we wanted to invite those main task is to increase the number Qatar’s Al Sayed a job well done and the federation carlsen and other top players will be who competed here last year. We of Grandmasters in the country. ş second best şFrom left, Dr Nasser Al Abdulghani, earned plaudits for hosting one back again next year,” he added. Qatar at present has just three — magnus carlsen, Khalifa mohammed Qatar had plenty to cheer as Al Hitmi and Yu Yangyi. of the world’s strongest open carlsen, who won the Al medaikhi, his wife Zhu chen and Mohammed Al Sayed was tournaments. tournament, was also happy with WE’RE KEEN TO Mohammad mohammed Al Sayed. adjudged the second best “We wanted to make sure there the experience. ORGANISE A FIDE Al Medaikhi “We need to put in a lot of hard among Arab players, behind the For India’s newest Grandmaster S L Stadium Plus. were no organisational glitches. “The tournament was special and WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP work. It’s best to start the game UAE’s Salem Saleh and ahead of India’s newest Narayanan, it was a dream come true to “The Qatar masters Open was a big We’re happy it went off well. There a very strongly-contested one. I think IN DOHA. but Al medaikhi, who is also a at schools, where there’re several Egypt’s Shoker Samy. GM in awe of play in a tournament, which also featured stage for me. When you get to see carlsen, were praises from all quarters as well it was a different kind of challenge Grandmaster, wants to take one step youngsters ready If we want to Al Sayed was very impressive world champion magnus carlsen. Vladimir Kramnik and other top stars as FIDE, the world body. It was one for me,” said the world champion. at a time. increase Gms or International during his second-round match “my eventual goal is to reach 2,700+ Elo playing in the same event, you definitely Carlsen of the strongest open competitions Asked why the QcA never approached carlsen because he’s the “We’re keen to have a FIDE World masters, we also need to have a pool against russian Grandmaster rating. It’ll help me compete against the feel good about it. maxim matlakov whom he held best. Ever since I was in the third class, I “I’ve grown up admiring carlsen and in the world which also reflected invited former world champion world’s top player.” championship in Doha, but we’ll of talented players,” he said. to a draw. wanted to be a professional player. I’ve used to watch his matches against our culture and hospitality,” QcA Viswanathan Anand for the The success of back-to-back have to wait for a while before we “With a little more luck, I remained focused all the way and I want to Viswanathan Anand as a part of my Secretary and Tournament Director masters, despite the huge presence editions is enough motivation for can think of hosting another » The writer can be contacted at: could’ve done further in the put in my best effort,” Narayanan told Doha training,” said the 17-year-old. mohammad Al medaikhi told Doha of Indian expatriates in Qatar, Al the QcA to host another big event, top-level competition,” he said. [email protected] tournament,” said Al Sayed. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 5

PICK OF THE WEEK | CHESS

Beauties with brains!

Mohammad Amin-ul Islam

TATISTIcS reveal that men dominate chess, especially at Sthe top level. A cursory glance at the list of Grandmasters reveals that almost all of them are men. And there has never been a woman world champion. but the long list of women participants at the Qatar masters Open clearly indicates that this trend would be bucked one day. Norway’s world No.1 and world Nino champion magnus carlsen, who Batsiashvili

was held to a draw by Georgian DSP/Mohan International master Nino batsiashvili, in the opening round, Journal of Economic Behaviour and Grandmaster Judit Polgar, who can probably tell you what it is like Organisation. competed with men, was a hard facing a female opponent. After carslen was held to a draw, nut to crack. She is the only woman Women players also have strong the tournament’s Twitter account to have won a game against a and analytical minds like men. was flooded with suggestions that reigning world No.1 player and has carlsen, with all his super talent, it was time to end the separation of defeated current or former world must be knowing that women men and women chess. champions in either rapid or classical players are equally tough as his male “batsiashvili empowered women games. Polgar, one of the world’s top opponents across the board. players, reacted to a claim by british A recent study suggested that Grandmaster Niger Short that men male players choose riskier strategies WOMEN PLAYERS ALSO are naturally better players. when playing against an attractive HAVE STRONG AND “It’s not a matter of gender, but it’s female opponent, even though this ANALYTICAL MINDS a matter of being smart,” said Polgar does not improve their performance. LIKE MEN. in an interview. On the contrary, women’s strategies The Hungarian was a prodigy are not affected by the attractiveness along with her sisters Susan and of the opponent. with this draw,” read one tweet. Sofia, and broke bobby Fischer’s “In a female opponent’s bela Khotenashvili, the highest- record to become the youngest attractiveness, male participants placed women player in last year’s Grandmaster at 15 in 1991. in top chess competitions have an competition in Doha, challenged Other prominent women players eight per cent greater propensity former world champion Vladimir in the Doha competition included to play risky openings which aren’t Kramnik with multiple draw china’s former world champion Hou Magnus that beneficial,” Stockholm School of variations, but the russian scraped Yifan (2,683), who was also the Carlsen Economics Associate Professor and through with a win. top-ranked player, and russian co-author Anna Dreber wrote in the Legendary Hungarian Alexandra Kosteniuk. DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod ‘We want to produce more Grandmasters’ Stadium Plus. medaikhi said, “To be honest, we The 10-day event gained a lot “magnus carlsen was the top star haven’t contacted him and he of publicity in international media. this time. carlsen is a very big name hadn’t showed any interest either. However, the QcA wants to continue and his participation has helped I always felt he wouldn’t take part. with its development work as their popularising the event. I hope Hence, we wanted to invite those main task is to increase the number Qatar’s Al Sayed carlsen and other top players will be who competed here last year. We of Grandmasters in the country. second best back again next year,” he added. Qatar at present has just three — carlsen, who won the Al medaikhi, his wife Zhu chen and Qatar had plenty to cheer as Mohammed Al Sayed was tournament, was also happy with WE’RE KEEN TO Mohammad mohammed Al Sayed. adjudged the second best the experience. ORGANISE A FIDE Al Medaikhi “We need to put in a lot of hard among Arab players, behind the “The tournament was special and WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP work. It’s best to start the game UAE’s Salem Saleh and ahead of a very strongly-contested one. I think IN DOHA. but Al medaikhi, who is also a at schools, where there’re several Egypt’s Shoker Samy. it was a different kind of challenge Grandmaster, wants to take one step youngsters ready If we want to Al Sayed was very impressive for me,” said the world champion. at a time. increase Gms or International during his second-round match Asked why the QcA never approached carlsen because he’s the “We’re keen to have a FIDE World masters, we also need to have a pool against russian Grandmaster maxim matlakov whom he held invited former world champion world’s top player.” championship in Doha, but we’ll of talented players,” he said. to a draw. Viswanathan Anand for the The success of back-to-back have to wait for a while before we “With a little more luck, I masters, despite the huge presence editions is enough motivation for can think of hosting another » The writer can be contacted at: could’ve done further in the of Indian expatriates in Qatar, Al the QcA to host another big event, top-level competition,” he said. [email protected] tournament,” said Al Sayed. 6 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 7

KICK-OFF Wednesday, Paris Saint-Germain vs Inter milan FOOTBALL | QATAR December 30 Al Sadd Stadium, 7.30pm.

sizzling with energy, adventure and ‘Sign of people’s showing unlimited promise. He has not let anyone down. passion for the game’ In Ancelotti, who rates him very high, Verratti had a great mentor. A sell-out crowd should cheer the stars of Paris Saint-Germain and Inter milan The Italian coach had even likened on when they line up for the high-profile him to his legendary countryman friendly at the 15,000-seat Andrea Pirlo though both are Al Sadd Stadium on entirely different in style. Wednesday. While Pirlo, who bosses around “The tickets are sold the midfield at his own pace, is all out and it just shows about soft touches, sensational the passion and love of our people for football. passing range and swirling free- As cEO of the organising kicks, Verratti, is more of an all- committee, I would like rounder. He can also spray passes to thank all the people around and run with the ball while who’re associated with the his low centre of gravity enables him organisation of the match,” said Mansoor Al Verratti to make amazing dribbles. He can Ansari, who is also General Secretary of the make crushing tackles (real madrid Qatar Football Association. midfielder Isco would vouch for it) and can score special goals. entertainment! “He’ll need to go a long way to reach Pirlo’s level, (but he has the Transfer talks leave ITALIAN MARCO VERRATTI, WHOSE GAME HAS DEVELOPED BY LEAPS AND BOUNDS SINCE ARRIVING AT potential). In his position, he has to leave the ball very quickly, but he’s coaches bemused QATAR-OWNED PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN, IS A GRITTY AND STYLISH MIDFIELDER, WRITES SARATH POOKKAT. fantastic with his control. He doesn’t

feel the pressure of opponent. ArIS Saint-Germain coach Laurent blanc Divakaran DSP/Vinod and his Inter milan counterpart Roberto ššInter milan T LOOKED as if he was heading trouble just as easily as he drops a Guardiola at the end of this season. PMancini would have expected more players go through into trouble. He received the ball shoulder and go the other way. He but as of now, Verratti is going ANCELOTTI HAD EVEN questions about their prospects this season their paces during a Ion the edge of his own penalty has the talent to do so. And even nowhere. LIKENED VERRATTI TO HIS and plans to achieve them at the pre-match training session. Sparks are sure to area and, with two rival players more impressive is the fact that “I joined PSG at a very young age LEGENDARY COUNTRYMAN Press conference on Tuesday, but it centred pressing for possession, he made a he does it in style. That is exactly and I’ve made a lot of progress there. ANDREA PIRLO. mostly on the transfer rumours, leaving the sharp turn only to find the third one why his name is now linked with I feel very good there. I’m very happy duo bemused. fly as titans clash dangerously close. Perfect recipe for barcelona. with the progress we’re making,” Journalists wanted to know whether Doha disaster for most players, but not Former barca legend Xavi said Verratti in Doha, where PSG will I hope in future he can become would be the place for the two clubs to seal the Qatari capital. The two had met marco Verratti. Hernandez, now captaining play a friendly against Italian Serie A even quicker at releasing the pass,” some big deals, be it that of Ezequiel Lavezzi N Ganesh last year in marrakesh, morocco, The Paris Saint-Germain Qatar Stars League side Al Sadd, leaders Inter milan on Wednesday. Ancelotti had said about Verratti or Gregory van der Wiel, who both are where PSG won 1-0. midfielder made a Zinedine Zidane- had recently said Verratti would “I must thank the coach and team- during the youngster’s first season reportedly interested in leaving the Paris club. mancini rated PSG as the esque swivel, stepping on the ball mates for helping me. Looking back, at the club. “We’re going to sign them straight after ArIS Saint-Germain will take favourites. and moving it between the legs it was a good decision to join the At the Euro 2016 in France next the Press conference,” said mancini to on Inter milan in a friendly “PSG are one of the top clubs of the hapless defender as he I JOINED PSG AT A VERY Paris club.” June, Verratti will get a chance to which blanc smilingly replied “I’m Pat the Al Sadd Stadium on in the world, but anything can danced himself out of trouble. YOUNG AGE AND I’VE They have bought a number of show his countrymen how much of ready”. Wednesday, which will give the happen in a one-off match. I’m Two more touches later, he was MADE A LOT OF PROGRESS superstars in the few years since the an improvement he has made since On a serious note, mancini teams a chance to gauge the sure it’ll be a fantastic game leading a counter-attack. THERE. I FEEL VERY GOOD. Qatar Sports Investments took over leaving Italy for greener pastures said, “January is a good month serious preparation they because both teams have great Verratti has played similar the French side and invested mega almost four years ago. to go to the sky with all transfer are making in Doha in players,” said the Italian, who has moves in a PSG shirt dozens of bucks to make them world beaters, While Verratti’s game has news. Every journalist wants to talk view of an ardous revived Inter’s fortunes and taken times despite danger lurking at be a perfect fit for the European but it is Verratti who perhaps best developed by leaps and bounds about players leaving and coming. but let second season. And it them to the top of Serie A. every corner, at every turn. He champions. represents the club’s slogan ‘Dream since he arrived in PSG, his me say that we’re a good team. It’s you presents fans another thrives on living on the edge. “I love Verratti. I like his vision of bigger’. popularity has soared too. He is one newspapers who’re interested more in the chance to see some There are plenty of other players the game. He never loses the ball,” Verratti came to the French of the most vibrant members in the transfers.” of the gems in world PSG’S SCOPES HAVE with amazing ball control and said Xavi. “He would fit well in the capital in 2012 from Italian Serie dressing room, along with the likes blanc said, “I feel we should’ve been football from close. GROWN OVER THE YEARS. dribbling skills, but not many would barca game. I would like to see him b side Pescara, whom he had of David Luiz and Ezequiel Lavezzi. speaking more about the big match. As far Players of both teams WE AREN’T JUST A think of doing it, let alone try, while there.” helped become champions and As PSG are almost sure to run as I know, we don’t have a single were toiling hard to shed those FRENCH CLUB ANYMORE. playing as a deep-lying midfielder The 24-year-old Italian was also gain promotion to the top flight. away with the title in France, their player whose contract will extra calories they added during the

DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod and surrounded by rival players in linked with a host of other top While PSG’s all other buys that year real challenge lies in the champions be ending in January. I christmas break. Halfway through their own half. teams including bayern munich, were proven stars such as Thiago League, where they yet again also heard the news the French League, PSG are 19 PSG’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Verratti embraces outrageousness. where carlo Ancelotti, his former Silva, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and David take on chelsea in the last 16. but about our goalkeeper points clear atop, but they have Inter’s Stevan Jovetic would be the He backs himself to get out of coach at PSG, will take over from Pep beckham, Verratti was the future, this time, they start as favourites, Salvatore Sirigu, but the big last-16 tie against reigning two standout players, but a galaxy especially with the English it isn’t true.” English champions chelsea in the of South American stars will dazzle champions going through a rough champions League, a competition at the match. period. they want to triumph in. PSG boast a host of Latinos such Paris Saint-Germain midfielder marco Verratti said And they have the ability and “PSG’s objectives and scope have as Uruguayan Edinson cavani, ‘Qatar World the World cup to be held in Qatar in 2022 would be fantastic. belief to go beyond the quarterfinal, grown over the years. And we aren’t Argentinians Javier Pastore and Cup would be “The World cup in Qatar? It’s still very far away, where they exited last season just a French club anymore. We’re Angel Di maria as well as brazilians fantastic’ but I hope I can play it, it would be fantastic,” said after losing to barcelona. owned by Qatar, so there has been Thiago Silva and David Luiz. They the Italian, an important player for PSG. This season, even the a marked international flavour to it will match their wits against the Inter forward Stevan Jovetic was not so optimistic catalans would be in recent years. We would try and likes of Argentinians mauro Icardi about his chances of playing in the quadrennial keen to avoid meeting impress our Qatari owners when and rodrigo Palacio, chilean Gary event as age is not on his side. the French champions. we take on Inter,” said PSG coach medel and brazilian miranda. “World cup in Qatar? I hope to be able to play there, but I don’t know. I play for a small national That says a lot about Laurent blanc. That should add a lot of spice the progress Verratti PSG are more familiar to the to the game though it is up to Marco team, but I hope I’m able to,” said the 26-year-old Laurent and co have been Doha conditions, having camped the coaches to decide the level of Verratti montenegro player. Blanc making. here thrice while Inter are new to intensity. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 7

KICK-OFF Wednesday, Paris Saint-Germain vs Inter milan December 30 Al Sadd Stadium, 7.30pm.

sizzling with energy, adventure and ‘Sign of people’s showing unlimited promise. He has not let anyone down. passion for the game’ In Ancelotti, who rates him very high, Verratti had a great mentor. A sell-out crowd should cheer the stars of Paris Saint-Germain and Inter milan The Italian coach had even likened on when they line up for the high-profile him to his legendary countryman friendly at the 15,000-seat Andrea Pirlo though both are Al Sadd Stadium on entirely different in style. Wednesday. While Pirlo, who bosses around “The tickets are sold the midfield at his own pace, is all out and it just shows about soft touches, sensational the passion and love of our people for football. passing range and swirling free- As cEO of the organising kicks, Verratti, is more of an all- committee, I would like rounder. He can also spray passes to thank all the people around and run with the ball while who’re associated with the his low centre of gravity enables him organisation of the match,” said Mansoor Al to make amazing dribbles. He can Ansari, who is also General Secretary of the make crushing tackles (real madrid Qatar Football Association. midfielder Isco would vouch for it) and can score special goals. “He’ll need to go a long way to reach Pirlo’s level, (but he has the Transfer talks leave potential). In his position, he has to leave the ball very quickly, but he’s coaches bemused fantastic with his control. He doesn’t

feel the pressure of opponent. ArIS Saint-Germain coach Laurent blanc Divakaran DSP/Vinod and his Inter milan counterpart Roberto ššInter milan PMancini would have expected more players go through ANCELOTTI HAD EVEN questions about their prospects this season their paces during a LIKENED VERRATTI TO HIS and plans to achieve them at the pre-match training session. Sparks are sure to LEGENDARY COUNTRYMAN Press conference on Tuesday, but it centred ANDREA PIRLO. mostly on the transfer rumours, leaving the duo bemused. fly as titans clash Journalists wanted to know whether Doha I hope in future he can become would be the place for the two clubs to seal the Qatari capital. The two had met even quicker at releasing the pass,” some big deals, be it that of Ezequiel Lavezzi N Ganesh last year in marrakesh, morocco, Ancelotti had said about Verratti or Gregory van der Wiel, who both are where PSG won 1-0. during the youngster’s first season reportedly interested in leaving the Paris club. mancini rated PSG as the at the club. “We’re going to sign them straight after ArIS Saint-Germain will take favourites. At the Euro 2016 in France next the Press conference,” said mancini to on Inter milan in a friendly “PSG are one of the top clubs June, Verratti will get a chance to which blanc smilingly replied “I’m Pat the Al Sadd Stadium on in the world, but anything can show his countrymen how much of ready”. Wednesday, which will give the happen in a one-off match. I’m an improvement he has made since On a serious note, mancini teams a chance to gauge the sure it’ll be a fantastic game leaving Italy for greener pastures said, “January is a good month serious preparation they because both teams have great almost four years ago. to go to the sky with all transfer are making in Doha in players,” said the Italian, who has While Verratti’s game has news. Every journalist wants to talk view of an ardous revived Inter’s fortunes and taken developed by leaps and bounds about players leaving and coming. but let second season. And it them to the top of Serie A. since he arrived in PSG, his me say that we’re a good team. It’s you presents fans another popularity has soared too. He is one newspapers who’re interested more in the chance to see some of the most vibrant members in the transfers.” of the gems in world PSG’S SCOPES HAVE dressing room, along with the likes blanc said, “I feel we should’ve been football from close. GROWN OVER THE YEARS. of David Luiz and Ezequiel Lavezzi. speaking more about the big match. As far Players of both teams WE AREN’T JUST A As PSG are almost sure to run as I know, we don’t have a single were toiling hard to shed those FRENCH CLUB ANYMORE. away with the title in France, their player whose contract will extra calories they added during the real challenge lies in the champions be ending in January. I christmas break. Halfway through League, where they yet again also heard the news the French League, PSG are 19 PSG’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic and take on chelsea in the last 16. but about our goalkeeper points clear atop, but they have Inter’s Stevan Jovetic would be the this time, they start as favourites, Salvatore Sirigu, but the big last-16 tie against reigning two standout players, but a galaxy especially with the English it isn’t true.” English champions chelsea in the of South American stars will dazzle champions going through a rough champions League, a competition at the match. period. they want to triumph in. PSG boast a host of Latinos such And they have the ability and “PSG’s objectives and scope have as Uruguayan Edinson cavani, belief to go beyond the quarterfinal, grown over the years. And we aren’t Argentinians Javier Pastore and where they exited last season just a French club anymore. We’re Angel Di maria as well as brazilians after losing to barcelona. owned by Qatar, so there has been Thiago Silva and David Luiz. They This season, even the a marked international flavour to it will match their wits against the catalans would be in recent years. We would try and likes of Argentinians mauro Icardi keen to avoid meeting impress our Qatari owners when and rodrigo Palacio, chilean Gary the French champions. we take on Inter,” said PSG coach medel and brazilian miranda. That says a lot about Laurent blanc. That should add a lot of spice the progress Verratti PSG are more familiar to the to the game though it is up to Laurent and co have been Doha conditions, having camped the coaches to decide the level of Blanc making. here thrice while Inter are new to intensity. 8 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 9 FOOTBALL | QATAR Qatar an option for Ibra ATAr is very much was an option. current contract and I want to give in 2015. He became PSG’s all- on the radar of Paris “my current situation is new to my best to the team. I don’t have a time leading scorer in Ligue 1, QSaint-Germain’s Zlatan me. I’ve an expiring contract. I’m next destination in mind. passing mustapha Dahleb’s 98 Ibrahimovic and the free to do what I want,” French “A move to Qatar? I’ve a good goals, before snatching George talismanic striker dropped relationship with PSG President Weah’s record as the club’s all- 3 16 sufficient hints regarding Nasser Ghanem Al Kholaifi and time leading scorer in European I’VE A GOOD clubs Kevin matches the this. the people of Qatar, but I can’t competition, with 17 in the Trapp has German has The 34-year-old’s RELATIONSHIP WITH say anything at this stage. Let’s champions League. PSG PRESIDENT AND THE represented played for Paris contract with the just say that a move to Qatar is an Ibrahimovic so far Saint-Germain Qatar-owned Ligue 1 PEOPLE OF QATAR. option. played 43 official champions will end this “I’m enjoying my football at matches in ’15, season. Though he is the moment and I’m feeling well scoring 35 linked with USA’s major sports daily L’Equipe quoted both mentally and physically. I’m goals. League Soccer, the Ibrahimovic as saying. enjoying myself each game. We’ll Swede said a move to “I’m focused on PSG for now. I see what happens,” he said. the Qatar Stars League still have six months to go on my Ibrahimovic broke many records

Kevin Trapp Doha is like a second home Divakaran DSP/Vinod now, says PSG medio Matuidi INTERVIEW Defensive midfielderBlaise Matuidi, who has been a consistent player of Paris Saint-Germain over the last few seasons, spoke to the media about a variety of topics last Sunday. Trapping the ball with his hands! We’ve to give the maximum to 2016 OBJECTIVES reach our objectives. PLAYER OF YEAR F KEVIN Trapp was somewhat side in Germany. but PSG are one a new contract with Frankfurt only bernabeu. After playing very well, ЂЂDo you dream of becoming the “We’ve very big ambitions at PSG. “I’m very happy to have received a surprise signing by highly- of the biggest clubs in the world. in February. After talking to the PSG it was disappointing to lose 0-1, world’s best goalkeeper? We’ve started the season well and QATAR TOUR this honour, especially since it was Iambitious Paris Saint-Germain, So it’s a huge and new experience authorities last summer, it became but we proved a point. We’ve to go ЃЂIt was a big step to go to Paris. already have one record for the former winners that voted. but the pace at which he displaced for me. The integration wasn’t too clear to me that I had to be a part of far forward. For that, we’ve to beat I’m 25 and still young. In Germany, number of points in the first half “We’ve got used to coming here it’s not the end of the road. I’ve to seasoned Salvatore Sirigu as their difficult because we’ve a nice team this group. So far, it has been okay. chelsea. We’re confident. we’ve manuel Neuer, who’s the of the season, and we want more now in the middle of the season. keep working hard to win trophies first-choice goalkeeper has been with good characters. Of course, it but I know I’ve to improve and the One hundred per cent, it’s going best goalkeeper in the world. So It’s like a second home now, but Ligue 1 records too. We’re already with PSG. I don’t set myself any incredible. coach Laurent blanc has was the first time that I played in team has to get better as well. to be a good match, an interesting becoming No.1 in Germany is very thinking about the champions with sunshine! We’re working very limits. I’ve always taken it as it regularly turned to the German the champions League, along with one. difficult because he has proved League and our last-16 tie with hard and we’ve a few obligations comes, working hard. I knew that chelsea. The second half of the with our partners as well, which if I wanted to play for a great club, this season, triggering reports that Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva, ЂЂWith such big players upfront, himself for many years, especially season could be magnificent. but is quite normal. We saw in the with great players, I would’ve to Sirigu is planning a move back to David Luiz and others. I feel very how difficult or easy it’s for you to ЂЂWhat should PSG do to become at the last World cup. He’s 29, but for that to be the case, we’ve to US last summer that the club’s work for it. It’s also thanks to my Italy soon. comfortable now. handle the pressure at the rear? the champions of Europe? already has a lot of experience. For work very hard. There’re some popularity is really growing and team-mates and my coaches that Trapp, 25, who left relegated ЃЂHonestly, we’re always under ЃЂIt’s difficult. If you see, teams like me, I benefit a lot by training along it’s the same here in Qatar. People great challenges coming with Paris I’ve reached this level. I’m very Kaiserslautern for promoted ЂЂYou replaced Salvatore Sirigu as real madrid and barcelona don’t with him. know we’re here! and the France national team. proud. Eintracht Frankfurt in 2012, would PSG’s first choice in quick time. How win it every year. my target is to be the best

DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod not have fancied any champions did you manage to do that? WHEN I CAME TO champions League is at a high goalkeeper in the world. I know it’s League hopes back then, but barely ЃЂI’ve always said that Salva is a PARIS, MY GOAL WAS TO level. A lot of details influence the a very big goal, but before reaching four months into his PSG contract, good goalkeeper, but I don’t want IMPROVE MYSELF AND result, so we need to be focused that, I must concentrate on achieving Kids have a ball at special session with Parisians he found himself in the goal against to speak about other players. When HELP THE TEAM. 100 per cent on the game. We’ve my immediate priorities. holders real madrid at the Santiago I came to Paris, my goal was to a strong team. It’s possible to win EArLY 50 boys and girls, aged inspiration from PSG’s players who to want to play football, and also to progress, and when you really experience.” bernabeu. The match, however, improve myself and help the team. and that’s our goal. There’re a lot of » The writer can be contacted at: between 10 and 12, took part are now camping in Doha. wear the PSG jersey. To let you in appreciate all that you can do for The PSG Academy is a football turned nightmarish for the German I just see myself because if I look at pressure and must keep performing. people around us to help achieve it. [email protected] Nin a special training session The kids were selected by PSG’s on a little secret, once I retire from them.” school open to both boys and girls as his howler cost the Parisians the other players, it becomes difficult for I’ve done that. Of course, there’s a organised by the PSG Academy at the regional partners QNb, Ooredoo, beIN professional football, if I still have “It was great!” said Lylia, one of the in the five-to-16 age group. It is run group game. me to do that. On the pitch, I’ve to difference when I’m in a new team. Aspire ground on Tuesday. Sports and Emirates. the energy, I want to coach kids — participants. “We watched the PSG at 45 different centres, and open but Trapp looks to have moved prove that I want to do good and be but the work is always the same. Under the watchful eyes of Paris “On our various tournaments, we that’s what I find most interesting. training session and afterwards, it throughout the year. In 2015-16, it on. Speaking to local media last in the team. but it’s the coach who Saint-Germain coach Laurent blanc, can see PSG are really taking on an They’ll stand there and listen to you. was our turn to train with blanc and is holding more than 120 seasonal monday, he sounded confident decides that finally, not me. ЂЂOn your big Champions League his deputy Zoumana camara and extra dimension and that’s a good It’s when you can camara. It was a unique opportunity camps in 12 countries. more than about the forthcoming European pre-quarterfinal against Chelsea... the French club’s academy coaches, thing,” said blanc. “It’s important for make the since there’re very few kids who 8,000 kids will be able to take part, last-16 clash against chelsea, his ЂЂLooking back, how important ЃЂI think our players are used to children honed their skills and took young people first and foremost most get this chance. It was a really good half of them in camps outside France. dreams of becoming the world’s was getting the PSG call? How has it it, having met them in the last two best keeper and much more. influenced your career? seasons. We want to pass it. chelsea ЃЂmy personal goal has always are a big team and they’ve a new ЂЂHow has been your PSG been to play in the champions coach. So it’ll be a little bit different. experience so far? League and make it to the national but we proved that we can beat any ЃЂI moved to Paris after playing team. I achieved both with the opponent. We had a strange match for Frankfurt, which isn’t a major PSG move. It was strange I signed against real madrid at the Santiago

‘Qatar will ensure Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Kevin The German also had good words Trapp said Qatar would do everything about the Aspire Zone. a successful possible to make the 2022 FIFA World “The things I saw in the Aspire Zone cup successful. too were good. The weather is perfect World Cup’ “It’s too far away. I don’t want to here and you’ve every possibility to speak much about it. but I know Qatar train as you’ve got great facilities. The is going to do everything to make it hotel too is nice. Everybody helps us a successful,” said Trapp. lot,” he said. 8 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 9 FOOTBALL | QATAR Qatar an option for Ibra ATAr is very much was an option. current contract and I want to give in 2015. He became PSG’s all- on the radar of Paris “my current situation is new to my best to the team. I don’t have a time leading scorer in Ligue 1, QSaint-Germain’s Zlatan me. I’ve an expiring contract. I’m next destination in mind. passing mustapha Dahleb’s 98 Ibrahimovic and the free to do what I want,” French “A move to Qatar? I’ve a good goals, before snatching George talismanic striker dropped relationship with PSG President Weah’s record as the club’s all- 3 16 sufficient hints regarding Nasser Ghanem Al Kholaifi and time leading scorer in European I’VE A GOOD clubs Kevin matches the this. the people of Qatar, but I can’t competition, with 17 in the Trapp has German has The 34-year-old’s RELATIONSHIP WITH say anything at this stage. Let’s champions League. PSG PRESIDENT AND THE represented played for Paris contract with the just say that a move to Qatar is an Ibrahimovic so far Saint-Germain Qatar-owned Ligue 1 PEOPLE OF QATAR. option. played 43 official champions will end this “I’m enjoying my football at matches in ’15, season. Though he is the moment and I’m feeling well scoring 35 linked with USA’s major sports daily L’Equipe quoted both mentally and physically. I’m goals. League Soccer, the Ibrahimovic as saying. enjoying myself each game. We’ll Swede said a move to “I’m focused on PSG for now. I see what happens,” he said. the Qatar Stars League still have six months to go on my Ibrahimovic broke many records

ATAr coach Felix Sanchez Stadium Plus. expressed confidence that all The Spaniard, who helped Qatar Qplayers would adapt to his win the Asian U-19 championship in style during their training camp in myanmar last year, was elevated as Turkey and get ready in time for the the U-23 team coach earlier this year. DSP/Fadi Al Assaad DSP/Fadi Asian Under-23 championship, to He rebuilt the team with talented be played in Doha from January 12 players like Akram Afif and Ahmed to 30. moen from the triumphant side After playing a friendly against and finished third at the inaugural ššQatar are preparing hard Yemen on Wednesday, Qatar will West Asian Football Federation U-23 second half, we lost our focus and for the continental event. leave for Antalya the following day. championship at home in October. that cost us the result. They will play another warm-up “I think it was more because of match against Iceland on January 6 tactical reasons than physical. Of and return to Doha the next day. THERE’RE BOYS WITH course, Uzbekistan were physically Last monday, they went down EXPERIENCE. EVERYONE strong. We knew that and we’re used fighting 0-2 to Uzbekistan in a HAS TO CONTRIBUTE to playing against stronger teams. friendly played at the Al Ahli Stadium. TO THE TEAM. Hopefully, we’ll learn from the Sanchez has included senior things that went wrong,” ššFrom left, Khalifa Al Haroon, internationals like Ali Asad, said Sanchez. Qatar Stars League Abdulkarim Hassan, mohammed Their real test awaits at the cEO Hani Taleb muntari and Ahmed Yasser in view continental tournament. The Uzbek ballan, Ahmed Al Najim mascot of maadeed, mansoor of the Asian competition, but the game proved Qatar need to raise their Al Ansari and other team did not look fully confident and overall level as they will be up against officials with Najim. conceded twice in the second half big guns like South Korea, Japan and — Komilov Akromjon (63rd minute) Iran. and Tursunov Dostonbek (89th). The “We knew the game AFC U-23 event performance meant Sanchez has a against Uzbekistan few areas to work on, especially in would be tough. ‘We’re trying to make passing and organisation. At some point following an Opening ceremony. last Sunday. “I think, for the players, the key is in the N Ganesh Speaking at the event, Qatar Tickets for all matches to adapt quickly and give what we “I hope the Doha factor Al Gharafa stronger, better’ Football Association General are available on the Qatar want from them. There’re boys with will be a positive for us. Secretary mansoor Al Ansari, Football Association’s experience and it’s good for them, but L GHArAFA “We aren’t satisfied with the said Sheikh Hamad. AJIm is the mascot of Asian who is also the QLOc cEO, said all website www.qfa.qa. finally everyone has to contribute The players will be Football Head team’s performances and we can commenting on the team’s more motivated and Football confederation’s (AFc) arrangements were made for the Designated booths will be to the team. I’m sure ASheikh Hamad feel the dissatisfaction of our fans,” performances in the first phase, NUnder-23 championship. The tournament’s successful conduct. opened at the Villaggio and city everybody will do it. We’ll we hope eventually bin Mohammed Al Thani said said Sheikh Hamad. Sheikh Hamad said, “Some of our Qatar Local Organising committee “The U-23 tournament is the center malls in Doha on Saturday. be treating all players things will work last Sunday the former Qatar “We’re aiming to regain the foreign players didn’t perform well. (QLOc) unveiled it at a brief third biggest international event Furthermore, fans will be able in the same way,” in our favour. Stars League (QSL) champions Also, we missed lots of scoring ceremony held at the Lekhwiya we can host. The ’11 Asian cup to buy tickets on match days at Sanchez told hoped to find their form in the opportunities. We weren’t lucky Felix Sanchez, Stadium last Sunday. in Doha was a big hit while the venues. Doha Qatar Under-23 second phase. SOME OF OUR FOREIGN either.” Najim is a desert fox found in World cup will stop here in ’22. AFc General Secretary Windsor team coach. Gharafa, 10th in the 14-team PLAYERS DIDN’T PERFORM Sheikh Hamad said a new coach Qatar. The smart and wily creature is We’re taking all efforts to make this John said in a statement, “The table with 15 points, have mostly WELL. ALSO, WE MISSED would be appointed soon. also known for its speed and power, AFc U-23 championship offers a been mediocre so far this season. LOTS OF OPPORTUNITIES. “We’ll make an announcement which are the necessary attributes of window to the future of football They fired brazilian coach Pericles on the new coach in the coming a champion footballer. Qatari artist in Asia, featuring tomorrow’s chamusca and appointed Habib days. Some discussions are going THE QFA IS WORKING IN ŢšAl Gharafa Ahmed Al maadeed, who created CLOSE CO-OPERATION brightest stars. It’s also a qualifying suffered a 0-4 Sadeq as the caretaker, but he could balance and seeking good results in on,” he said. mascots for the 2011 Asian cup, competition for the ’16 Olympic defeat against not arrest the slump. They lost 0-4 the coming games. I’ve confidence Asked about the possibility of WITH VARIOUS champions designed it. GOVERNMENT ENTITIES. Games and that increases the stakes Lekhwiya in the to champions Lekhwiya in the 14th that with quality performances, changing some players in the The mascot will promote the even further.” 14th round. round. we’ll get back to where we belong,” January transfer window, he tournament at various sites like Souq An affordable ticketing structure TICKET said, “Definitely the team will be Waqif, Katara cultural village, Aspire championship a great success as has been designed to make the PRICES supported in the transfer window. and museum of Islamic Art Parks, well,” said Al Ansari. tournament accessible to local Entry will be free for children We’re trying to make the side Sealine beach in mesaieed, and “The QFA is working in close football fans, and attract families in and disabled people. stronger and better in order to Opening match Group stage, various schools and universities. co-operation with several sports order to ensure a lively and festive and final quarterfinals return to winning ways.” The championship, which will federations and various government atmosphere at the venues. and semifinals Gharafa will take on mesaimeer double as the ’16 Olympic qualifiers, entities like the ministry of Youth QLOc communications and VIP at the Al Wakrah Stadium on will be played at four venues — and Sports, ministry of Interior marketing Director Khalifa Al Haroon QR100 QR50 Saturday. Al Sadd, Al Arabi, Lekhwiya and and Qatar Tourism Authority. said, “We want to market the cATEGOrY 1 Qatar Sports club stadiums — from Preparations have been going on in tournament in big way, QR50 QR30 KICK-OFF cATEGOrY 2 January 12 to 30. The top three a smooth and strong manner,” said especially through social Al Khor vs Al Arabi teams will make it to the rio Games. the official. media, which will QR30 QR10 Al Khor Stadium, 4.15pm. Hosts Qatar will take on china in the The ticket sales for the ensure us a global Qatar Sc vs Lekhwiya Fun-loving Al Gharafa Stadium, 4.15pm. first match at the Lekhwiya Stadium championship was also launched reach.” Saturday, and friendly January 2 Al rayyan vs Al Kharaitiyat Al Gharafa Stadium, 6.45pm. Najim is a fearless desert fox, mesaimeer vs Al Gharafa “The AFc U-23 championship offers a window to which is active, fun-loving Al Wakrah Stadium, 6.45pm. and a friendly character. Umm Salal vs Al Sadd the future of football in Asia. It’s also a qualifying Speed and power are Al Ahli Stadium, 4.15pm. competition for the ’16 Olympic Games and its key attributes, making Sunday, Al Ahli vs Al Wakrah that increases the stakes even further. the animal the ideal figure January 3 Al Ahli Stadium, 6.45pm. to represent the Asian Al Sailiya vs El Jaish Windsor John, AFc General Secretary. Under-23 championship. Al Gharafa Stadium, 6.45pm. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 11

Sanchez hopes his boys adapt quickly

şşArsenal’s mesut Ozil, centre, celebrates with Hector bellerin, left, Messi, Barca win and Alex Oxlade chamberlain after scoring his team’s Globe Awards second goal. ArcELONA and star player Lionel Messi shone at the Seventh Globe Soccer Awards Bin Dubai last Sunday, taking home the prizes for the best team and player. TOP DRAW! messi had travelled from Argentina to attend the ceremony. MANCHESTER UNITED PUT UP AN “It’s very nice to receive these awards, but IMPROVED DISPLAY TO HOLD CHELSEA I always say the team makes it possible,” said messi. “It has been an extraordinary year.” GOALLESS IN THE ENGLISH PREMIER barcelona won five titles in 2015 — the LEAGUE AND GIVE UNDER-FIRE MANAGER Spanish League, copa del rey, champions League, LOUIS VAN GAAL A MUCH-NEEDED European Super cup and World club cup. Reuters / Stefan Wermuth / Stefan Reuters Only the Spanish Super cup eluded them with RESPITE, WRITES TOM WILLIAMS. a loss to Athletic bilbao. RESULTS belgian coach marc Wilmots was named the EPL best manager while benfica took the award for Gunners get back Arsenal bt bournemouth 2-0 best club academy. ANcHESTEr United rodriguez and cesar Azpilicueta crystal Palace drew Swansea city 0-0 Italy’s Andrea Pirlo and England’s Frank bought beleaguered or Nemanja matic not blazed over Everton lost to Stoke city 3-4 Lampard were lauded for their long careers. manager Louis van when clean through in the second man United drew chelsea 0-0 M to winning ways Norwich city bt Aston Villa 2-0 Gaal a measure of respite with half. Watford lost to Tottenham 1-2 an improved display in last With Van Gaal’s future uncertain, but there is a lot more to English West brom bt Newcastle United 1-0 monday’s 0-0 draw at home to the spectre of Jose mourinho, Chris Hatherall football than that and there was not West Ham bt Southampton 2-1 under-performing Premier League sacked by chelsea recently, a huge chasm between the teams SPFL champions chelsea. continues to haunt him. as Arsenal ground out a crucial three Hearts drew celtic 2-2 Van Gaal previously admitted mourinho’s face and ‘Special rSENAL’S title challenge is points. Aberdeen drew Inverness 2-2 that he was contemplating leaving One’ nickname adorned scarves back on track following a 2-0 The atmosphere at the Emirates Hamilton lost to Kilmarnock 0-1 Old Trafford after a wretched slump in United’s colours sold outside victory over bournemouth. was so muted at the start of a match ross county bt Dundee 5-2 A Dundee United vs motherwell postponed in form, but although his team has Goals from Gabriel and mesut that Wenger’s side simply could not Partick Thistle vs St Johnstone postponed now gone eight games without Ozil, who was again Arsenal’s key afford to lose. victory in all competitions, they WAYNE ROONEY SET performer, were enough for the Gabriel’s header from an Ozil STANDINGS avoided sinking to five straight THE TONE WITH HIS Gunners to settle a few nerves corner after 27 minutes, however, As of monday defeats for the first time since CONFIDENT PROBING AND following a shock 0-4 defeat at soon settled those nerves. EPL December, 1936. CRISP PASSING. Southampton in the previous round. Set-pieces have been Arsenal 19 12 3 4 33 18 39 Leicester city 18 11 5 2 37 25 38 In a performance that may give The result goes some way to bournemouth’s Achilles heel all Tottenham 19 9 8 2 33 15 35 United’s board reason to hope the season and the brazilian defender man city 18 11 2 5 37 20 35 Dutchman can steer the club out Old Trafford by opportunistic was totally unmarked as he stooped crystal Palace 19 9 4 6 23 16 31 Jokanovic is new of their dip, the home side played stallholders while his name was GABRIEL’S HEADER FROM to head home at the far post. man United 19 8 6 5 22 16 30 AN OZIL CORNER AFTER 27 West Ham United 19 7 8 4 28 23 29 with greater enterprise than of late chanted by the away fans inside Gabriel was also outstanding Watford 19 8 5 6 24 20 29 Fulham manager and hit the woodwork through the ground. MINUTES SETTLED in defence and the game was Stoke city 19 8 5 6 20 19 29 Juan mata and Anthony martial, rested for the 0-2 defeat at THE NERVES. effectively over when mercurial Ozil Liverpool 18 7 6 5 21 22 27 TrUGGLING championship side Fulham last but it was nonetheless their sixth Stoke city, Wayne rooney was one played a delightful one-two with Everton 19 6 8 5 35 28 26 Sunday named former Watford boss Slavisa Southampton 19 6 6 7 26 23 24 0-0 home draw of the season. of four players brought in by Van Olivier Giroud before accepting the Jokanovic as new manager to replace fired West brom 19 6 5 8 18 24 23 S chelsea also had their moments, Gaal and the captain set the tone answering criticism that Arsene Frenchman’s back-heeled pass and chelsea 19 5 5 9 23 29 20 Kit Symons, the London club announced. though, and might have given for the hosts in the first half with Wenger’s side was starting to buckle sliding the ball home in the 63rd. Norwich city 19 5 5 9 22 32 20 The 47-year-old Serb last coached Israel’s bournemouth 19 5 5 9 22 34 20 Guus Hiddink the first win of his his confident probing and crisp Noble / Phil Reuters under the pressure of trying to win meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur maccabi Tel Aviv and has been tasked with saving Swansea city 19 4 7 8 16 24 19 second spell as interim manager passing. ššchelsea’s Kurt Zouma, background, and manchester United’s Wayne rooney battle for possession. the title for the first time since 2004. rode on Son Heung-min’s late goal Fulham from relegation to the Newcastle United 19 4 5 0 19 34 17 had David de Gea not saved Playing up front, with martial If you took only history into for a 2-1 victory at 10-man Watford Sunderland 18 3 3 2 19 37 12 third tier of English football. smartly from John Terry, Pedro exiled to the left, the England In between, United goalkeeper The home side was soon back on EPL TOP SCORERS account, then this fixture would be while marko Arnautovic’s stoppage- Aston Villa 19 1 5 3 15 34 8 Fulham are just four captain set up two early chances De Gea produced a brilliant one- the attack and it took a tremendous one of the most uneven the Premier time penalty gave Stoke city a 4-3 places and three points romelu Lukaku Everton SPFL 15 celtic 19 13 4 2 47 16 43 for mata and morgan Schneiderlin, handed save after Terry met reflex stop from courtois to prevent Jamie Vardy Leicester city League has ever seen — mighty win at Everton. above the championship Aberdeen 20 13 3 4 34 20 42 the Spaniard slamming a shot Willian’s right-wing corner with a Ander Herrera from tucking away 14 Odion Ighalo Watford Arsenal, 13-time champions, Darren Fletcher’s 78th-minute drop zone. Hearts 19 9 6 4 31 20 33 13 riyad mahrez Leicester city against the bar, the bullet header. martial’s drilled left-wing cross. 12-time FA cup winners goal for West bromwich St Johnstone 19 9 4 6 35 29 31 “While the search 11 Harry Kane Tottenham Frenchman but for most of the first half United’s fans’ hearts were in and perennial champions Albion was enough to ross county 20 8 3 9 33 29 27 was time-consuming drilling wide. it was one-way traffic, martial their mouths again moments later, 10 Olivier Giroud Arsenal League participants beat struggling Newcastle Partick Thistle 18 6 5 7 19 23 23 and painstaking at times, I Sergio Aguero man city driving a shot against the left- however, when from Pedro’s pass, against a club that was United 1-0 while Aston Villa’s Dundee 20 5 8 7 29 35 23 knew that when the process was complete, 7 Georginio Wijnaldum Newcastle Utd hand post in the 17th minute after matic suddenly found himself playing in the fourth tier miserable season continued with Inverness Thistle 19 5 7 7 23 27 22 Fulham would’ve the best man possible for marko Arnautovic Stoke city Hamilton Academical 19 6 4 9 22 30 22 skinning branislav Ivanovic. bearing down on De Gea, only for Alexis Sanchez Arsenal of English football the bottom side, marooned on motherwell 18 6 3 9 18 25 21 this opportunity and challenge,” said Fulham Shortly before the half-hour the Serbian midfielder to hoist his ross barkley Everton only 12 years eight points, going down 0-2 Kilmarnock 20 5 5 0 20 36 20 chairman Shahid Khan. 6 Graziano Pelle Southampton Dundee United 19 2 4 3 15 36 10 “You’ve seen that the mark, rooney picked up a loose shot into the crowd, unleashing a ago. at Norwich city. ball and took aim from 30 yards burst of mocking laughter around Andre Ayew Swansea city players were fighting for Troy Deeney Watford with a shot that was arrowing into the stadium. me. I’m fully confident in callum Wilson bournemouth Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech set a new The czech republic keeper had matched TOP 10 EPL CLEAN SHEETS the top-left corner until the flying The final chance fell to rooney, Cech Premier League record for clean sheets James’s tally in Arsenal’s recent 2-0 win the board and my players. Jordan Ayew Aston Villa Number of matches in parenthesis. Thibaut courtois pushed it behind. picked out at the back post by Diego costa chelsea after holding out against bournemouth in over Aston Villa, but saw a couple of Petr cech 170 (352) There’s no reason to United’s level dropped as substitute cameron borthwick- Yohan cabaye crystal Palace sets Gunners’ 2-0 win. chances to claim the record pass him by. resign. I thank them for David James 169 (567) half-time approached and Jackson, but from inside the Arouna Kone Everton new The 33-year-old, who was signed from “When I came over, people started mark Schwarzer 151 (513) christian benteke chelsea at the start of the season, played talking about the clean sheets and the the performance. It gives a they survived a scare early in six-yard area the United No.10 5 Liverpool David Seaman 140 (340) Philippe coutinho his 170th game without conceding in the records, and I thought 169 was impossible. lot of hope for the fans. the second half when De Gea volleyed well over. record Nigel martyn 137 (366) Kevin De bruyne English top flight, earning his record in just I would’ve to be here a long time, play produced a fine double-save to Frustrated, rooney planted his man city Jose reina 134 (285) Louis van Gaal, manchester raheem Sterling 352 appearances. every game and you don’t get a clean brad Friedel 132 (449) United manager. thwart first Pedro, teed up by studs into Oscar’s calf shortly after bojan Krkic Stoke city cech overtook David James, who had sheet in every game. The fact that I Edwin van der Sar 132 (308) the impressive Eden Hazard, and and was lucky to escape with a bafetimbi Gomis Swansea city held the record since ending his Premier managed to come to that point is a great Tim Howard 128 (381) then Azpilicueta. booking. Dimitri Payet West Ham Utd League career in 2010 with Portsmouth. achievement,” cech told the club website. Peter Schmeichel 128 (305) www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 13

Reuters / Stefan Wermuth / Stefan Reuters Only the Spanish Super cup eluded them with a loss to Athletic bilbao. RESULTS belgian coach marc Wilmots was named the EPL best manager while benfica took the award for Gunners get back Arsenal bt bournemouth 2-0 best club academy. crystal Palace drew Swansea city 0-0 Italy’s Andrea Pirlo and England’s Frank Everton lost to Stoke city 3-4 Lampard were lauded for their long careers. man United drew chelsea 0-0 to winning ways Norwich city bt Aston Villa 2-0 Watford lost to Tottenham 1-2 but there is a lot more to English West brom bt Newcastle United 1-0 Chris Hatherall football than that and there was not West Ham bt Southampton 2-1 a huge chasm between the teams SPFL as Arsenal ground out a crucial three Hearts drew celtic 2-2 rSENAL’S title challenge is points. Aberdeen drew Inverness 2-2 back on track following a 2-0 The atmosphere at the Emirates Hamilton lost to Kilmarnock 0-1 victory over bournemouth. was so muted at the start of a match ross county bt Dundee 5-2 A Dundee United vs motherwell postponed Goals from Gabriel and mesut that Wenger’s side simply could not Partick Thistle vs St Johnstone postponed Ozil, who was again Arsenal’s key afford to lose. performer, were enough for the Gabriel’s header from an Ozil STANDINGS Gunners to settle a few nerves corner after 27 minutes, however, As of monday following a shock 0-4 defeat at soon settled those nerves. EPL Southampton in the previous round. Set-pieces have been Arsenal 19 12 3 4 33 18 39 Leicester city 18 11 5 2 37 25 38 The result goes some way to bournemouth’s Achilles heel all Tottenham 19 9 8 2 33 15 35 season and the brazilian defender man city 18 11 2 5 37 20 35 was totally unmarked as he stooped crystal Palace 19 9 4 6 23 16 31 Jokanovic is new GABRIEL’S HEADER FROM to head home at the far post. man United 19 8 6 5 22 16 30 AN OZIL CORNER AFTER 27 West Ham United 19 7 8 4 28 23 29 Gabriel was also outstanding Watford 19 8 5 6 24 20 29 Fulham manager MINUTES SETTLED in defence and the game was Stoke city 19 8 5 6 20 19 29 THE NERVES. effectively over when mercurial Ozil Liverpool 18 7 6 5 21 22 27 TrUGGLING championship side Fulham last played a delightful one-two with Everton 19 6 8 5 35 28 26 Sunday named former Watford boss Slavisa Southampton 19 6 6 7 26 23 24 Olivier Giroud before accepting the Jokanovic as new manager to replace fired West brom 19 6 5 8 18 24 23 S answering criticism that Arsene Frenchman’s back-heeled pass and chelsea 19 5 5 9 23 29 20 Kit Symons, the London club announced. Wenger’s side was starting to buckle sliding the ball home in the 63rd. Norwich city 19 5 5 9 22 32 20 The 47-year-old Serb last coached Israel’s under the pressure of trying to win meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur bournemouth 19 5 5 9 22 34 20 maccabi Tel Aviv and has been tasked with saving the title for the first time since 2004. rode on Son Heung-min’s late goal Swansea city 19 4 7 8 16 24 19 Fulham from relegation to the Newcastle United 19 4 5 0 19 34 17 If you took only history into for a 2-1 victory at 10-man Watford Sunderland 18 3 3 2 19 37 12 third tier of English football. account, then this fixture would be while marko Arnautovic’s stoppage- Aston Villa 19 1 5 3 15 34 8 Fulham are just four one of the most uneven the Premier time penalty gave Stoke city a 4-3 SPFL places and three points League has ever seen — mighty win at Everton. celtic 19 13 4 2 47 16 43 above the championship Arsenal, 13-time champions, Darren Fletcher’s 78th-minute Aberdeen 20 13 3 4 34 20 42 drop zone. Hearts 19 9 6 4 31 20 33 12-time FA cup winners goal for West bromwich St Johnstone 19 9 4 6 35 29 31 “While the search and perennial champions Albion was enough to ross county 20 8 3 9 33 29 27 was time-consuming League participants beat struggling Newcastle Partick Thistle 18 6 5 7 19 23 23 and painstaking at times, I against a club that was United 1-0 while Aston Villa’s Dundee 20 5 8 7 29 35 23 knew that when the process was complete, playing in the fourth tier miserable season continued with Inverness Thistle 19 5 7 7 23 27 22 Fulham would’ve the best man possible for Hamilton Academical 19 6 4 9 22 30 22 of English football the bottom side, marooned on motherwell 18 6 3 9 18 25 21 this opportunity and challenge,” said Fulham only 12 years eight points, going down 0-2 Kilmarnock 20 5 5 0 20 36 20 chairman Shahid Khan. ago. at Norwich city. Dundee United 19 2 4 3 15 36 10

Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech set a new The czech republic keeper had matched TOP 10 EPL CLEAN SHEETS Cech Premier League record for clean sheets James’s tally in Arsenal’s recent 2-0 win Number of matches in parenthesis. after holding out against bournemouth in over Aston Villa, but saw a couple of sets Petr cech 170 (352) Gunners’ 2-0 win. chances to claim the record pass him by. David James 169 (567) new The 33-year-old, who was signed from “When I came over, people started mark Schwarzer 151 (513) chelsea at the start of the season, played talking about the clean sheets and the David Seaman 140 (340) record his 170th game without conceding in the records, and I thought 169 was impossible. Nigel martyn 137 (366) English top flight, earning his record in just I would’ve to be here a long time, play Jose reina 134 (285) 352 appearances. every game and you don’t get a clean brad Friedel 132 (449) cech overtook David James, who had sheet in every game. The fact that I Edwin van der Sar 132 (308) held the record since ending his Premier managed to come to that point is a great Tim Howard 128 (381) League career in 2010 with Portsmouth. achievement,” cech told the club website. Peter Schmeichel 128 (305) 14 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 15 FOOTBALL | INTERNATIONAL

INTERVIEW SPECIAL COLUMN New reforms key to FIFA’s future Batting for game! Andrew Warshaw

in India? India is a big, big thing. play the brand of football that Kerala Daniel Masters ЃЂVery much, it reminds me of blasters should be known for, and HILE Sepp blatter and the people back home. Extremely ЂЂWhy did you decide to get if we manage to do that then we’ll michel Platini attempt passionate and every little thing involved with the ISL? manage to win hearts across India’. Wto clear their respective AILED as one of the greatest that we do matters; every little ЃЂI feel India is embracing other That is something that matters to names in the New Year after being I hope that all of the cricketers of all time, Sachin thing is monitored; every little thing sports in a big away and this was me — the brand of football. Yes, banned for eight years by the FIFA confederations and our HTendulkar has become has hundreds of people passing a great opportunity to be involved you might go out and lose some Ethics committee, the scandal- member associations will involved with football since retiring judgement. Everything is under a with football and contribute in games, but that happens to every battered organisation itself has fully embrace these reforms. in 2013 and now co-owns Indian microscope. whatever possible manner in Kerala sportsman. taken the next step along the path This’ll demonstrate to the Super League (ISL) side Kerala and then promote football there. India is a huge country, but of heralding a new dawn in 2016. world that we’ve listened blasters. ЂЂIs the huge crowd in ISL games a The response has been phenomenal while talented cricketers seem to Amidst the drama of the two and learnt from recent In an interview with The FIFA sign that football is finally catching — we’ve had huge crowds — so it’s get spotted and have their talent most powerful men in football events, and are taking the Weekly, Tendulkar, who smashed up with cricket? been fabulous. nurtured, young footballers, in — the FIFA chief and his UEFA necessary steps. many batting records during ЃЂFootball is getting popular — it’s terms of the structure of the game counterpart who so badly wanted his career spanning close to 24 nowhere near cricket, but I don’t like ЂЂYour team Kerala Blasters in the country, don’t seem to have to succeed him — being thrown Issa Hayatou, years, discussed the beautiful comparisons. It’s about appreciating reached the ISL final last season. the same pathway to progress. out of the game, the world body’ FIFA’s interim president. game’s increasing popularity in his each and every sport — the skills, What were your emotions after the administration, with little fanfare, homeland. hard work and sacrifices the players match? Disappointment or pride? ЂЂWhat can football learn from published the agenda for the make. Each individual should be ЃЂI was extremely happy. We didn’t cricket in India? February 26 congress when blatter There’s little doubt about what Unfortunately, however, mud standing in February’s election to ЂЂWhen did your appreciation of respected for that and Indian people start the last season well, both ЃЂI think the infrastructure of how will formally step aside come what Hayatou was referring to. No sticks. blatter, for all his passionate succeed blatter. football first develop? are appreciating ISL in a big way. (coach) David James and I took some football is run in India is going to may. fewer than 41 individuals and rhetoric in front of the world’s Yet his claims don’t entirely stack ЃЂright from my childhood. I’ve I’m thrilled that their response time and were pretty confident that become critical. How the season As well as electing a new corporations have so far been media as the noose was finally up given that it was the Swiss played football as a kid and have slowly, things would start to get is played also becomes very president, FIFA’s 209 federations indicted by the US Department of being tightened round his neck, Attorney General, and not the enjoyed doing so even when better — and they did actually. The important — you want to have the crucial task of voting on Justice in the $200m corruption still couldn’t convincingly explain Ethics committee, which opened playing cricket for India, as warm- YOU CAN’T GO OUT AND team stuck together, they played try to make your domestic the recently-devised package of scandal that has brought FIFA to why the now infamous two million the probe into the so-called up sessions tend to be volleyball or WIN EACH AND EVERY quality football and won the hearts season as competitive as reform measures that include term its knees, including a raft of high- Swiss francs at the centre of the “disloyal payment”. football. It’s a lot of fun and one of GAME, BUT YOU CAN GO of people. possible and then find limits and a complete overhaul of ranking executives from north, case was paid to Platini nine The Ethics committee only those sports in the world that you OUT AND WIN HEARTS. You can’t always go out and win the best talent who’re the current structure. central and south America. years after work the Frenchman became aware of the case once the can’t stay away from. It was more for each and every game, but you can part of the ISL. The measures being The reforms, if passed, will take carried out at a time when he was attorney general’s office uncovered my personal enjoyment, rather than go out and win hearts. That’s what With the exposure Carlos leaves ISL proposed need to gain a three- blatter’s special advisor. Or why the wrongdoing and would doubtless following a particular team — when has been special and people are we were able to do last season. of having rubbed quarters majority, but will FIFA’s oral agreement between the pair argue it couldn’t have acted on it was shown on television, I would following not only the foreign Yes, the players were disappointed shoulders with some side Dynamos membership listen to interim THE RECENT PRESS wasn’t lodged with the relevant information it didn’t know about always appreciate it though. players but the domestic players after they lost in the final, so I of the top footballers president Issa Hayatou who, in an CONFERENCE EXPOSED FIFA bodies. beforehand. Not only that. current too. They’re becoming heroes, role spoke to them after in the dressing from all parts of Legendary brazilian defender introduction to the agenda, urges HOW HURT BLATTER WAS “I’m not an idiot,” blatter told ethics investigative chief cornel Roberto Carlos said he would Ђ You’ve spent some time living models and overall that’s how room and told them how proud I the world, the approval of the reforms despite his his packed audience at what was borbely has only been in charge for Ђ not be a part of the Indian GENUINELY FEELING. and touring in England. Were you football in India is going to grow. was. I felt the way we played we Indian team will Super League (ISL) next season. own suspect track record of holding probably his farewell appearance, a year and can hardly be accused able to attend any matches? With India’s billion-plus population, should’ve won the championship, eventually benefit carlos was the marquee on to power far too long within his insisting the Platini payment had by Platini of foot-dragging. ЃЂI attended a manchester if it grows it’s definitely going to but sometimes these things don’t as well. I’ve no player-cum-manager of Delhi own African confederation? effect 60 days after the congress. nothing to do with ethics. FIFA’s It seems to me as if Platini is United match and obviously Sir have a positive impact on football go the way you want. Sometimes doubts that the Dynamos. “This is a landmark occasion in FIFA’s very future relies on the chief Ethics Judge Hans-Joachim clutching at straws. There’s, in fact, bobby charlton was there, so we all over the world. the script is something else. change is going “I won’t be coming back to the history of FIFA and comes at members giving the package the Eckert thought otherwise, ruling a body of opinion that suggests watched the game together. It was a to happen and ISL next season as I’ve got a a crucial time as we focus on the thumbs up. Otherwise the future the conduct of blatter and Platini both he and blatter got off lightly. better offer from another Ђ Ђ fantastic experience. I really enjoyed ЂIn two years’ time, the FIFA ЂWhat sports expertise from your happen for the club. This is football. hard work of restoring credibility looks distinctly bleak, just as it constituted direct conflict of We’ll soon find out. The court of the atmosphere there. The fan U-17 World Cup will come to India. own career have you tried to bring better. You get better offers and stability,” says Hayatou, who’ll does for blatter and Platini. interest and a number of other Arbitration for Sport will probably engagement and how they respond How exciting is it to have such a to the team? and you leave. I take centre stage at the election One has to have some sympathy breaches of the ethics code to boot. hand down its eagerly awaited to every little thing that they do is prestigious competition coming to ЃЂI told the players, ‘Don’t worry won’t be able to unless blatter somehow manages for blatter, given all the work he Whatever it was, it was certainly verdict around mid-January, a incredible. I thoroughly enjoyed my your country? about the result, play fearless tell you which one to win his appeal beforehand. “I has done to improve standards a calculated, career-shattering judgement that will determine experience and it was a memorable ЃЂEveryone is looking forward to it, football. Don’t worry about the it’s. You’ll all know,” hope that all of the confederations on and off the field in developing misjudgement. whether the careers of both men one. Just to be manchester United’s everyone is excited and the guys are result all the time because that carlos said last and our member associations will countries and his undoubted As for Platini, he accused FIFA’s are resurrected — in blatter’s case week. guest was special. waiting to welcome the World cup doesn’t help. The process is Delhi Dynamos fully embrace these reforms. This commitment to use the sport to Ethics committee of being “asleep” for a mere few weeks since he to India. It’s going to be massive, it’s something you need to focus on President Prashant will demonstrate to the world that enhance global harmony. The between ’11 and ’15, repeating his is stepping down anyway — or ЂЂDo you feel football culture good for India because people are and not the result. I want you to go Agarwal said 42-year- we’ve listened and learned from recent Press conference at FIFA’s old somewhat spurious claim that the whether they’ll be forever tainted in England rivals that of cricket appreciating ISL and FIFA coming to out and express yourself and then old carlos, a World cup recent events and are taking the headquarters exposed how hurt he timing of the ban was a deliberate by this sordid affair which will cast winner, was willing to accept necessary steps.” was genuinely feeling. attempt to prevent him from permanent suspicion on them. offers from across the globe.

Good show, but big zero: Brazil legend Zico FIFA presidential candidate Prince Ali bin Al Hussein has called for Garcia’s report michael Garcia’s report into allegations of corruption to be published Fc Goa coach and brazil legend Zico recently said that though the Indian Super League immediately, the BBC said last week. (ISL) was good as a spectacle, it would not benefit Indian football in any way. must be Former United States Prosecutor Garcia resigned as the independent “With all due respect to the ISL, I don’t see any benefit it can bring to Indian published, ethics investigator of world football’s ruling body in protest at the way football. I can’t see any benefit. For show, it’s good, but for Indian football it’s zero. Just his report into the bidding for tournaments was handled. see the results of the Indian national team,” said Zico, whose team lost to chennaiyin says Prince Ali “People need to know what has been going on at FIFA,” Jordanian Fc in a close-fought final, when asked about the kind of impact ISL would have on Prince Ali said. Indian football. “Once you stop this tournament, the infrastructure is not the same. Garcia submitted his report in September, ’14. FIFA released only a Players spend eight months without playing.” 42-page summary, rather than publishing the full document. It is not He said over-dependency on foreign players made it very difficult for local clear when the report might be released. talents to find a break, adding that India should follow the development Prince Ali is standing to replace Sepp blatter as FIFA president along models adopted by Japan, Uzbekistan, the UAE and Qatar, if it needs with Jerome champagne, Gianni Infantino, Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Sachin to develop as a force in world football. Al Khalifa and Tokyo Sexwale. Tendulkar The election will take place in Zurich on February 26. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 15

SPECIAL COLUMN New reforms key to FIFA’s future

Andrew Warshaw

HILE Sepp blatter and michel Platini attempt Wto clear their respective names in the New Year after being I hope that all of the banned for eight years by the FIFA confederations and our Ethics committee, the scandal- member associations will battered organisation itself has fully embrace these reforms. taken the next step along the path This’ll demonstrate to the of heralding a new dawn in 2016. world that we’ve listened Amidst the drama of the two and learnt from recent most powerful men in football events, and are taking the — the FIFA chief and his UEFA necessary steps. counterpart who so badly wanted to succeed him — being thrown Issa Hayatou, out of the game, the world body’ FIFA’s interim president. administration, with little fanfare, published the agenda for the February 26 congress when blatter There’s little doubt about what Unfortunately, however, mud standing in February’s election to will formally step aside come what Hayatou was referring to. No sticks. blatter, for all his passionate succeed blatter. may. fewer than 41 individuals and rhetoric in front of the world’s Yet his claims don’t entirely stack As well as electing a new corporations have so far been media as the noose was finally up given that it was the Swiss president, FIFA’s 209 federations indicted by the US Department of being tightened round his neck, Attorney General, and not the have the crucial task of voting on Justice in the $200m corruption still couldn’t convincingly explain Ethics committee, which opened the recently-devised package of scandal that has brought FIFA to why the now infamous two million the probe into the so-called reform measures that include term its knees, including a raft of high- Swiss francs at the centre of the “disloyal payment”. limits and a complete overhaul of ranking executives from north, case was paid to Platini nine The Ethics committee only the current structure. central and south America. years after work the Frenchman became aware of the case once the The measures being The reforms, if passed, will take carried out at a time when he was attorney general’s office uncovered Carlos leaves ISL proposed need to gain a three- blatter’s special advisor. Or why the wrongdoing and would doubtless quarters majority, but will FIFA’s oral agreement between the pair argue it couldn’t have acted on side Dynamos membership listen to interim THE RECENT PRESS wasn’t lodged with the relevant information it didn’t know about president Issa Hayatou who, in an CONFERENCE EXPOSED FIFA bodies. beforehand. Not only that. current Legendary brazilian defender introduction to the agenda, urges HOW HURT BLATTER WAS “I’m not an idiot,” blatter told ethics investigative chief cornel Roberto Carlos said he would approval of the reforms despite his his packed audience at what was borbely has only been in charge for not be a part of the Indian GENUINELY FEELING. Super League (ISL) next season. own suspect track record of holding probably his farewell appearance, a year and can hardly be accused carlos was the marquee on to power far too long within his insisting the Platini payment had by Platini of foot-dragging. player-cum-manager of Delhi own African confederation? effect 60 days after the congress. nothing to do with ethics. FIFA’s It seems to me as if Platini is Dynamos. “This is a landmark occasion in FIFA’s very future relies on the chief Ethics Judge Hans-Joachim clutching at straws. There’s, in fact, “I won’t be coming back to the history of FIFA and comes at members giving the package the Eckert thought otherwise, ruling a body of opinion that suggests ISL next season as I’ve got a a crucial time as we focus on the thumbs up. Otherwise the future the conduct of blatter and Platini both he and blatter got off lightly. better offer from another club. This is football. hard work of restoring credibility looks distinctly bleak, just as it constituted direct conflict of We’ll soon find out. The court of You get better offers and stability,” says Hayatou, who’ll does for blatter and Platini. interest and a number of other Arbitration for Sport will probably and you leave. I take centre stage at the election One has to have some sympathy breaches of the ethics code to boot. hand down its eagerly awaited won’t be able to unless blatter somehow manages for blatter, given all the work he Whatever it was, it was certainly verdict around mid-January, a tell you which one to win his appeal beforehand. “I has done to improve standards a calculated, career-shattering judgement that will determine it’s. You’ll all know,” hope that all of the confederations on and off the field in developing misjudgement. whether the careers of both men carlos said last and our member associations will countries and his undoubted As for Platini, he accused FIFA’s are resurrected — in blatter’s case week. Delhi Dynamos fully embrace these reforms. This commitment to use the sport to Ethics committee of being “asleep” for a mere few weeks since he President Prashant will demonstrate to the world that enhance global harmony. The between ’11 and ’15, repeating his is stepping down anyway — or Agarwal said 42-year- we’ve listened and learned from recent Press conference at FIFA’s old somewhat spurious claim that the whether they’ll be forever tainted old carlos, a World cup recent events and are taking the headquarters exposed how hurt he timing of the ban was a deliberate by this sordid affair which will cast winner, was willing to accept necessary steps.” was genuinely feeling. attempt to prevent him from permanent suspicion on them. offers from across the globe.

FIFA presidential candidate Prince Ali bin Al Hussein has called for Garcia’s report michael Garcia’s report into allegations of corruption to be published immediately, the BBC said last week. must be Former United States Prosecutor Garcia resigned as the independent published, ethics investigator of world football’s ruling body in protest at the way his report into the bidding for tournaments was handled. says Prince Ali “People need to know what has been going on at FIFA,” Jordanian Prince Ali said. Garcia submitted his report in September, ’14. FIFA released only a 42-page summary, rather than publishing the full document. It is not clear when the report might be released. Prince Ali is standing to replace Sepp blatter as FIFA president along with Jerome champagne, Gianni Infantino, Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa and Tokyo Sexwale. The election will take place in Zurich on February 26. 16 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 17

YEARENDER | QATAR 2015

romania’s Elizabeth Samara • England boys and Australian girls win the Qatar Open men’s reigned supreme at the World and women’s table tennis title Schools Tennis championships respectively. in Doha.

• World body FIFA dispels all doubt and confusion by MARCH agreeing a winter date for the & 2022 World cup in Qatar with a Eventful • Lucie Safarova triumphs at December 18 final. the Qatar Total Open tennis tournament. • Lusail emerge as surprise champions as Qatari sides dominate the inaugural 3x3 Doha challenger basketball tournament.

memorable • Experienced rider Valentino ššQatar’s Sports minister HE Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser Al Ali, right, rossi turns back the clock to and Qatar cycling Federation President produce a masterclass at the THE HANDBALL TEAM’S HISTORIC ACHIEVEMENTS OF A Sheikh Khalid bin Ali Al Thani during season-opening Qatar motoGP. the National Sports Day celebrations at RUNNERS-UP FINISH AT THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AND the Aspire Zone. OLYMPIC QUALIFICATION TRIUMPH HIGHLIGHT QATAR’S YEAR JANUARY šš The Emir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani presents the Emir’s cup to Al Sadd football team captain Talal Al balooshi. THAT WENT BY, BOTH ON AND OFF THE FIELD, WRITES TEAM DSP. • Spanish tennis ace David Ferrer • Qatari high jumper mutaz Essa APRIL oozes plenty of energy to defeat barshim improves his own Asian • Oman edge Japan on penalties in czech rival Tomas berdych in record by two centimetres to a thrilling final to win the Asian • Qatar win 3x3 basketball gold winning six gold, as many straight sets and clinch the Qatar 2.40m at the banskobystricka beach Soccer championship. by defeating the UAE to finish silver and two bronze medals in Exxonmobil Open title. Latka competition in the S YET another eventful year may. Later, Dr Thani Abdulrahman There were more achievements overall runners-up at the Gcc manama. Slovakian town of banska passes by, it was handball Al Kuwari was elected as its as Qatari icon Nasser Saleh Al • reigning Olympic champion beach Games. • Qatar Sports club win the Qatar bystrica. which made Qatar’s name Secretary General. Attiyah underlined his credentials Arthur Zanetti proves he is the • Qatar’s Abdulaziz Al Kuwari wins A Professional Tennis League title the World rally championship’s • Qatar’s world indoor high jump more famous. The governing body had a busy by regaining the Dakar rally title. • Qatar’s orthopaedic and sports undisputed ‘king of the rings’ after a gap of 18 years. champion mutaz Essa barshim support category event in The country won plaudits for year once again, grooming and In football, Qatar, who won the medicine hospital Aspetar wins with a strong showing at the is adjudged the Arab Sportsman Argentina for the second time in the Gulf Excellence Award for Eighth Doha Artistic World cup. the flawless organisation of men’s Gulf cup in riyadh towards the end • Ace Qatari driver Nasser Saleh of 2014. three years. World championship and proved of last year, were expected to do Al Attiyah displays abundant media, instituted by organisers of • Al Shaqab racing makes it big as • Al Sadd defend the Gcc handball HE SHEIKH JOAAN TOOK mental and physical toughness the 78th Gcc conference of the a point by finishing runners-up well at the Asian cup in Australia, Al mourtagez and Dubday win title in Abu Dhabi, defeating Al • Al rayyan seal their ninth Qatar • bassem Hassan mohammed en route to regaining the council of ministers of Health in behind France. OVER AS THE QATAR but they crashed out in the group HH the Emir’s Sword and Trophy rayyan in an all-Qatari final. League volleyball title. makes history by becoming the gruelling Dakar rally title with riyadh. Qatar, who have been impressive OLYMPIC COMMITTEE stage. Uruguayan Daniel carreno respectively. first Qatari to top the Global ease. champions Tour rankings. ever since Spanish coach Valero PRESIDENT LAST MAY. took over from Algerian Djamel • Qatar League champions Al • Saudi Arabian horse jumpers P 18 | HANDBALL • Aspetar becomes a reference QATAR LIVING A DREAM • The ministry of Youth and Sports P 4 | FOOTBALL make a clean sweep in the rivera took charge in 2013, capped belmadi as coach and he has uT WIN Hosts Qatar book a berth in the pre-quarterfinal rayyan add another title to QATAR EXIT WITHO of the World Championship with a cent per cent centre for Exercise is medicine, record after the first three matches. forms the Qatar Sailing and Gulf champions Qatar end their Asian Cup campaign without a single victory as they their collection by winning the second of double-leg Grand Prix their good work with a triumph guided them to the final round of lose to Bahrain in their last group match. a non-profit initiative by the marine Sports Federation. of Doha Tour. at the Asian Olympic Qualification guiding the country’s athletes, 2018 World cup qualification. American college of Sports Fourth Gcc clubs Volleyball championship at riyadh. MAY Follow us on medicine and American medical Tournament, thus booking a berth and once again organising several The Qatar Stars League www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com • Thamer Al Darwish makes IX | No.51 | QR2.00 , 2015 | Vol • Al Sadd clinch the Emir’s cup JANuARY 21 WEDNESDAY, Association. Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah displays • Uruguayan Jose Daniel carreno at the Olympic Games in rio. international events across various continued to attract big players abundant mental and physical toughness history by becoming the first en route to regaining the gruellingPAGES 24-25 • Al rayyan win the Qatargas table tennis title. Dakar Rally title with ease. takes charge as the Qatar It was a memorable moment disciplines, the World School and Spanish great Xavi Hernandez Qatari to win an international jet • Paris Saint-Germain win the Al national football team coach. ŢŢQatar handball ski event. for HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Tennis championships and IPc became the biggest catch this year Kass International cup Under-17 team members are Thani, who took over as the Qatar Athletics Worlds to name but only as Sadd signed the midfielder on a all joy after booking football tournament. • Australian Edwina Tops- • Lekhwiya annex the Qatar cup the Olympic berth. Olympic committee president last two. two-year deal. Alexander proves to be in a class football title by beating El Jaish in • Etixx-Quickstep rider Niki of her own as she wins the cHI Al the final. Terpstra of the Netherlands Shaqab cSI five star Grand Prix. puts up a consistent display • Al Arabi overcome Al rayyan to throughout as he defends the • Olympian bahiya mansour Al win Qatar cup volleyball title. Tour of Qatar cycling title. Hamad returns to winning ways

P 20 | POSTER by clinching gold in the Emir’s • Al Gharafa retain the Qatar

P 10 | FOOTBALL HANDBALL WORLDS DSP/Mohan Dh 5 OPENING CEREMONY ...... £1 UAE 75 Riyals ...... Yemen...... Villas-Boas at UK €2 ...... 1 Pound Europe ...... Sudan 2 Riyals ...... 200 Baisas KSA ...... • The FIFA Task Force identifies Oman 200 Fils ...... 500 Fils peace in Russia Bahrain ...... LE 2 Jordan $1 EXCLUSIVE basketball league title. Egypt ...... Iraq ...... $1 ...... 3,000 Livre ...... INTERVIEW cup women’s 10m air rifle event. Lebanon Palestine LS 20 250 Fils ...... Kuwait ...... Dh 6 Syria Morocco ...... November-December as the most viable window for the 2022 • Alexander Cudlin seals his fifth • South African branden Grace • Qatar bag 12 gold, 19 silver and World cup in Qatar. Qatar Superbikes championship stays all focused and produces 23 bronze medals to establish title with podium finishes in both a moment of magic to win the their supremacy in the inaugural • belarus’ seasoned performer rounds in the last of seven-leg commercial bank Qatar masters Qatar International Open Vladimir Samsonov and series. golf title. taekwondo championship. šš Al rayyan players are all joy after winning the Gcc clubs Volleyball championship. • France overcome Qatar’s strong fight and become the first team League football title to bounce to clinch five Handball World • Ace Qatari driver Nasser Saleh back into the top flight. championship titles. Al Attiyah leaves the Abu Dhabi disappointment behind him and • Al rayyan get the better of El produces a masterclass for red • Qatar crash out in the group Jaish in the third of the best- bull mini All4 racing to win the stage of Asian cup football. of-three finals to win their 16th Sealine cross-country rally.

Qatar League basketball title.

• Lekhwiya overcome the odds • Qatar’s cherif Younousse and heavily stacked against them and FEBRUARY Jefferson Pereira ward off the red cards to three key players as challenge from a determined they beat firm favourites El Jaish • The Fourth National Sports Day Oman to win the Gcc beach in the Qatar Handball Association proves a grand success as Qataris Games volleyball gold medal. cup final. and expatriates alike actively take part in various events across the • Lekhwiya seal their fourth Qatar • Qatar put up their best-ever šš France reigned supreme in the World men’s Handball championship. country. Stars League title in five seasons. show at the Arab championships, www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 17

• World body FIFA dispels all doubt and confusion by MARCH agreeing a winter date for the 2022 World cup in Qatar with a • Lucie Safarova triumphs at December 18 final. the Qatar Total Open tennis tournament. • Lusail emerge as surprise champions as Qatari sides dominate the inaugural 3x3 Doha challenger basketball tournament.

• Experienced rider Valentino ššQatar’s Sports minister HE Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser Al Ali, right, rossi turns back the clock to and Qatar cycling Federation President produce a masterclass at the Sheikh Khalid bin Ali Al Thani during season-opening Qatar motoGP. the National Sports Day celebrations at the Aspire Zone. šš The Emir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani presents the Emir’s cup to Al Sadd football team captain Talal Al balooshi. • Qatari high jumper mutaz Essa APRIL barshim improves his own Asian record by two centimetres to • Oman edge Japan on penalties in • Qatar win 3x3 basketball gold winning six gold, as many 2.40m at the banskobystricka a thrilling final to win the Asian by defeating the UAE to finish silver and two bronze medals in Latka competition in the beach Soccer championship. overall runners-up at the Gcc manama. Slovakian town of banska beach Games. bystrica. • reigning Olympic champion Arthur Zanetti proves he is the • Qatar’s Abdulaziz Al Kuwari wins • Qatar’s world indoor high jump the World rally championship’s • Qatar’s orthopaedic and sports undisputed ‘king of the rings’ champion mutaz Essa barshim support category event in medicine hospital Aspetar wins with a strong showing at the is adjudged the Arab Sportsman Argentina for the second time in the Gulf Excellence Award for Eighth Doha Artistic World cup. of 2014. three years. media, instituted by organisers of • Al Shaqab racing makes it big as • Al Sadd defend the Gcc handball the 78th Gcc conference of the Al mourtagez and Dubday win • bassem Hassan mohammed council of ministers of Health in title in Abu Dhabi, defeating Al • Al rayyan seal their ninth Qatar HH the Emir’s Sword and Trophy rayyan in an all-Qatari final. League volleyball title. makes history by becoming the riyadh. respectively. first Qatari to top the Global champions Tour rankings. • Qatar League champions Al • Saudi Arabian horse jumpers • Aspetar becomes a reference • The ministry of Youth and Sports centre for Exercise is medicine, rayyan add another title to make a clean sweep in the forms the Qatar Sailing and their collection by winning the second of double-leg Grand Prix a non-profit initiative by the marine Sports Federation. American college of Sports Fourth Gcc clubs Volleyball of Doha Tour. championship at riyadh. MAY medicine and American medical • Thamer Al Darwish makes Association. • Al Sadd clinch the Emir’s cup • Uruguayan Jose Daniel carreno history by becoming the first • Al rayyan win the Qatargas table tennis title. Qatari to win an international jet takes charge as the Qatar • Paris Saint-Germain win the Al ski event. national football team coach. Kass International cup Under-17 football tournament. • Australian Edwina Tops- • Lekhwiya annex the Qatar cup Alexander proves to be in a class football title by beating El Jaish in • Etixx-Quickstep rider Niki of her own as she wins the cHI Al the final. Terpstra of the Netherlands Shaqab cSI five star Grand Prix. puts up a consistent display • Al Arabi overcome Al rayyan to throughout as he defends the • Olympian bahiya mansour Al win Qatar cup volleyball title. Tour of Qatar cycling title. Hamad returns to winning ways by clinching gold in the Emir’s • Al Gharafa retain the Qatar • The FIFA Task Force identifies cup women’s 10m air rifle event. basketball league title. November-December as the most viable window for the 2022 • Qatar bag 12 gold, 19 silver and • Alexander Cudlin seals his fifth World cup in Qatar. 23 bronze medals to establish Qatar Superbikes championship their supremacy in the inaugural title with podium finishes in both • belarus’ seasoned performer Qatar International Open rounds in the last of seven-leg Vladimir Samsonov and taekwondo championship. series. šš Al rayyan players are all joy after winning the Gcc clubs Volleyball championship.

League football title to bounce • Ace Qatari driver Nasser Saleh back into the top flight. Al Attiyah leaves the Abu Dhabi disappointment behind him and • Al rayyan get the better of El produces a masterclass for red Jaish in the third of the best- bull mini All4 racing to win the of-three finals to win their 16th Sealine cross-country rally. Qatar League basketball title. • Lekhwiya overcome the odds • Qatar’s cherif Younousse and heavily stacked against them and Jefferson Pereira ward off the red cards to three key players as challenge from a determined they beat firm favourites El Jaish Oman to win the Gcc beach in the Qatar Handball Association Games volleyball gold medal. cup final.

• Lekhwiya seal their fourth Qatar • Qatar put up their best-ever šš France reigned supreme in the World men’s Handball championship. Stars League title in five seasons. show at the Arab championships, 18 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 19

YEARENDER | QATAR 2015

• Qatar Stars League club Al Arabi Portuguese Tiago Polido named • Qatari sprinter Femi Seun entrust their coaching reins with Qatar’s new futsal coach. Ogunode is chosen as the best former chelsea and Italy great male athlete of the 2014 Incheon Gianfranco Zola. • Qatar’s Al Arabi end up as Asian Games. runners-up at the Asian clubs • French legend christos Volleyball championship in • Qatar become the first team to Paparrodopoulos is appointed as chinese Taipei. reach the final round of 2018 Qatar’s new swimming coach. FIFA World cup Asian Zone qualification. • Egypt reign supreme in the four-nation friendly volleyball SEPTEMBER tournament at the Al Arabi Sports club. • Al Shaqab’s Aba’ath wins the Prix cheri bibi at La Teste, France. • Qatar Sports club add more firepower to their attack by • Qatar’s Lekhwiya crash out signing moroccan forward in the quarterfinal of the AFc mouhcine Iajour. champions League football ššEl Jaish reigned supreme in the Qatar cup handball tournament. tournament. • Qatar’s Femi Seun Ogunode wins • Iran win the inaugural West • Oman beat bahrain to win 100m gold (9.93sec) at the rieti Asian Football Federation • HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al • Qatar’s high jumper mutaz Essa • Spain and barcelona great Xavi • The Supreme committee for the Gcc Under-19 Football World challenge meeting in Italy. Under-23 championship in Doha Thani is elected president of the barshim opens his season with Hernandez signs a two-year deal Delivery and Legacy recognises championship in Doha. while Qatar finish third. Qatar Olympic committee. a gold at the Shanghai Diamond with 13-time Qatar Stars League emerging innovators from the • Qatari shooter mahbubeh League. champions Al Sadd. middle East by presenting them • Doha rugby Football club win Akhlaghi makes a winning • Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah with challenge 22 Awards. • Doha hosts the AIbA World the inaugural Asia Western clubs comeback in 50m rifle three boxing championships. maintains his 100 per cent • Al Arabi produce a clinical display champions League. positions at the Association cup. record in the middle East rally to beat Al rayyan in straight sets • The Qatar motor and motorcycle AUGUST championship after winning the and retain the Emir’s cup Federation gets the right to host • Lekhwiya start their Qatar Stars • Fuchse berlin beat mKb inaugural Shiraz rally in Iran. volleyball title. motoGP for another 10 years. • champion Thoroughbred Dubday League title defence with a Veszpremwin in a thrilling final leads the charge as Al Shaqab • Qatar’s Abdulaziz Al Kuwari laboured win over Qatar Sports to win the IHF Super Globe in • Dr Thani Abdulrahman Al Kuwari • Qatari ace Nasser racing hogs the limelight finishes fourth at the World rally club. Doha. is appointed as Secretary General Saleh Al Attiyah with five winners at the Qatar championship’s support category šQatar players celebrate their of the Qatar Olympic committee. reigns supreme at Goodwood Horseracing Festival š in Italy. progress to the final round of the 2018 the Pharaons cross- in England. World cup qualification. country rally. • Tunisian mawiya Alajnaf takes • Qatar’s beach volleyball duo charge as coach of the Al Arabi • Al Sadd retain off cherif Younousse and • Qatari driver Nasser Saleh volleyball team. the Emir’s cup in Jefferson Pareira win the Arab Al Attiyah wins the middle football, defeating El championship in Jordan. East rally championship’s Jaish in the final. • Qatar Stars League champions penultimate leg in Oman.Qatar’s Lekhwiya and michael Laudrup • South Korea midfielderKoh • The Anti-Doping Lab Qatar gets amateur bodybuilder Nasser part ways. • Al Gharafa emerge as Myong-Jin joins Qatar Stars World Anti-Doping Agency Al maslamani wins the men’s Qatar Handball League League club Al rayyan. accreditation. 95kg title at the Joe Weider’s mr champions. Olympia 2015 competition in Liverpool, England. JULY • Faisal mir rizwan claims the • Qatar finish fourth at the Asian men’s title at the Qatar Golf Volleyball championship in JUNE • Uruguayan Jose mauricio Larriera • Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah wins the Association’s annual tournament. Tehran, Iran. named as the new Al Wakrah fifth round of the FIA World cup • Qatar Sports club bring back DECEMBER • Umm Salal sign brazilian Sebastiao Lazaroni as coach in • Qatar Stars League club Al football coach. for cross-country rallies in Italy. • Ace Qatari high jumper Mutaz defender Welinton Souza Silva place of Iraqi radhi Shenaishil. Gharafa hand over the coaching Essa Barshim clears 2.29m to • Jesualdo Ferreira replaces from his native club Flamengo on reins to cheerful brazilian Pericles • Femi Seun Ogunode leads the • Abdalelah Haroun wins 400m win silver at the Stockholm Houssein Amouta as Al Sadd a one-year agreement. ššFuchse berlin celebrate their IHF Super Globe triumph. chamusca. way with a treble as Qatar finish gold at the 33rd madrid Athletics Diamond League in Sweden. • Qatar finish a creditable third coach. overall runners-up in the Asian meeting in Spain. at the FEI World Endurance • Hassan Al Haidous and Michael Athletics championships in championships for Young riders • El Jaish beat Al Sadd in the Emir’s and Juniors in Santo Domingo, Laudrup bag the best player and cup basketball final. Wuhan. OCTOBER best coach award respectively at chile. the Qatar Football Association’s • Qatar’s orthopaedic and sports • Qatar racing’s Arod wins the • Qatar win a gold, five silver and end-of-season ceremony. medicine hospital Aspetar opens Group 3 Investec Diomed Stakes two bronze medals at the Sixth a new block. by two lengths at Epsom. cISm military World Games in NOVEMBER • Qatar beach handball team mungyeong, South Korea. completes hat-trick of Asian titles • El Jaish reign supreme in the • El Jaish beat El Quiyada in the • Qatar hosts the International in Oman. Qatar cup handball final. Emir’s cup handball final. • Ola basel claims the women’s Paralympic committee’s Athletics title at the eighth Doha Open Worlds. tennis.

ššNovi Sad Al Wahda sealed their supremacy by retaining the season- ending FIbA 3x3 All Stars title.

• Qatar Stars League club Al Ahli • Sports city Stadium in Al sign congolese striker Firmin Thumama will be the eighth Ndombe mubele. World cup venue in Qatar.

• Spanish striker Sergio Garcia joins • The UAE’s Novi Sad Al Wahda Qatar Stars League side Al rayyan. retain the season-ending FIbA 3x3 All Stars title by defeating • Qatari duo cherif Younousse canada’s Saskatoon. and Jefferson Pareira reach the quarterfinal of FIVb beach • Ali Al Obaidly wins a bronze Volleyball World championship in medal at the Gcc billiards and šThe International Paralympic committee’s Athletics Worlds evoked a great response. šš El Jaish players are ecstatic on the podium after winning the Emir’s cup basketball tournament. the Netherlands. š Snooker championship. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 19

Portuguese Tiago Polido named • Qatari sprinter Femi Seun Qatar’s new futsal coach. Ogunode is chosen as the best male athlete of the 2014 Incheon • Qatar’s Al Arabi end up as Asian Games. runners-up at the Asian clubs Volleyball championship in • Qatar become the first team to chinese Taipei. reach the final round of 2018 FIFA World cup Asian Zone qualification. SEPTEMBER • Al Shaqab’s Aba’ath wins the Prix cheri bibi at La Teste, France.

• Qatar’s Lekhwiya crash out in the quarterfinal of the AFc champions League football tournament. • Qatar’s Femi Seun Ogunode wins • Iran win the inaugural West • Oman beat bahrain to win 100m gold (9.93sec) at the rieti Asian Football Federation the Gcc Under-19 Football World challenge meeting in Italy. Under-23 championship in Doha championship in Doha. while Qatar finish third. • Qatari shooter mahbubeh • Doha rugby Football club win Akhlaghi makes a winning • Doha hosts the AIbA World the inaugural Asia Western clubs comeback in 50m rifle three boxing championships. AUGUST champions League. positions at the Association cup. • Lekhwiya start their Qatar Stars • Fuchse berlin beat mKb • champion Thoroughbred Dubday League title defence with a Veszpremwin in a thrilling final leads the charge as Al Shaqab laboured win over Qatar Sports to win the IHF Super Globe in racing hogs the limelight club. Doha. with five winners at the Qatar ššQatar players celebrate their Goodwood Horseracing Festival progress to the final round of the 2018 in England. World cup qualification.

• Qatar’s beach volleyball duo off cherif Younousse and • Qatari driver Nasser Saleh Jefferson Pareira win the Arab Al Attiyah wins the middle championship in Jordan. East rally championship’s penultimate leg in Oman.Qatar’s • The Anti-Doping Lab Qatar gets amateur bodybuilder Nasser World Anti-Doping Agency Al maslamani wins the men’s accreditation. 95kg title at the Joe Weider’s mr Olympia 2015 competition in Liverpool, England. • Qatar finish fourth at the Asian Volleyball championship in Tehran, Iran. • Qatar Sports club bring back DECEMBER • Ace Qatari high jumper Mutaz Sebastiao Lazaroni as coach in Essa Barshim clears 2.29m to place of Iraqi radhi Shenaishil. • Jesualdo Ferreira replaces win silver at the Stockholm Houssein Amouta as Al Sadd ššFuchse berlin celebrate their IHF Super Globe triumph. Diamond League in Sweden. • Qatar finish a creditable third coach. at the FEI World Endurance championships for Young riders and Juniors in Santo Domingo, OCTOBER chile. • Qatar win a gold, five silver and two bronze medals at the Sixth cISm military World Games in NOVEMBER mungyeong, South Korea. • Qatar hosts the International • Ola basel claims the women’s Paralympic committee’s Athletics title at the eighth Doha Open Worlds. tennis.

ššNovi Sad Al Wahda sealed their supremacy by retaining the season- ending FIbA 3x3 All Stars title.

• Sports city Stadium in Al Thumama will be the eighth World cup venue in Qatar.

• The UAE’s Novi Sad Al Wahda retain the season-ending FIbA 3x3 All Stars title by defeating canada’s Saskatoon.

• Ali Al Obaidly wins a bronze medal at the Gcc billiards and ššThe International Paralympic committee’s Athletics Worlds evoked a great response. Snooker championship. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com WILLIAN WILLIAN 22 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 23

Germany’s Boris Becker Switzerland’s Roger morocco’s Younes won the inaugural Federer has won the El Aynaoui’s 13 edition, beating croatia’s tournament a record appearances is the Goran Ivanisevic 7-6 three times (2005, most by any player TENNIS (7-4), 4-6, 7-5 in the ’06 and ’11). in Doha.

FAST FACTS FAST final.

SEATING CAPACITY The Khalifa International complex had an initial capacity of 4,500 seats but it was later enhanced to 7,000 when the Qatar Tennis Federation got the right to host the WTA Season-Ending championships in Baseline 2008. The year also saw additional renovations to the set-up of the venue with new stands, VIP boxes, Lower, middle and Upper sections, and the Public Village and Food court. warriors! ‘We always try to make Qatar TOP TWO SEEDS NOVAK DJOKOVIC AND RAFAEL NADAL HAVE PLENTY ExxonMobil Open bigger’ TO PROVE AT THE 24TH EDITION OF THE QATAR EXXONMOBIL OPEN, HE Qatar Exxonmobil “Every year, we try to make players like Djokovic and Nadal WHICH STARTS ON JANUARY 4, WRITES SAJITH B WARRIER. Open, one of the first the event bigger and better. starting their year in Doha, it Tevents on the ATP World Having players of the quality gives the event a great deal of Tour calendar, has always stood of Novak Djokovic and rafael attention internationally. The out for its glamour quotient and Nadal playing on our courts is Qatar Exxonmobil Open has T IS THAT time of the year when The Serb would be keen to make been just personal, that I want quality of the field ever since really an honour. We’re doing our always been an important date the big guns in the men’s game amends for his failure on the hard- to improve myself and do better. German legend boris becker best to make this tournament on the country’s sports calendar. Ifight for bragging rights and courts of Khalifa International We’ll see. The year ’16 is going to won the inaugural edition held memorable,” said Qatar Tennis As the first tennis tournament target a bright start to the season. complex, which often bears be new. Hopefully, a better one for in 1993. Federation (QTF) President in the region, it has set a World No.1 Novak Djokovic resemblance to the season’s first me. my goal is try to remain in top Nasser Ghanem Al Kholaifi. foundation and precedent for all and former champion rafael Slam in Australia, beginning on five of the world,” said Nadal after Twenty five players are seeded others in the Gulf,” added Nadal lead the star cast for January 18. his recent loss to Djokovic in the WE’RE DOING OUR directly into the main draw of Al Kholaifi. the 24th edition of the Qatar “my 2015 season was the best semifinal of World ATP Tour Finals. BEST TO MAKE THIS the tournament and they will be Exxonmobil Open to be held of my career. It inspires me even berdych, who has worked his TOURNAMENT joined by three wild cards and at the Khalifa International more to keep going and I hope to way up to sixth in world rankings, MEMORABLE. four qualifiers. complex. continue to play at this level in ’16,” and Ferrer, one place below him, “We’ve been a part of the ATP The line-up for the said Djokovic, who finished the can beat anyone on their day. World Tour since ATP World Tour 250 year as world No.1 for the fourth Spaniards Feliciano Lopez and The tournament’s profile has ’93 and are Series tournament year in a row. Fernando Verdasco, Italy’s Andreas always been on the rise and it is happy to also includes other Seppi and Argentina’s Leonardo no different this year, with four continue this top names such as mayer are some of the other big players in the top-10 including way. With defending champion DJOKOVIC LOST TO IVO names in the tournament. world No.1 Novak Djokovic, David Ferrer and last KARLOVIC ON HIS DEBUT With top two seeds Djokovic and confirming their participation. year’s beaten finalist IN THE QATARI CAPITAL Nadal expected to be in the other The total prize money of Tomas berdych. LAST TIME. side of the draw, a final between $1.2m is the highest on offer Though the rivalry the two stalwarts is exactly what in the ATP World Tour’s 250 between Djokovic and fans in Doha would dream of. What Series. Nadal, who has currently slipped Nadal is eyeing redemption in better way to start the season? to fifth in world rankings, is not as Doha. The ’14 champion’s title big as the one compared to other defence ended in tatters as he Despite the late withdrawal of richard Gasquet, Tournament Great field, Director Karim Alami feels the field is still strong. “We still have famed duels in the Open era, both suffered a surprise opening-round four of the top-10 players in the world including No.1 Novak players have a point to prove in loss to unheralded German michael says Alami Djokovic. It highlights the diversity on the ATP World Tour. It’s Doha. berrer. a great field for the first week of the year. It’s a very important Djokovic lost to big-serving Last year was probably one of tournament in the run-up to the Australian Open,” said Alami. croat Ivo Karlovic on his debut the worst in Nadal’s career, as for The player-turned-administrator, who is still revered for his in the Qatari capital last time. the first time since ’04, he failed to giant-killing act in 1994 when he stunned the then world No.1 It was just one of the six reach even the semifinal of a Grand Pete Sampras in the opening round, has high hopes about the Rafael 24th edition. “There’s so much depth in the field. I’m sure it’s losses that he endured during Slam. but it is never easy to write Nadal going to be a great tournament,” added Karim. a phenomenal year in which off the Spaniard, who usually rises he won a record 82 matches, like a phoenix after a downslide, including three Grand Slam especially on clay. but given that he titles (Australian open, is approaching 30 and not in prime Gasquet pulls out due to injury Wimbledon, US Open). He condition, it remains to be seen if DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod also reached the final of the he can turn back the clock. OrmEr champion Philippines mavericks. He remained optimistic though fourth (French Open) and A strong start in Doha will give richard Gasquet Gasquet missed most of the ’14 about his appearance at the clinched the season-ending Nadal a much-needed confidence Fpulled out of the Qatar clay season due to the same injury. melbourne Park. World ATP Tour Finals title in boost. Exxonmobil Open due to a “I haven’t yet resumed training. “I don’t think it’s like the last David Novak London. “my motivation has always Ferrer chronic back injury. I’ve a short week shutdown. I’ll time when I had stopped training Djokovic The Frenchman, who won the see how the recovery happens,” for two months. I’m pretty title in 2013, beating russia’s Gasquet was quoted as saying in positive. There’s still much time; Richard Nikolay Davydenko in the final, the French media recently. I draw no line on the Australian Gasquet ROLL OF HONOUR Last 10 champions. aggravated his longstanding back The 29-year-old, currently Open,” added Gasquet. problem. He had also withdrawn ranked ninth in the world is racing About his goals for the 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 from the recent International against time to be fit for the first season, Gasquet lined up David rafael Nadal richard Gasquet Jo-Wilfried roger Federer Nikolay Andy murray Andy murray Ivan Ljubicic roger Federer Premier Tennis League exhibition Grand Slam of the season in Davis cup, Olympics and Ferrer (ESP) (ESP) (FrA) Tsonga (FrA) (SUI) Davydenko (rUS) (ENG) (ENG) (crO) (SUI) event, where he was representing Australia. Grands Slam as priorities. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 23

FAST FACTS FAST final.

Despite the late withdrawal of richard Gasquet, Tournament Great field, Director Karim Alami feels the field is still strong. “We still have four of the top-10 players in the world including No.1 Novak says Alami Djokovic. It highlights the diversity on the ATP World Tour. It’s a great field for the first week of the year. It’s a very important tournament in the run-up to the Australian Open,” said Alami. The player-turned-administrator, who is still revered for his giant-killing act in 1994 when he stunned the then world No.1 Pete Sampras in the opening round, has high hopes about the Rafael 24th edition. “There’s so much depth in the field. I’m sure it’s Nadal going to be a great tournament,” added Karim. Gasquet pulls out due to injury DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod OrmEr champion Philippines mavericks. He remained optimistic though richard Gasquet Gasquet missed most of the ’14 about his appearance at the Fpulled out of the Qatar clay season due to the same injury. melbourne Park. Exxonmobil Open due to a “I haven’t yet resumed training. “I don’t think it’s like the last chronic back injury. I’ve a short week shutdown. I’ll time when I had stopped training The Frenchman, who won the see how the recovery happens,” for two months. I’m pretty title in 2013, beating russia’s Gasquet was quoted as saying in positive. There’s still much time; Richard Nikolay Davydenko in the final, the French media recently. I draw no line on the Australian Gasquet aggravated his longstanding back The 29-year-old, currently Open,” added Gasquet. problem. He had also withdrawn ranked ninth in the world is racing About his goals for the from the recent International against time to be fit for the first season, Gasquet lined up Premier Tennis League exhibition Grand Slam of the season in Davis cup, Olympics and event, where he was representing Australia. Grands Slam as priorities. 24 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 25

CHARITY WORK In 2002, the Spaniard started the Sergio Garcia Partnered the PGA Tour to raise awareness and Foundation that provides grants benefiting funds for The First Tee Foundation in 2013. numerous health causes to include children’s Pledged $1,000 for every birdie and $2,000 for each GOLF cancer research, cerebral palsy and multiple eagle he made through the FedExcup Play-offs sclerosis in various countries. to the First Tee of Atlanta and The First Tee of East Lake. Total donations came to $110,000.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Garcia, the ‘A great way for me football buff to start the year’ A top golfer does not always find time to commit ErGIO Garcia is no stranger to the Doha Golf himself to other disciplines. club (DGc), having made 10 appearances in the but Sergio Garcia is an Scommercial bank Qatar masters and won the exception to the rule and is into title in 2014. football, a sport which he loves much come January 27, the Spaniard will be looking just like most of the Spaniards. Not many people know that to regain the title at the tournament, where he first Garcia, a huge fan of real madrid, played as a 19-year-old in 1999. is the president of Spanish Fourth After his debut appearance, Garcia returned Division club cF borriol. He to the DGc in ’07 and has since then made nine made his debut for the club appearances on the trot, posting top-10 finishes in six in September, 2010, by being of his last eight appearances. on the field for eight minutes in After tying for seventh in ’08 and ’09, ninth in ’11 the tie against Sporting ribarroja cF which ended in a 0-1 defeat. and fifth in ’12, Garcia came close to winning in ’13, That has not diminished his but eventually finished one shot behind champion SPANIARD SERGIO GARCIA, THE 2014 QATAR MASTERS CHAMPION, enthusiasm as he continues to play chris Wood. El Nino in recreational football matches but his hour of reckoning came a year later when TELLS SAJITH B WARRIER ABOUT THE UPCOMING SEASON, THE whenever he gets the chance. he finally lifted the mother of Pearl Trophy by beating GAME’S OLYMPICS DEBUT AND CHALLENGES AHEAD. Finland’s mikko Ilonen in a dramatic play-off. Though his title defence ended in tatters last year effect! GARCIA FAST FACTS after he shot a nightmarish five-over 77 on the third day, he hopes to get his hands back on the crown, UrSTING on to the scene as develops your personality. win, I’m just falling short. It isn’t your career? unbelievable player. He had a 1999 which was won by South Africa’s branden Grace. a bubbling teenager in the a mental block as such. me and ЃЃmy father Victor has been my fabulous year winning the Augusta becomes the ryder cup’s youngest “The commercial bank Qatar masters is one of Blate 1990s, Sergio Garcia ЂЂYour thoughts on the season my whole team are working on biggest inspiration. It was he who masters and US Open, and at 22, he player at 19 the first events I commit to each season as it’s a still carries a certain aura. that went by… that. You’ve to be lucky as well. initiated me into the sport. And has got age on his side. He’s not only great way for me to start the year. Though windy, The genial Spaniard, who ЃЂI played some solid and Hopefully, I’ll put myself in that coming from Spain, I need not look a great player, but also a wonderful 2001 the weather in Doha is always ideal in January, the has 11 European Tour consistent golf and ended the position one day. It’s just a matter beyond Seve ballesteros and Jose guy to interact with. Wins his first PGA Tour event at the course is well set up, the crowds get behind you and mastercard colonial in Fort Worth, Texas titles including the 2014 season with a victory at the Asian of time. but next year isn’t all maria Olazabal. As a young kid, but it isn’t only about him. Jason I just feel comfortable there,” said Garcia, one of the commercial bank Qatar Tour’s inaugural Ho Tram Open about majors, we’ve the ryder cup I always looked upon these two Day did well last year, so was rory star attractions in the 19th edition of $2.5m European masters and eight USPGA in Vietnam. When it comes to the as well as Olympics. as my role models. It was a treat mcIlroy who, despite an ankle 2002 Tour’s annual flagship event. Wins the first of his seven ryder cups as Tour victories, is known majors, I did my best and had top- to watch them play. They bring a injury, played some wonderful golf part of the Europe team Garcia is just the second Spaniard after Alvaro for his poise and cool 20 finishes at the Augustam asters ЂЂHow important is it for you certain charm to the game. Their throughout. So at the top of the Quiros in ’09 to win the commercial bank Qatar demeanour. as well as US Open and a tied-sixth to represent Spain in Olympics, energy levels and the way they carry rankings, you’ve three guys who’re 2008 masters. Always a pre-tournament favourite at the Arguably one of the place at the Open championship. where the sport is making its themselves are worth emulating. fierce competitors and keep raising reaches a career-high world No.2 in DGc, primarily because of his long-hitting prowess, best golfers in the world On the USPGA Tour, I lost in a play- debut? the bar. It’s really good for the game. November Garcia is fancying his chances this time as well. never to have won a major off at The Players championship ЃЂOh! It’ll be a huge occasion for ЂЃYou’ve fought some close battles I enjoy people being at the top “I want to win again in Doha because a victory title, the 35-year-old, who and had a tied-fourth place at me. Some guys keep saying that with Tiger Woods, who has fallen of their game as it motivates you 2014 early in the year can really raise your confidence for is currently ranked 11th the Northern Trust Open where I majors are bigger. I agree, but to from the pedestal. Do you think he further. Wins the commercial bank Qatar masters the rest of the season,” said Garcia, who had a for his 11th European Tour title in the world, has left a missed the play-off by one shot. be able to represent your country has it in him to make a comeback? I may not be of their same age, career-high No.2 ranking in November, ’08. lasting legacy at the rider in Olympics, which I consider is but I still have the hunger to catch “It’s a great tournament that always has a strong cup, where he was a part the biggest sports spectacle, is up with them. I want to show them field. I feel like I’m due another victory and it would of Europe’s five successful MY FATHER HAS BEEN MY a massive feeling. being part of JORDAN SPIETH IS A that I’m also there in the mix. be great to do it in Doha.” campaigns in seven BIGGEST INSPIRATION. IT the Games doesn’t happen that GREAT PLAYER AND A appearances. often. I’ve seen how much effort ЂЃSo finally, as you approach WAS HE WHO INITIATED WONDERFUL GUY TO The Qatar Golf Association (QGA), In an exclusive telephone athletes from other disciplines take your 16th season on the Tour, ME INTO THE SPORT. INTERACT WITH. ‘Garcia is which last Sunday marked the interview with Doha to compete in it. many years of what difference do you find one-month countdown for the Stadium Plus from crans- hard work and toil go into it. So as in yourself from the Sergio always commercial bank Qatar masters, is montana, Switzerland, where critics might say I might’ve a golfer, it’s a big occasion and I’m ЃЃHonestly speaking, I don’t who burst on to the scene as a a crowd happy that Sergio Garcia confirmed he is based, El Nino, as he is underachieved, but they don’t really looking forward to it. know exactly. It all depends on his 19-year-old prodigy? his participation. referred to by his peers, talks see the reality. The competition is physical strength and ability as well ЃЃSurely, I’ve got grey hair on favourite’ “Sergio Garcia is always a crowd about the upcoming season, much more intense these days and ЂЂWhat has been your best golf as confidence. You know, it’s very my beard now! (laughs). I’ve favourite at the commercial bank Qatar masters. We’re happy to which will be his 16th on the you’ve to be on your toes all the moment so far? difficult to perform at a high level in learnt a lot of things over the see that he has confirmed Tour, the game’s Olympics time. I think my best is yet to come ЃЂOh… fortunately I feel a lot of any sport when your’re physically years. I’ve become more to play in the event for debut and challenges ahead. and I hope it comes sooner rather them. Everyone knows how much I not in a good shape. You’ve to be 100 mature and even wiser. Now the 10th straight year. than later. love ryder cup. per cent fit physically and mentally I can focus on many things at a It’s a tribute to the ЂЂHow much has your game I’ve had five ryder cup triumphs. to give your best on the field. I don’t time other than golf. I’ve reached tournament that one of evolved over the years? ЂЂA Major title has eluded you so So they would obviously stand think Tiger can be the same player that stage of my career where I can the world’s top players keeps coming back to the ЃЂPretty much, I guess. When far. Could ’16 be the year in which out. When it comes to individual as he was say 10 years ago because make other people feel happy. I can Doha Golf club. We all look I made my debut on the Tour as you can make a breakthrough? accomplishments, the Players then he was fully on physically, help them learn and enjoy the game forward to seeing him,” said a 19-year-old, I was a nervous ЃЂHopefully, it would be nice if I championship win in ’08 was mentally and concentration-wise. as I’ve the resources now. QGA President Hassan Al Nuaimi. skinny guy. I’ve done enough to can do it this year. Well, I’ve had memorable. So was the Spanish He has had to go through a lot of I feel a lot more fresh now. It Two 21-year-old Qatari amateurs be happy, though I’m not satisfied some close finishes inm ajors. Open. To be able to win your difficulties in the last four-five years. I wasn’t as snowy and cold as I — Saleh Al Kaabi and Ali Al yet. I’ve always been in the top 20 To improve every year and be a national tournament gives you hope he overcomes all that. expected though! I’ve recharged Shahrani — are aiming to qualify in the last 15 years and that bears contender for majors is something immense joy. It feels good when my batteries enough and I just for the tournament with the hope of becoming the first local players to testimony to my consistency. I which I think of. I’ve missed a you’ve people cheering for you as it ЂЃJordan Spieth has had a fantastic can’t wait for the new season make the cut. still have the same enthusiasm couple of close chances in majors. naturally raises your game and I’ve year, winning two Majors en route to start! “As the tournament is nearing, I on the field that I had when I was It’s all about being ready when the always felt connected to the crowd. to becoming the world No.1. Do you şЃSergio Garcia think the boys will’ve to put in 2-3 Sergio a kid. This is a sport which helps time comes. think he can sustain his form? » The writer can be contacted at: holds the mother hours of extra practice daily,” added Al of Pearl Trophy. DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod Garcia you grow as a player as well as When it comes on to a major ЂЂWho’s the biggest inspiration in ЃЃObviously, Jordan is an [email protected] Nuaimi. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 25

CHARITY WORK In 2002, the Spaniard started the Sergio Garcia Partnered the PGA Tour to raise awareness and Foundation that provides grants benefiting funds for The First Tee Foundation in 2013. numerous health causes to include children’s Pledged $1,000 for every birdie and $2,000 for each cancer research, cerebral palsy and multiple eagle he made through the FedExcup Play-offs sclerosis in various countries. to the First Tee of Atlanta and The First Tee of East Lake. Total donations came to $110,000.

Garcia, the ‘A great way for me football buff to start the year’ A top golfer does not always find time to commit ErGIO Garcia is no stranger to the Doha Golf himself to other disciplines. club (DGc), having made 10 appearances in the but Sergio Garcia is an Scommercial bank Qatar masters and won the exception to the rule and is into title in 2014. football, a sport which he loves much come January 27, the Spaniard will be looking just like most of the Spaniards. Not many people know that to regain the title at the tournament, where he first Garcia, a huge fan of real madrid, played as a 19-year-old in 1999. is the president of Spanish Fourth After his debut appearance, Garcia returned Division club cF borriol. He to the DGc in ’07 and has since then made nine made his debut for the club appearances on the trot, posting top-10 finishes in six in September, 2010, by being of his last eight appearances. on the field for eight minutes in After tying for seventh in ’08 and ’09, ninth in ’11 the tie against Sporting ribarroja cF which ended in a 0-1 defeat. and fifth in ’12, Garcia came close to winning in ’13, That has not diminished his but eventually finished one shot behind champion enthusiasm as he continues to play chris Wood. El Nino in recreational football matches but his hour of reckoning came a year later when whenever he gets the chance. he finally lifted the mother of Pearl Trophy by beating Finland’s mikko Ilonen in a dramatic play-off. Though his title defence ended in tatters last year effect! GARCIA FAST FACTS after he shot a nightmarish five-over 77 on the third day, he hopes to get his hands back on the crown, your career? unbelievable player. He had a 1999 which was won by South Africa’s branden Grace. ЃЃmy father Victor has been my fabulous year winning the Augusta becomes the ryder cup’s youngest “The commercial bank Qatar masters is one of biggest inspiration. It was he who masters and US Open, and at 22, he player at 19 the first events I commit to each season as it’s a initiated me into the sport. And has got age on his side. He’s not only great way for me to start the year. Though windy, coming from Spain, I need not look a great player, but also a wonderful 2001 the weather in Doha is always ideal in January, the beyond Seve ballesteros and Jose guy to interact with. Wins his first PGA Tour event at the course is well set up, the crowds get behind you and mastercard colonial in Fort Worth, Texas maria Olazabal. As a young kid, but it isn’t only about him. Jason I just feel comfortable there,” said Garcia, one of the I always looked upon these two Day did well last year, so was rory star attractions in the 19th edition of $2.5m European as my role models. It was a treat mcIlroy who, despite an ankle 2002 Tour’s annual flagship event. Wins the first of his seven ryder cups as to watch them play. They bring a injury, played some wonderful golf part of the Europe team Garcia is just the second Spaniard after Alvaro certain charm to the game. Their throughout. So at the top of the Quiros in ’09 to win the commercial bank Qatar energy levels and the way they carry rankings, you’ve three guys who’re 2008 masters. Always a pre-tournament favourite at the themselves are worth emulating. fierce competitors and keep raising reaches a career-high world No.2 in DGc, primarily because of his long-hitting prowess, the bar. It’s really good for the game. November Garcia is fancying his chances this time as well. ЂЃYou’ve fought some close battles I enjoy people being at the top “I want to win again in Doha because a victory with Tiger Woods, who has fallen of their game as it motivates you 2014 early in the year can really raise your confidence for from the pedestal. Do you think he further. Wins the commercial bank Qatar masters the rest of the season,” said Garcia, who had a for his 11th European Tour title has it in him to make a comeback? I may not be of their same age, career-high No.2 ranking in November, ’08. but I still have the hunger to catch “It’s a great tournament that always has a strong up with them. I want to show them field. I feel like I’m due another victory and it would JORDAN SPIETH IS A that I’m also there in the mix. be great to do it in Doha.” GREAT PLAYER AND A ЂЃSo finally, as you approach WONDERFUL GUY TO The Qatar Golf Association (QGA), your 16th season on the Tour, INTERACT WITH. ‘Garcia is which last Sunday marked the what difference do you find one-month countdown for the in yourself from the Sergio always commercial bank Qatar masters, is ЃЃHonestly speaking, I don’t who burst on to the scene as a a crowd happy that Sergio Garcia confirmed know exactly. It all depends on his 19-year-old prodigy? his participation. physical strength and ability as well ЃЃSurely, I’ve got grey hair on favourite’ “Sergio Garcia is always a crowd as confidence. You know, it’s very my beard now! (laughs). I’ve favourite at the commercial bank Qatar masters. We’re happy to difficult to perform at a high level in learnt a lot of things over the see that he has confirmed any sport when your’re physically years. I’ve become more to play in the event for not in a good shape. You’ve to be 100 mature and even wiser. Now the 10th straight year. per cent fit physically and mentally I can focus on many things at a It’s a tribute to the to give your best on the field. I don’t time other than golf. I’ve reached tournament that one of think Tiger can be the same player that stage of my career where I can the world’s top players as he was say 10 years ago because make other people feel happy. I can keeps coming back to the Doha Golf club. We all look then he was fully on physically, help them learn and enjoy the game forward to seeing him,” said mentally and concentration-wise. as I’ve the resources now. QGA President Hassan Al Nuaimi. He has had to go through a lot of I feel a lot more fresh now. It Two 21-year-old Qatari amateurs difficulties in the last four-five years. I wasn’t as snowy and cold as I — Saleh Al Kaabi and Ali Al hope he overcomes all that. expected though! I’ve recharged Shahrani — are aiming to qualify my batteries enough and I just for the tournament with the hope of becoming the first local players to ЂЃJordan Spieth has had a fantastic can’t wait for the new season make the cut. year, winning two Majors en route to start! “As the tournament is nearing, I to becoming the world No.1. Do you şЃSergio Garcia think the boys will’ve to put in 2-3 think he can sustain his form? » The writer can be contacted at: holds the mother hours of extra practice daily,” added Al ЃЃObviously, Jordan is an [email protected] of Pearl Trophy. Nuaimi. 26 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 27

Al Sadd scored 144 points to win the Qatar Al Sadd Athletics Federation’s Indoor cup held at the ASPIrE Academy. Al Gharafa ended up as runners- lift Indoor up with 103 points while holders El Jaish had to MIXED ZONE | QATAR Athletics Cup be content with a third-place finish (73.5) in the three-day competition, which featured eight clubs.

şŠOmar Abdel meguid receives the FOCUS ON QOC trophy from Talal Ali ֫ Al mawlawi.

ŠŠAl Ahli’s Geraldo Sheikh Joaan wins CSR award Goiano, second right, celebrates

with team-mates HE Qatar University is significant, especially in DSP/Mohan .SQUASH after the win against selected Qatar Olympic supporting the special needs ššEl Quiyada’s mousa Ismail Al Khalaf is poised to score against Al Shamal ֫ Qatar Sc. Tcommittee (QOc) President and education programmes. HANDBALL HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al That was quite evident from his ֫ Egypt’s Omar lives Thani as the corporate Social directives to allocate profits of responsibility (cSr) Person of the 2015 International Handball up to reputation the Year. Federation’s World men’s Quiyada, Lekhwiya win The award was in recognition championship to the benefit GYPT’S Omar Abdel meguid lived up to his top of his significant role in of Teach a child scheme in L QUIYADA defeated minnows Al RESULTS billing by clinching the Professional Squash supporting cSr and for being addition to the social activities Shamal 37-26 in a Qatar League Lekhwiya bt Al rayyan 31-29 EAssociation (PSA) Qatar circuit II tournament title, a role model in inspiring the organised by the QOc through its Ematch at the Qatar Handball El Jaish bt Al Gharafa 25-22 defeating Germany’s Jens Schoor 11-5, 11-6, 11-8 in country’s youth. lifestyle programme Active Qatar. Association Hall last week. El Quiyada bt Al Shamal 37-26 a lop-sided final. It will be presented at a Dr Hassan rashid Al Derham These initiatives distinguish His In other action, Lekhwiya found the Al Arabi bt Al Khor 28-26 It was Omar’s first world title of the year in the PSA ceremony at the university said, “HE Sheikh Joaan is a Excellency as one of the most going tough against Al rayyan before Al Wakrah bt Qatar Sc 26-25

Tour’s last tournament of the year. Divakaran DSP/Vinod premises early next year. truly motivating leader of inspiring persons for the younger seeing them off 31-29 while Al Wakrah Al rayyan drew Al Gharafa 25-25 “I’ve played in Doha a few times before, but never Qatar University President cSr in Qatar. His contribution generation.” had to sweat hard to beat Qatar Sports El Jaish bt Al Sadd 36-26 VOLLEYBALL club 26-25. Lekhwiya bt Al Shamal 40-30 managed to win a title. reaching the second round ֫ of the 2013 Qatar classic was my best performance şšWinners of Al till date. It feels great to sign off the year with a title. Ghariya cup with It augurs well for the coming year,” said Omar, after Qatar racing and Bassem dazzles at receiving the trophy from Qatar Squash Federation Equestrian club officials. General Secretary Talal Ali Al mawlawi. Goiano shines in Grand Prix of Doha The world No.35 proved too good for fifth-seeded Schoor, who had fought his way to the final by ATArI rider bassem Hassan mohammed quelling the challenge of two higher-ranked players lived up to his name as he guided The — second seed Ivan Yuen of malaysia in the semifinal QToymaker to victory in the Grand Prix of and fourth seed martin Knight of New Zealand in the Doha, the feature event of the Qatar International quarterfinal. Al Ahli’s victory Show Jumping championship, at the Qatar For Schoor, it was yet another moment of was well supported by local player Association cup and inflicting Equestrian Federation (QEF) Arena last Sunday. heartbreak after he had lost to Egypt’s mohamed reda Sajith B Warrier mahmoud Essam. the first defeat of the season on bassem kept his cool to come up with a

in a closely-fought, five-game final of the PSA Qatar “barring the defeat to Police, favourites Arabi recently. Babu Photo/Juhaim title-winning ride and bag the top prize of circuit I tournament last month. which has been our only setback in “If we can continue the way we’re Qr186,000. EQUESTRIANISM RESULTS In chilly conditions, The Toymaker clocked No regrets, he (meguid) played great. I don’t think L AHLI overcame a slump in the league, we’ve been gelling well playing now, there’s every reason we ֫“ I was tired or exhausted. It just wasn’t my day. He had the third set to ward off Qatar as a team. I hope we can maintain can be counted as title contenders. WEDNESDAY 56.26sec in his second run in the 145/160cm class. an answer to everything I tried. Nothing worked for Sc’s challenge 25-18, 25-16, The win againt Arabi has boosted Race 1 She’ris (Harry bentley)1, Ameer Al Shajaa 2, mahmas 3, Aws bowie Z, ridden by Jordan’s Ibrahim Hani bisharat, A 4, Won by: 20, 12, 6. Trained by: Julian Smart. Owned by: HH me,” said Schoor. 23-25, 25-23 in the Qatar League at our morale,” said Goiano. It’s Lady Chantilly Sheikh mohamed bin Khalifa Al Thani. finished second (46.61). Ţ “It hasn’t been a good year for me, and I’m glad we ŠOmar Abdel Al Arabi Sports club last week. AL AHLI’S BEST DISPLAY meanwhile, champions Al rayyan Race 2 Al Ghaf (Yanis Aouabed) 1, rijm 2, charme Secret 3, meanwhile, Abdulrahman Al rajhi kept his cool to meguid returns now have time to take some well-deserved rest and After easily winning the first two maintained their clean sheet in the LANOUD bint Sheail Al of rassan. Shamaliyah 4. Won by: Shd, 2.5, 1.75. Trained by: H Al Jehani. win the Table A against the clock 145cm, the main as Jens Schoor IN THE QATAR LEAGUE Owned by: Saeed mubarak Saeed Aljafali Al Naimi. start afresh next year,” added Schoor. looks on. sets, Ahli took the foot off the pedal league with a 25-13, 32-30, 25-23 Kuwari-owned Lady chantilly HH Sheikh mohammed bin event last week. Heavy rain had made the field IS THE RUNNERS-UP Race 3 Sand Piper (marco monteriso) 1, Khrash Al Naif 2, Heytham in the third set. Qatar Sc put up a FINISH IN 2013. win against Al Khor. Agot the better of stable-mate Khalifa Al Thani-owned bouhour (Ali Al Showeikh) 3, Al Taweel 4, Won by: 2, 1, 1.75. Trained by: really soggy, but that did not stop the competitors fight in the fourth set as well, but Fast to win the Al Ghariya cup, the made a winning debut to shed her Hassan Al matwi. Owned by: Hassan Ali Hassan Al matwi. from giving their all. Ahli held their nerve to emerge as class 1 Thoroughbred conditions maiden ranks with a brilliant victory Race 4 Sylvia Pankhurst (Adnan Hawa) 1, christmas Aria 2, Trillian Al rajhi won the first and second race astride RESULTS Astra 3, Words Of A Prophet 4. Won by: 2.5, 0.75, 2. Trained victorious. the momentum,” said Sordyl. Al rayyan bt Al Khor 25-13, 32-30, 25-23 race for three-year-old and above in the Purebred Arabian maiden by: Ibrahim Al malki. Owned by: Saeed Ibrahim Saeed Al malki. chicago 84 and chilli Pepper Van de Helle Al Arabi bt El Jaish 23-25, 16-25, 25-21, Race 5 Thahab (marvin Suerland) 1, rock Up 2, Nawarah 3, Urban It was Ahli’s fourth win from five Ahli’s best performance in the 25-23, 15-11 fillies and mares. Plate, run over seven furlongs. respectively. Dreamer 4, Won by: Shd, 1, 0.75. Trained by: Jassim Al Ghazali. outings. league is the runners-up finish Al Ahli bt Qatar Sc 25-18, 25-16, 23-25, Jassim Al Ghazali-trained Lady Julian Smart-saddled three-year- Earlier, Saeed Nasser Al Hadi gave Qatar the first Owned by: Al Shaqab racing. brazilian professional Geraldo in 2013, a year in which they also 25-23 chantilly was brilliantly ridden by old bay filly bouhour (Harry bentley win of the championship, in the Table A one round Al Shamal bt Al Gharafa 25-22, 32-30, 29-27 Race 6 Qassy (Harry bentley) 1, bahess Des Vialettes 2, Al bashtoon Goiano, with his powerful smashes, reached the Emir’s cup final. jockey Jean Pierre Guillambert, who up) came through an opening at the 3, Aziz Al Shahania 4, Won by: 5, 1.75, 4. Trained by: Jassim Al against the clock with jump-off 120cm event. Al rayyan bt Al Wakrah 25-11, 25-17, 25-17 Ghazali. Owned by: Al Shahania Stud. was once again the architect of This year, they started well, Al Khor bt Al Sadd 25-18, 21-25, 25-16, did well to overhaul Fast (marvin 300m marker and stretched out well meanwhile, Qatar Olympic committee Secretary 25-17 Race 7 Upholland (richard mullen) 1, Erroneous 2, Exodus 3, Star Deal mariusz Sordyl-coached side. He reaching the semifinal of the Suerland up) in the shadow of the to take the initiative and later thwart 4. Won by: 3, 6, 0.75. Trained by: Jassim Al Ghazali. Owned by: General Dr Thani Abdulrahman Al Kuwari received a winning post to win by the shortest Jassim mohamed Al Ghazali & Sons. replica of the Doha Tour championship Trophy from BASKETBALL of margins. Sefaat and momalorka THURSDAY QEF President Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah ֫ were third and fourth. UMM QARN’S MAJEED Race 1 bouhour (Harry bentley) 1, Azeeza 2, Nada 3, Sharsaa Al Naif on the competition’s sidelines. DISPLAYED IMMENSE 4, Won by: Nk, 1.5, 1. Trained by: Julian Smart. Owned by: HH Umm Qarn’s majeed displayed Sheikh mohamed bin Khalifa Al Thani. Al Gharafa shock immense potential to clinch the POTENTIAL TO CLINCH THE Race 2 Newholm (JP Guillambert) 1, Izghawa 2, Pipe bomb 3, Qatar Dukhan cup. The local-bred Pure DUKHAN CUP. rock 4, Won by: Nk, 3.5, Hd. Trained by: Jassim Al Ghazali. Owned by: Khalid Yahya Al Khusaai. Arabian conditions race, run over holders Al Rayyan Race 3 Spaghetti (Gerald Avranche)1, Amid 2, Al Najib 3, Al Sahm 4, 2,000m, was the other highlight Won by: 2, 0.75, 0.75. Trained by: Jassim Al Ghazali. Owned by: L GHArAFA shocked champions Al rayyan among the races. the spirited bid of Umm Qarn’s maryam bint Sheail Al Kuwari. 77-76 in a tense match of the Qatar League Alban de mieulle-trained majeed Azeeza. Khalid Yahya Al Khussai- Race 4 moaddie (Yanis Aouabed) 1, Yasmeen 2, Footprintinthesand 3, Zahrah 4, Won by: 0.5, Nk, 3.5. Trained by: H Al Jehani. Owned Aat the Al Gharafa Indoor Hall last week. The raced a handy second before taking owned Newholm (Jean Pierre by: Ahmed Hassan Al malki Al Jehani. winners led 47-33 after two quarters. charge at the top of the straight. Guillambert astride) took his first win Race 5 Lesha (Pier convertino) 1, Al busayyir 2, Headline News Kevin Galloway was the Though the Al Shahania Stud’s in nine starts with a pillar-to-post 3, Primitorio 4. Won by: Hd, 0.5, Shd. Trained by: majed RESULTS Seifeddine. Owned by: rashid mubarak Aljafali Al Naimi. star for rayyan, scoring 27 Al Shamal bt Al Ahli 72-68 Taraf posed a serious threat, jockey victory in the class 6 Thoroughbred Race 6 majeed (Gaetan Faucon) 1, Taraf (Harry bentley) 2, muhjah points while Omar Salem Al Wakrah bt Qatar Sc 66-47 Gaetan Faucon drove out majeed maiden Plate. Jassim Al Ghazali- (Jean baptiste Hamel) 3, rassan (Gerald Avranche) 4. Won by: chipped in with 19. Al Sadd bt El Jaish 78-68 with all resources at his command schooled Newholm held on gamely 0.5, 1.75, 1. Trained by: Alban de mieulle. Owned by: Umm Qarn. James Davon (23) did Al Gharafa bt Al rayyan 77-76 and emerged as victorious by half a from a fast-finishing Izghawa, who Al Wakrah bt Qatar Sc 100-87 Race 7 Lady chantilly (J P Guillambert) 1, Fast 2, Sefaat 3, momalorka the bulk of scoring for the Al Sadd bt Al Ahli 88-74 length. muhjah came up with a late sported the colours of Sheikh Faisal 4. Won by: Shd, 1.25, 0.5. Trained by: mohamed Jassim Al losers. Al Shamal bt Al Arabi 78-61 šŠAl Gharafa’s Kevin Galloway attempts to score against Al rayyan. rally to finish a notable third ahead bin Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani. Ghazali. Owned by: Alanoud bint Sheail Al Kuwari. ššbassem Hassan mohammed with Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 27

Al Sadd scored 144 points to win the Qatar Al Sadd Athletics Federation’s Indoor cup held at the ASPIrE Academy. Al Gharafa ended up as runners- lift Indoor up with 103 points while holders El Jaish had to Athletics Cup be content with a third-place finish (73.5) in the three-day competition, which featured eight clubs.

FOCUS ON QOC ֫ Sheikh Joaan wins CSR award

HE Qatar University is significant, especially in DSP/Mohan selected Qatar Olympic supporting the special needs ššEl Quiyada’s mousa Ismail Al Khalaf is poised to score against Al Shamal. Tcommittee (QOc) President and education programmes. HANDBALL HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al That was quite evident from his ֫ Thani as the corporate Social directives to allocate profits of responsibility (cSr) Person of the 2015 International Handball the Year. Federation’s World men’s Quiyada, Lekhwiya win The award was in recognition championship to the benefit of his significant role in of Teach a child scheme in L QUIYADA defeated minnows Al RESULTS supporting cSr and for being addition to the social activities Shamal 37-26 in a Qatar League Lekhwiya bt Al rayyan 31-29 a role model in inspiring the organised by the QOc through its Ematch at the Qatar Handball El Jaish bt Al Gharafa 25-22 country’s youth. lifestyle programme Active Qatar. Association Hall last week. El Quiyada bt Al Shamal 37-26 It will be presented at a Dr Hassan rashid Al Derham These initiatives distinguish His In other action, Lekhwiya found the Al Arabi bt Al Khor 28-26 ceremony at the university said, “HE Sheikh Joaan is a Excellency as one of the most going tough against Al rayyan before Al Wakrah bt Qatar Sc 26-25 premises early next year. truly motivating leader of inspiring persons for the younger seeing them off 31-29 while Al Wakrah Al rayyan drew Al Gharafa 25-25 Qatar University President cSr in Qatar. His contribution generation.” had to sweat hard to beat Qatar Sports El Jaish bt Al Sadd 36-26 club 26-25. Lekhwiya bt Al Shamal 40-30

şšWinners of Al Ghariya cup with Qatar racing and Bassem dazzles at Equestrian club officials. Grand Prix of Doha

ATArI rider bassem Hassan mohammed lived up to his name as he guided The QToymaker to victory in the Grand Prix of Doha, the feature event of the Qatar International Show Jumping championship, at the Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) Arena last Sunday. bassem kept his cool to come up with a

Photo/Juhaim Babu Photo/Juhaim title-winning ride and bag the top prize of Qr186,000. EQUESTRIANISM RESULTS In chilly conditions, The Toymaker clocked ֫ WEDNESDAY 56.26sec in his second run in the 145/160cm class. Race 1 She’ris (Harry bentley)1, Ameer Al Shajaa 2, mahmas 3, Aws bowie Z, ridden by Jordan’s Ibrahim Hani bisharat, 4, Won by: 20, 12, 6. Trained by: Julian Smart. Owned by: HH It’s Lady Chantilly Sheikh mohamed bin Khalifa Al Thani. finished second (46.61). Race 2 Al Ghaf (Yanis Aouabed) 1, rijm 2, charme Secret 3, meanwhile, Abdulrahman Al rajhi kept his cool to LANOUD bint Sheail Al of rassan. Shamaliyah 4. Won by: Shd, 2.5, 1.75. Trained by: H Al Jehani. win the Table A against the clock 145cm, the main Owned by: Saeed mubarak Saeed Aljafali Al Naimi. Kuwari-owned Lady chantilly HH Sheikh mohammed bin event last week. Heavy rain had made the field Race 3 Sand Piper (marco monteriso) 1, Khrash Al Naif 2, Heytham Agot the better of stable-mate Khalifa Al Thani-owned bouhour (Ali Al Showeikh) 3, Al Taweel 4, Won by: 2, 1, 1.75. Trained by: really soggy, but that did not stop the competitors Fast to win the Al Ghariya cup, the made a winning debut to shed her Hassan Al matwi. Owned by: Hassan Ali Hassan Al matwi. from giving their all. class 1 Thoroughbred conditions maiden ranks with a brilliant victory Race 4 Sylvia Pankhurst (Adnan Hawa) 1, christmas Aria 2, Trillian Al rajhi won the first and second race astride Astra 3, Words Of A Prophet 4. Won by: 2.5, 0.75, 2. Trained race for three-year-old and above in the Purebred Arabian maiden by: Ibrahim Al malki. Owned by: Saeed Ibrahim Saeed Al malki. chicago 84 and chilli Pepper Van de Helle fillies and mares. Plate, run over seven furlongs. Race 5 Thahab (marvin Suerland) 1, rock Up 2, Nawarah 3, Urban respectively. Jassim Al Ghazali-trained Lady Julian Smart-saddled three-year- Dreamer 4, Won by: Shd, 1, 0.75. Trained by: Jassim Al Ghazali. Earlier, Saeed Nasser Al Hadi gave Qatar the first Owned by: Al Shaqab racing. chantilly was brilliantly ridden by old bay filly bouhour (Harry bentley Race 6 Qassy (Harry bentley) 1, bahess Des Vialettes 2, Al bashtoon win of the championship, in the Table A one round jockey Jean Pierre Guillambert, who up) came through an opening at the 3, Aziz Al Shahania 4, Won by: 5, 1.75, 4. Trained by: Jassim Al against the clock with jump-off 120cm event. did well to overhaul Fast (marvin 300m marker and stretched out well Ghazali. Owned by: Al Shahania Stud. meanwhile, Qatar Olympic committee Secretary Race 7 Upholland (richard mullen) 1, Erroneous 2, Exodus 3, Star Deal Suerland up) in the shadow of the to take the initiative and later thwart 4. Won by: 3, 6, 0.75. Trained by: Jassim Al Ghazali. Owned by: General Dr Thani Abdulrahman Al Kuwari received a winning post to win by the shortest Jassim mohamed Al Ghazali & Sons. replica of the Doha Tour championship Trophy from of margins. Sefaat and momalorka THURSDAY QEF President Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah were third and fourth. UMM QARN’S MAJEED Race 1 bouhour (Harry bentley) 1, Azeeza 2, Nada 3, Sharsaa Al Naif on the competition’s sidelines. DISPLAYED IMMENSE 4, Won by: Nk, 1.5, 1. Trained by: Julian Smart. Owned by: HH Umm Qarn’s majeed displayed Sheikh mohamed bin Khalifa Al Thani. immense potential to clinch the POTENTIAL TO CLINCH THE Race 2 Newholm (JP Guillambert) 1, Izghawa 2, Pipe bomb 3, Qatar Dukhan cup. The local-bred Pure DUKHAN CUP. rock 4, Won by: Nk, 3.5, Hd. Trained by: Jassim Al Ghazali. Owned by: Khalid Yahya Al Khusaai. Arabian conditions race, run over Race 3 Spaghetti (Gerald Avranche)1, Amid 2, Al Najib 3, Al Sahm 4, 2,000m, was the other highlight Won by: 2, 0.75, 0.75. Trained by: Jassim Al Ghazali. Owned by: among the races. the spirited bid of Umm Qarn’s maryam bint Sheail Al Kuwari. Alban de mieulle-trained majeed Azeeza. Khalid Yahya Al Khussai- Race 4 moaddie (Yanis Aouabed) 1, Yasmeen 2, Footprintinthesand 3, Zahrah 4, Won by: 0.5, Nk, 3.5. Trained by: H Al Jehani. Owned raced a handy second before taking owned Newholm (Jean Pierre by: Ahmed Hassan Al malki Al Jehani. charge at the top of the straight. Guillambert astride) took his first win Race 5 Lesha (Pier convertino) 1, Al busayyir 2, Headline News Though the Al Shahania Stud’s in nine starts with a pillar-to-post 3, Primitorio 4. Won by: Hd, 0.5, Shd. Trained by: majed Seifeddine. Owned by: rashid mubarak Aljafali Al Naimi. Taraf posed a serious threat, jockey victory in the class 6 Thoroughbred Race 6 majeed (Gaetan Faucon) 1, Taraf (Harry bentley) 2, muhjah Gaetan Faucon drove out majeed maiden Plate. Jassim Al Ghazali- (Jean baptiste Hamel) 3, rassan (Gerald Avranche) 4. Won by: with all resources at his command schooled Newholm held on gamely 0.5, 1.75, 1. Trained by: Alban de mieulle. Owned by: Umm Qarn. and emerged as victorious by half a from a fast-finishing Izghawa, who Race 7 Lady chantilly (J P Guillambert) 1, Fast 2, Sefaat 3, momalorka length. muhjah came up with a late sported the colours of Sheikh Faisal 4. Won by: Shd, 1.25, 0.5. Trained by: mohamed Jassim Al rally to finish a notable third ahead bin Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani. Ghazali. Owned by: Alanoud bint Sheail Al Kuwari. ššbassem Hassan mohammed with Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah. 28 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 29

YEARENDER | SHOCKS INCREDIBLY SURPRISING! N EVErY match, there is a favourite PAYNE MAKES ROUSEY REIGN TEAM GREAT BRITAIN END LONG and there is an underdog. One team is MELBOURNE ENDED BY Isupposed to come out on top and one WAIT FOR DAVIS CUP TITLE side is merely a stepping stone to the other’s CUP HISTORY EX-BOXER HOLM Great britain ended years of US, who included James Ward’s inevitable victory. Same is the case with Davis cup irrelevance as Andy epic five-set win over John Isner, players. but sometimes, the stars align, and Michelle Payne became the Holly Holm pulled off one of the murray spearheaded the France and Australia on home David puts it all together and topples Goliath. first woman to win Australia’s biggest upsets in the Ultimate country to a first title in 79 years soil to reach this year’s final. That is the power of those moments. That 154-year-old melbourne cup Fighting championship when following a 3-1 victory over Team Gb then came full circle after riding 100-1 outsider she knocked out previously is the power of any moment when the belgium in November’s final in as current world No.2 murray Prince of Penzance to a unbeaten ronda rousey in Ghent. When Leon Smith was clinched the winning point in unfathomable occurs. And there is so much historic victory in November. their bantamweight title fight in appointed captain in 2010, Team the fourth rubber against David beauty in the upset. The following are the Those long odds were melbourne. rousey, unbeaten Gb were facing relegation to the Goffin with a sensational lob biggest shocks of the past year. nothing compared to the in 12 previous fights, touched competition’s lowest tier, but to seal a 6-3, 7-5, 6-3 win and obstacles 30-year-old down in Australia having won a 5-0 win over Turkey marked britain’s 10th Davis cup crown. Payne, the youngest of 10 her last three bouts in just a the start of a slow, but steady siblings, overcame on the combined 64sec, but Holm’s climb towards the pinnacle of road to eventual success. She second-round head kick sent team tennis. Having reached lost her mother mary in a car rousey crashing to the canvas, the quarterfinal on their return accident when she was just ending her reign as the golden to the World Group in the 2014 six months old with her career girl of mixed martial arts. season, the british team saw off VINCI STUNS then sidetracked by a series of Holm, the 34-year-old boxing record 32-time champions the injuries, including a head-first champion-turned-mmA fighter, SERENA IN fall from a had entered the November horse when showdown unbeaten herself, NEW YORK she was JAPAN UPSET SOUTH AFRICA but as a huge underdog. just 18 However, her combination of BRADFORD CITY GIVE CHELSEA FA CUP BLUES Serena Williams looked which left Japan caused the biggest shock plucky Japanese challenge when straight lefts and oblique kicks Two years on from their the bantams renewed hope. bradford netted three times in almost certain to become her with in rugby World cup history Adriaan Strauss ploughed over laid the foundations for the the first player since Steffi stunning run to the final of mourinho had said it would be a the final 15 minutes through a fractured as they stunned two-time to make it 29-22. but full-back knockout blow, following it up the League cup, bradford “disgrace” if chelsea lost to third- one-time chelsea player Filipe Graf in 1988, and just sixth skull and former champions South Africa Ayumu Goromaru converted with several blows to overall, to complete a calendar city again sent shock waves tier opposition, but despite the morais, Andy Halliday and mark bruising on 34-32 in their opening pool his own try to level the scores the head before the through English football with introduction of cesc Fabregas, Yeates. Former Liverpool striker Grand Slam after reaching the her brain. However, none of match in brighton. The brave with 10 minutes to play. The referee intervened, semifinal of the US Open. With a remarkable 4-2 FA cup Willian and Eden Hazard, robbie Fowler called the result that could prevent Payne, blossoms had won just one Springboks responded, with to record one of fourth-round victory over the blues crashed to a the “biggest shock” Flavia Pennetta then dumping WAWRINKA reportedly just the fourth of their 24 previous games Handre Polland slotting over a the sport’s most out second seed Simona Halep a chelsea side that would humiliating defeat as in FA cup history. female entrant in cup history, in the competition, but the penalty to seemingly put them monumental go on to seal a fifth league in the first semifinal, the odds DOWNS from winning the world’s Asian champions, under the back on top for good. There was shocks. on the American landing a title just a few months LEICESTER CITY’S DJOKOVIC richest two-mile handicap stewardship of Eddie Jones, one final dramatic twist though later. Jose mourinho’s historic title shortened further. race, as she held off max signalled their intent early, with as Japan, opting for a scrum riding a 26-match win streak at men appeared to be RAGS-TO-RICHES Novak Djokovic completed one Dynamite (12-1) by half-a- captain michael Leitch crossing rather than kicking a penalty as Flushing meadows, the world cruising at Stamford of the most remarkable seasons length with criterion (18-1) to put the underdogs 10-7 time expired, shifted play across No.1 was overwhelmingly bridge after first- REVIVAL in tennis history in 2015 with close behind. “I thought a girl up. However, the experienced the width of the field before expected to sweep aside half goals from Gary victory at the World Tour Finals, would win the melbourne Springboks, whose starting XV finding replacement wing Karne Leicester city appeared destined unseeded Roberta Vinci, the cahill and ramires but the all-conquering Serb cup, but I didn’t think it would featured a combined 851 caps, Hesketh touching down in the for an immediate return to veteran Italian more renowned put them 2-0 up, was denied a career Grand be one of mine,” said Payne’s went in with the half-time lead corner to seal an incredible the English second tier as for her doubles success, and but Jon Stead pulled Slam at the French Open as proud father. and appeared to have ended the victory. they entered New Year’s Day set up a showdown with one back just before he was beaten in the final by marooned at the foot of the eventual champion Pennetta, the break to give Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka. Premier League table, with just against whom Williams owned With clay-court masters 1000 13 points from 19 matches. It a 7-0 career edge. Instead, her titles from monte carlo as well was by no means an immediate bid was crushed in stunning as rome under his belt and fix either as the Foxes collected fashion as 32-year-old Vinci FURY HALTS KLITSCHKO’S ending rafael Nadal’s roland just a further six points from 10 rallied from a set down to claim DUTCH MISS OUT ON EURO 2016 Garros reign in the quarterfinal, HEAVYWEIGHT DOMINANCE games before Nigel Pearson’s a sensational 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 Djokovic outlasted madrid Semifinalists at the 2014 days later, a 3-0 defeat in side embarked on their great triumph, beating Williams for champion Andy murray in british boxer Tyson Fury self-styled ‘Gypsy King’ landed World cup, the Netherlands Turkey left the Netherlands’ escape, winning seven of the first time to set up the first five gruelling sets to move registered one of the sport’s the WbA, IbF and WbO world were expected to routinely fate out of their hands. their final nine outings to all-Italian women’s within sight of the one Grand biggest upsets by outpointing title belts. Fury, whose biggest qualify for the expanded Danny blind’s men needed complete a scarcely believable Grand Slam final Slam that still eluded him. All long-standing heavyweight world previous win was against 24-team European three points at home to the recovery. When Pearson was in the Open Era. appeared to be going to plan as champion Wladimir Klitschko fellow-briton Dereck chisora, was championship finals and already-qualified czechs unceremoniously sacked after the Serb grabbed the opening to end the Ukrainian’s nine- undeterred by the step-up in perhaps even contend for the coupled with a Turkey loss a breakdown in his relationship set 6-4, but a sublime show year reign in Dusseldorf. class and backed up his pre-fight title. Placed alongside the against Iceland from the final with club owners, Leicester of stroke-making from the manchester-born Fury, promises by confounding his likes of the czech republic, round of matches to rescue were again expected to be Swiss left Djokovic, renowned 27, handed Klitschko decorated rival as well as Turkey and Iceland, their a desperate situation, but embroiled in another relegation for his incredible powers of his first loss since doubters with a skilful, measured Group A draw was not overly the Dutch succumbed 2-3, scrap, but the surprise recovery, without any answers 2004 after winning performance. Fury’s uncle and complicated, but an opening a comical robin van Persie appointment of experienced as Wawrinka wrapped up a unanimous trainer Peter said his nephew’s defeat in Prague signalled own goal typifying their dire Italian coach claudio ranieri a famous 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 points decision victory was the greatest since the start of a disastrous qualifying campaign as the has instead transformed the victory to secure his second 115-112, muhammad Ali “shook up the campaign. A pair of losses to 1988 winners missed out on modest midlands outfit into career major after the 2014 115-112, world” by beating Sonny Liston Iceland were damaging, but the European championship improbable league leaders Australian Open. 116-111 as the in 1964. not terminal. However, three for the first time in 32 years. heading into christmas. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 29 INCREDIBLY SURPRISING! ROUSEY REIGN TEAM GREAT BRITAIN END LONG ENDED BY WAIT FOR DAVIS CUP TITLE EX-BOXER HOLM Great britain ended years of US, who included James Ward’s Davis cup irrelevance as Andy epic five-set win over John Isner, Holly Holm pulled off one of the murray spearheaded the France and Australia on home biggest upsets in the Ultimate country to a first title in 79 years soil to reach this year’s final. Fighting championship when following a 3-1 victory over Team Gb then came full circle she knocked out previously belgium in November’s final in as current world No.2 murray unbeaten ronda rousey in Ghent. When Leon Smith was clinched the winning point in their bantamweight title fight in appointed captain in 2010, Team the fourth rubber against David melbourne. rousey, unbeaten Gb were facing relegation to the Goffin with a sensational lob in 12 previous fights, touched competition’s lowest tier, but to seal a 6-3, 7-5, 6-3 win and down in Australia having won a 5-0 win over Turkey marked britain’s 10th Davis cup crown. her last three bouts in just a the start of a slow, but steady combined 64sec, but Holm’s climb towards the pinnacle of second-round head kick sent team tennis. Having reached rousey crashing to the canvas, the quarterfinal on their return ending her reign as the golden to the World Group in the 2014 girl of mixed martial arts. season, the british team saw off Holm, the 34-year-old boxing record 32-time champions the champion-turned-mmA fighter, had entered the November showdown unbeaten herself, but as a huge underdog. However, her combination of BRADFORD CITY GIVE CHELSEA FA CUP BLUES straight lefts and oblique kicks Two years on from their the bantams renewed hope. bradford netted three times in laid the foundations for the stunning run to the final of mourinho had said it would be a the final 15 minutes through knockout blow, following it up the League cup, bradford “disgrace” if chelsea lost to third- one-time chelsea player Filipe with several blows to city again sent shock waves tier opposition, but despite the morais, Andy Halliday and mark the head before the through English football with introduction of cesc Fabregas, Yeates. Former Liverpool striker referee intervened, a remarkable 4-2 FA cup Willian and Eden Hazard, robbie Fowler called the result to record one of fourth-round victory over the blues crashed to a the “biggest shock” the sport’s most a chelsea side that would humiliating defeat as in FA cup history. monumental go on to seal a fifth league shocks. title just a few months LEICESTER CITY’S later. Jose mourinho’s men appeared to be RAGS-TO-RICHES cruising at Stamford bridge after first- REVIVAL half goals from Gary cahill and ramires Leicester city appeared destined put them 2-0 up, for an immediate return to but Jon Stead pulled the English second tier as one back just before they entered New Year’s Day the break to give marooned at the foot of the Premier League table, with just 13 points from 19 matches. It was by no means an immediate fix either as the Foxes collected DUTCH MISS OUT ON EURO 2016 just a further six points from 10 games before Nigel Pearson’s Semifinalists at the 2014 days later, a 3-0 defeat in side embarked on their great World cup, the Netherlands Turkey left the Netherlands’ escape, winning seven of were expected to routinely fate out of their hands. their final nine outings to qualify for the expanded Danny blind’s men needed complete a scarcely believable 24-team European three points at home to the recovery. When Pearson was championship finals and already-qualified czechs unceremoniously sacked after perhaps even contend for the coupled with a Turkey loss a breakdown in his relationship title. Placed alongside the against Iceland from the final with club owners, Leicester likes of the czech republic, round of matches to rescue were again expected to be Turkey and Iceland, their a desperate situation, but embroiled in another relegation Group A draw was not overly the Dutch succumbed 2-3, scrap, but the surprise complicated, but an opening a comical robin van Persie appointment of experienced defeat in Prague signalled own goal typifying their dire Italian coach claudio ranieri the start of a disastrous qualifying campaign as the has instead transformed the campaign. A pair of losses to 1988 winners missed out on modest midlands outfit into Iceland were damaging, but the European championship improbable league leaders not terminal. However, three for the first time in 32 years. heading into christmas. 30 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 31

MIXED ZONE | INTERNATIONAL

TENNIS ֫ CRICKET ֫ Federer, Djokovic top rich list OGEr Federer and Novak landmark next year. of his 17 Grand Slam titles in ’12. Djokovic and are poised to Djokovic, 28, has just over $94m The staggering rewards for Rbecome the first $100m in prize money while Federer, the modern player, all boosted players in the men’s game six years the Serb’s senior, by lucrative off-court earnings Blitzkrieg! in 2016, in a gripping has banked $97.3m. through sponsorship and sub-plot to the new With $3.85m on endorsements, are a far cry from PENEr martin Guptill flirted even before the scheduled lunch heavy defeat for the visitors at Grand Slam season. offer for the winner of the heavyweights who starred in with a world record, then break. Hagley Oval. They were bowled No player in the Australian Open, the earlier eras. Ohad to settle for a New Guptill said he had no idea he out for 188 in the first game, history of the sport season’s first major, the rod Laver, the last man to Zealand one, as he demolished Sri was close to De Villiers’s record with Guptill and captain brendon has broken through the veteran Swiss would be the complete the calendar Grand Slam Lanka’s bowling with a blistering before umpire richard Illingworth mccullum putting on a century $100m on-court earnings first man to the magical number ended his playing career with Roger 93 not out off 30 balls to guide his mentioned it. stand in 10 overs to set up the barrier, but world No.1 Djokovic and even if the odds are heavily stacked $1.50m, still a huge sum by the Federer side to a comprehensive 10-wicket “Illingworth said something like seven-wicket victory. Federer, the No.3, should reach the against a player who won the last standards of the late 1960s. victory in the second One-Day Sri Lanka’s senior players were International in christchurch last asked after the first game to step GOLF THE 14 MAJORS monday. I’LL TAKE A 90 NOT OUT up against New Zealand, but they ֫ Guptill, who had moved to 46 off AND THE WIN RATHER again failed against a pace bowling but birdied 18 in play-off. 13 balls, had A b de Villiers’ record THAN THE FASTEST 50 AND attack without the express speed 1997 of 16 balls for a half-century in GETTING OUT. of Adam milne. 2001 Tiger may never come Masters Masters British Open his sights before two yorkers from Despite a more aggressive start The first major victory Woods completed the Woods led wire-to-wire Nuwan Kulasekara ended the bid. than the previous match, none of was in many ways the Tiger Slam of winning at St Andrews for his most sensational. As He brought up his 50 off 17 I was getting close with a couple the top six batsmen scored more four major titles in a row 10th major title and he out of Woods again! a 21-year-old, Woods balls, with five boundaries and of balls to go and then I got two than 17. with a two-shot victory completed a second humbled Augusta over David Duval at career slam at age 29, the four sixes, as New Zealand chased yorkers in there,” said Guptill. All-rounder Kulasekara National Golf club for a Augusta National. chris youngest ever to achieve down Sri Lanka’s 117 off just 8.2 “I’m pretty happy with the way top-scored with 19. OrmEr world No.1 Tiger somewhere in the middle where record 18-under 270 over Dimarco led after the first either feat. 72 holes to win by 12 overs to take a 2-0 lead in the five- things are going. I’ll take a 90 not matt Henry was the pick of Woods reaches his 40th I feel 40,” he added. and second rounds, but strokes over Tom Kite in match series. out and the win rather than the the hosts’ bowlers with excellent birthday on Wednesday, Woods has not won a major Woods shot 68 in the F the biggest blowout in 2006 third round to seize the Guptill’s opening partner Tom fastest 50 and getting out,” he figures of four for 33. still recovering from a third back title since the 2008 US Open, in masters history. British Open 54-hole lead by one over Latham remained unbeaten on 17 added. The third match will be played in Martin operation with no timetable for which he limped through a play- Phil mickelson. At royal Liverpool, Woods as the hosts achieved the victory It was the second successive Nelson on Thursday. Guptill another comeback and reflective off on a broken leg to beat rocco 1999 won his first major title comments about ending his epic mediate. since the death of his PGA Championship 2002 father Earl two months career. He has been through four knee Woods edged Spain’s Masters earlier. He finished on The American has 14 major titles, surgeries, three back operations Sergio Garcia by a stroke 18-under 270 to beat Sri Lanka showing no for his second major. Woods repeated as Dimarco by two strokes. four shy of the all-time record and a messy sex scandal. Once- Highlight reel moments masters champion, only set by Jack Nicklaus, and 79 PGA mighty shots might only be at medinah from the final the third back-to-back victories, three off the career best memories. Forget record runs. Just round include Woods winner at Augusta after PGA Championship signs of improvement Nicklaus and Nick Faldo. held by Sam Snead. playing, let alone winning any pointing at the ball as Woods matched the it rolls into the cup and Woods fired a six-under medinah course record rI Lanka have been so woeful whole unit,” said mathews. but to become lost in the event, seems a distant goal now. Garcia running up the par 66 in the third round with a 65 to share the in the first two One-Day “It was a belter of a wicket. It numbers is to miss the point of fairway and jumping in to match retief Goosen 54-hole lead with Luke for the 54-hole lead and Internationals that the team’s didn’t seam, swing or bounce. It what Woods has meant to the the air to see the results. Donald then closed with S shot 71 on the final day a 68 to finish on 270. He PHYSICALLY, SOMETIMES leadership was able to sum up was just bad shot selection. sport, a unique talent who in his to beat the South African became the first to win their displays in three simple yet “We couldn’t handle it and we Langer to step moment might just have been I FEEL OLD AND ON SOME 2000 by three shots. the PGA twice on the damning words. lost too many wickets up front and in for Lehmann the world’s greatest sport star, the OCCASIONS I FEEL LIKE A US Open same course. “Pathetic, Embarrassing and we didn’t give our bowlers a chance first black man to win a major TEENAGER. In the most dominant US Open performance at any major Woods became the first Sorry.” to bowl at them,” added mathews. on Windies tour crown sparking “Tiger-mania” and tournament, Woods won 2007 player in 30 years to win PGA Championship After being crushed by seven The target of 118 was far too generating a curiosity from fans by a record 15 strokes the masters and the US wickets in the first game at Hagley small on a pitch that should have chief coach Darren Lehmann beyond the sport long after his “There’s really nothing I can look at Pebble beach and Open in the same year, Woods shot a 63 in the Oval, where only a 98-run seventh produced more than 280 runs and will step aside to allow Justin greatest days were behind him. forward to and build towards,” became the first player to joining a list to achieve second round to match finish double digits under the feat that included the low score ever fired wicket stand between milinda with martin Guptill scoring 93 not Langer to guide the team There is an old saying that life Woods said at his foundation’s par at 12-under par 272. Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, in any single round at Siriwardana and Nuwan Kulasekara during a One-Day International begins at 40. Time to set aside Hero World challenge event earlier ben Hogan and craig any major and equal ray saved them from total humiliation, tri-series tournament in the childish dreams, like matching this month. “Where’s the light at British Open Wood, with a three- Floyd’s course record. consecutive weekend IT WAS QUITE Woods completed a stroke victory over coach Jerome Jayaratne issued a caribbean next year, cricket a boyhood idol, and lift up your the end of the tunnel? I don’t know. 69s were enough to hold career Grand Slam with mickelson at bethpage public apology. EMBARRASSING AND Australia confirmed last children as you revel in what you “Pretty much everything beyond off Woody Austin by two an eight-stroke triumph, black. A PATHETIC BATTING shots for the triumph. He then asked his experienced monday. have achieved. this will be gravy. If that’s all it Tiger the youngest to win all players, particularly his top order to DISPLAY BY THE TEAM. Western Australia coach but Woods said last week he entails, then I’ve had a pretty good Woods four majors, two years 2005 stand up to brendon mccullum’s Langer has long been favoured feels at times like a teen and at run,” he said. faster than idol Jack Masters 2008 side. to take over the top job others far beyond his years due to Woods will serve as an assistant Nicklaus. He finished at US Open 19-under par 269. A dramatic final-day Instead, they were bundled out out from 30 balls, the home crowd eventually and Lehmann said injuries. captain of the US ’16 ryder cup showdown with Dimarco In an epic at Torrey Pines, for 117 in 27.4 overs in the second were able to pack up their picnic the June tour would givehis “mentally, people who know team guided by Davis Love. but he ended in a play-off. One Woods limped to his PGA Championship of the most memorable most recent major win ODI. baskets and head home early. former team-mate some me know I’m like a five-year-old. has come to grips with the idea he Woods and bob may shots came when Woods on a broken left knee, None of the batsmen including mathews, however, must now valuable experience while Physically, sometimes I feel old might never play again. finished deadlocked after aimed 20 feet left of the defeating rocco mediate opener Tillakaratne Dilshan, who not only get his players to work on giving himself a break from the and on some occasions I feel like a “It’s not what I wanted to 72 holes at 18-under par, cup and used the sloping in sudden death with a has more than 10,000 ODI runs their technique, but also try to lift rigours of the job. teenager,” said Woods. happen, but if it does, I’ve but Woods won a green to roll the ball first-hole par after an 18- three-hole play-off to into the 16th hole for a hole play-off. He missed could manage a decent score. their confidence to get his side back “He’s in charge. I won’t be “I don’t like the polar opposites reconciled myself to it,” said capture his fifth major dramatic birdie. Woods the rest of the year after captain Angelo mathews did not into the series that shifts to Nelson saying what he can and can’t of the two. I would like to be Woods. title and third in a row. would bogey 17 and 18 knee surgery. pull any punches in a withering for the third and fourth games. do. He’ll bring his own ideas assessment of his team’s efforts. “We’ll be speaking to the boys and I think that’s good for the WOODS 1996 79 14 11 10 “It was quite embarrassing. It was and trying to get the mindset right,” players, having some fresh ideas FACT FILE Turned professional career US PGA Tour wins major titles times PGA Tour Player of the Year PGA Tour money honours ššmatt Henry successfully appeals for the wicket of Tillakaratne Dilshan. a pathetic batting display by the he said. occasionally,” said Lehmann. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 31

TENNIS ֫ Federer, Djokovic top rich list OGEr Federer and Novak landmark next year. of his 17 Grand Slam titles in ’12. Djokovic and are poised to Djokovic, 28, has just over $94m The staggering rewards for Rbecome the first $100m in prize money while Federer, the modern player, all boosted players in the men’s game six years the Serb’s senior, by lucrative off-court earnings in 2016, in a gripping has banked $97.3m. through sponsorship and sub-plot to the new With $3.85m on endorsements, are a far cry from Grand Slam season. offer for the winner of the heavyweights who starred in No player in the Australian Open, the earlier eras. history of the sport season’s first major, the rod Laver, the last man to has broken through the veteran Swiss would be the complete the calendar Grand Slam $100m on-court earnings first man to the magical number ended his playing career with Roger barrier, but world No.1 Djokovic and even if the odds are heavily stacked $1.50m, still a huge sum by the Federer Federer, the No.3, should reach the against a player who won the last standards of the late 1960s.

GOLF THE 14 MAJORS ֫ 1997 2001 but birdied 18 in play-off. Tiger may never come Masters Masters British Open The first major victory Woods completed the Woods led wire-to-wire was in many ways the Tiger Slam of winning at St Andrews for his most sensational. As four major titles in a row 10th major title and he out of Woods again! a 21-year-old, Woods with a two-shot victory completed a second humbled Augusta over David Duval at career slam at age 29, the National Golf club for a Augusta National. chris youngest ever to achieve OrmEr world No.1 Tiger somewhere in the middle where record 18-under 270 over Dimarco led after the first either feat. 72 holes to win by 12 Woods reaches his 40th I feel 40,” he added. and second rounds, but strokes over Tom Kite in birthday on Wednesday, Woods has not won a major Woods shot 68 in the F the biggest blowout in 2006 third round to seize the still recovering from a third back title since the 2008 US Open, in masters history. British Open 54-hole lead by one over operation with no timetable for which he limped through a play- Phil mickelson. At royal Liverpool, Woods another comeback and reflective off on a broken leg to beat rocco 1999 won his first major title comments about ending his epic mediate. since the death of his PGA Championship 2002 father Earl two months career. He has been through four knee Woods edged Spain’s Masters earlier. He finished on Sergio Garcia by a stroke The American has 14 major titles, surgeries, three back operations Woods repeated as 18-under 270 to beat for his second major. Dimarco by two strokes. four shy of the all-time record and a messy sex scandal. Once- Highlight reel moments masters champion, only set by Jack Nicklaus, and 79 PGA mighty shots might only be at medinah from the final the third back-to-back victories, three off the career best memories. Forget record runs. Just round include Woods winner at Augusta after PGA Championship Nicklaus and Nick Faldo. held by Sam Snead. playing, let alone winning any pointing at the ball as Woods matched the it rolls into the cup and Woods fired a six-under medinah course record but to become lost in the event, seems a distant goal now. Garcia running up the par 66 in the third round with a 65 to share the numbers is to miss the point of fairway and jumping in to match retief Goosen 54-hole lead with Luke the air to see the results. for the 54-hole lead and Donald then closed with what Woods has meant to the shot 71 on the final day PHYSICALLY, SOMETIMES a 68 to finish on 270. He sport, a unique talent who in his to beat the South African became the first to win moment might just have been I FEEL OLD AND ON SOME 2000 by three shots. the PGA twice on the the world’s greatest sport star, the OCCASIONS I FEEL LIKE A US Open same course. first black man to win a major TEENAGER. In the most dominant US Open performance at any major Woods became the first crown sparking “Tiger-mania” and tournament, Woods won 2007 player in 30 years to win PGA Championship generating a curiosity from fans by a record 15 strokes the masters and the US beyond the sport long after his “There’s really nothing I can look at Pebble beach and Open in the same year, Woods shot a 63 in the greatest days were behind him. forward to and build towards,” became the first player to joining a list to achieve second round to match finish double digits under the feat that included the low score ever fired There is an old saying that life Woods said at his foundation’s par at 12-under par 272. Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, in any single round at begins at 40. Time to set aside Hero World challenge event earlier ben Hogan and craig any major and equal ray childish dreams, like matching this month. “Where’s the light at British Open Wood, with a three- Floyd’s course record. consecutive weekend Woods completed a stroke victory over a boyhood idol, and lift up your the end of the tunnel? I don’t know. 69s were enough to hold career Grand Slam with mickelson at bethpage children as you revel in what you “Pretty much everything beyond off Woody Austin by two an eight-stroke triumph, black. shots for the triumph. have achieved. this will be gravy. If that’s all it Tiger the youngest to win all but Woods said last week he entails, then I’ve had a pretty good Woods four majors, two years 2005 feels at times like a teen and at run,” he said. faster than idol Jack Masters 2008 others far beyond his years due to Woods will serve as an assistant Nicklaus. He finished at US Open 19-under par 269. A dramatic final-day injuries. captain of the US ’16 ryder cup showdown with Dimarco In an epic at Torrey Pines, “mentally, people who know team guided by Davis Love. but he ended in a play-off. One Woods limped to his PGA Championship of the most memorable most recent major win me know I’m like a five-year-old. has come to grips with the idea he Woods and bob may shots came when Woods on a broken left knee, Physically, sometimes I feel old might never play again. finished deadlocked after aimed 20 feet left of the defeating rocco mediate and on some occasions I feel like a “It’s not what I wanted to 72 holes at 18-under par, cup and used the sloping in sudden death with a teenager,” said Woods. happen, but if it does, I’ve but Woods won a green to roll the ball first-hole par after an 18- three-hole play-off to into the 16th hole for a hole play-off. He missed “I don’t like the polar opposites reconciled myself to it,” said capture his fifth major dramatic birdie. Woods the rest of the year after of the two. I would like to be Woods. title and third in a row. would bogey 17 and 18 knee surgery.

WOODS 1996 79 14 11 10 FACT FILE Turned professional career US PGA Tour wins major titles times PGA Tour Player of the Year PGA Tour money honours 32 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 33

PEOPLE SPORT THIS WEEK

Steven Smith was named United States captain Michael Welsh international defender Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt and as the Icc cricketer of the Bradley, a central midfielder James Collins signed a new US tennis star Serena Williams have QATAR Year for 2015 last week, after who also captains Toronto Fc two-year deal with West Ham been voted as best Athletes for WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30 scoring a world-leading 1,734 in major League Soccer, was which will keep him at the 2015 by the international runs over the voting period. voted the 2015 US Soccer London club until 2018. sports press association. FOOTBALL The Australian captain also male Player of the Year collins, 32, has made 160 regarded as the fastest person Friendly, Paris Saint-Germain vs Inter milan, Al Sadd Stadium, 7.30pm. scooped the Icc Test cricketer last week. The 28-year-old appearances for West Ham on earth, bolt is the reigning 100 Friendly, Qatar Under-23 team vs of the Year award while received 43 per cent of the across two spells, having and 200m world champion. He also Yemen U-23 team, Al Ahli Stadium, South Africa batsman A b votes, followed by Fabian rejoined the club in ’12 won the 4x100m relay at the beijing 7.30pm. de Villiers was rated Johnson (33 per cent) and clint after a three-year period Worlds. Spanish and European HANDBALL the best player in Dempsey (20 per cent). with Premier League rivals football champions barcelona were Qatar League, Al rayyan vs Al one-dayers. Aston Villa. voted as the best team. Shamal, 4pm and El Jaish vs Al Khor, 7pm at Qatar Handball Association complex. World champion Alexei Pakistan’s leg spinner Liverpool defender Martin Los Angeles clippers forward HORSERACING Lovchev of russia has been Yasir Shah was last week Skrtel revealed he expected to Blake Griffin suffered a Weekly races, 4pm at Qatar racing THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31 Stadium; mesaimeer vs Al Gharafa, and Equestrian club. 6.45pm at Al Wakrah Stadium. suspended after failing a provisionally suspended be sidelined for six weeks after partially-torn left quadriceps HANDBALL VOLLEYBALL doping test, the International by the International cricket suffering a hamstring injury. tendon that will sideline him for Qatar League, Lekhwiya vs Qatar Sc, SUNDAY, JANUARY 3 Qatar League, Al Gharafa vs Police, Weightlifting Federation said council for failing a dope test. Skrtel limped off in the first at least two weeks, the NbA team 4pm, El Quiyada vs Al Arabi, 5.30pm FOOTBALL 5.15pm and Qatar Sc vs El Jaish, and Al Gharafa vs Al Sadd, 7pm at on its website (www.iwf.net). The sample Yasir provided in half of Liverpool’s 0-3 defeat confirmed last week. Griffin was 6.45pm at Al Arabi Sc. Qatar Stars League, Umm Salal vs The 26-year-old, who is also an in-competition test, which at Watford recently and scans injured during the first quarter of Qatar Handball Association complex. Al Sadd, 4.15pm at Al Ahli Stadium; the 105kg world record holder, was conducted on November have revealed the Slovakia the game against the Los Angeles FRIDAY, JANUARY 1 Al Ahli vs Al Wakrah, 6.45pm at Al was found to have traces of the 13, 2015, was found to contain centre-back has a torn Lakers, but continued to play, Ahli Stadium; Al Sailiya vs El Jaish, VOLLEYBALL 6.45pm at Al Gharafa Stadium. banned substance Ipamorelin the presence of chlortalidone, hamstring that will keep finishing with 13 points in their Qatar League, Al Khor vs Al Ahli, 4pm in his ‘A’ sample. a prohibited substance. him out until February. 94-84 victory. and Al rayyan vs Al Shamal, 5.30pm MONDAY, JANUARY 4 at Al Arabi Sports club. TENNIS SATURDAY, JANUARY 2 Qatar Exxonmobil Open, 3.30pm onwards at Khalifa International FOOTBALL complex (till January 9). Qatar Stars League, Al Khor vs Al Arabi, 4.15pm at Al Khor Stadium; VOLLEYBALL Qatar Sc vs Lekhwiya, 4.15pm at Al Qatar League, Al Sadd vs El Jaish, Gharafa Stadium; Al rayyan vs Al 5.15pm and Al Wakrah vs Police STAR OF THE WEEK USMAN KHAWAJA MOVERS&SHAKERS Kharaitiyat, 6.45pm at Al Gharafa 6.45pm at Al Arabi Sports club. Ali to stay as Pakistan INTERNATIONAL Test at cape Town (till January 6). AKISTAN-bOrN Khawaja dismissed for less than 100 in any one-day team captain WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30 MOTORSPORT made his return to the format of the game since October. Dakar rally (till January 16). Australian team memorable To accommodate Khawaja, the AKISTAN cricket board (Pcb) after he was banned and jailed P SUNDAY, JANUARY 3 by scoring his third century in four team management had to relegate chairman Shaharyar Khan for deliberately bowling no-balls ALPINE SKIING innings, a patient 144 in his first either burns or Shaun marsh to the said on Tuesday he had as part of a betting scam in a Test P Women’s World cup slalom at knock, in the second Test against bench. refused to accept one-day match. Zagreb-Sljeme. the West Indies in melbourne last In what appeared to be a tough captain Azhar Ali’s Khan said he had CRICKET week. He added 56 off just 61 call, the Aussies decided to drop resignation over the changed Ali’s mind. Australia vs West Indies, 3rd Test at deliveries in the second innings as marsh, who had played a knock widely-tipped selection “I met Ali and since Sydney (till January 7). CRICKET well to put Australia in command. of 182 runs at Hobart in the first of convicted spot-fixer he resigned as captain SKI JUMPING South Africa vs England, 1st Test at World cup at Innsbruck. Khawaja had scored 174 of three-Test series. The hosts had mohammad Amir, I convinced him not to Durban. TENNIS and 121 in the first two Tests won the match by an innings and saying the team could do so as Pakistan can’t THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31 Hopman cup, melbourne (till Jan 9); ATP/WTA at brisbane (till January 10). against New Zealand last month 212 runs. not afford a crisis at this afford a crisis at this time,” CRICKET and proved his fitness before but on his return, Khawaja time. he said. New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, 3rd ODI MONDAY, JANUARY 4 the melbourne match with an showed why he is highly rated The 30-year-old, who took over Ali and former Twenty20 captain at Nelson. TENNIS explosive 109 off 70 balls in the with that brilliant ton in the first as one-day captain in April, had mohammad Hafeez refused to FRIDAY, JANUARY 1 ATP at chennai (till January 10). big bash League Twenty20 series innings and breezy half-century in tendered his resignation to protest train with Amir in the national SKI JUMPING TUESDAY, JANUARY 5 in the previous week. the second. Amir’s prospective return to the team’s fitness camp last week, but World cup at Garmisch- CRICKET Partenkirchen, Germany. Khawaja shared a stand of 258 “It was fantastic to see Usman do national team for next month’s returned after being threatened New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, 5th ODI at SATURDAY, JANUARY 2 mount maunganui. runs with opener Joe burns in the so well coming straight back into tour of New Zealand, five years with disciplinary action. CRICKET FOOTBALL third-highest partnership for the the team,” said cricket Australia New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 4th ODI at English League cup semifinals, second wicket in melbourne. Only cEO James Sutherland. Nelson; South Africa vs England, 2nd first leg. two Australian partnerships for the He also highlighted the Soderling hangs up racquet second wicket at the mcG were importance of the 29-year-old higher — Ian chappell-bill Lawry’s in inspiring the next generation WEDEN’S Robin Soderling, kind words. So sad I won’t be able 298 against the West Indies in 1968 of cricketers with a similar the player best known for to play professional tennis again, and Don bradman-bill Woodfull’s background. Sbeing the first man to beat but reading all your messages 274 against South Africa in ’31. “To prove himself, prove his rafael Nadal at the French makes me feel a lot better,” “I’ll enjoy this moment, a fitness for the selectors and come Open, retired from Soderling said on his hundred in my first boxing Day out and make a really classy 100 professional tennis Twitter account. Test, a 250-odd run partnership on the first day of the Test, he’s the because of a Soderling spent 10 with burnsy. I couldn’t have asked changing face of Australian cricket. long-running illness. years on the Tour and for a lot more,” said Khawaja. We’re going to see more people The 31-year-old, rose to as high as world Khawaja’s 144 came off 227 from his heritage and background twice a runner-up No.4. balls in 331 minutes with just six playing for Australia in the future,” at roland Garros, has In 2009, he ended fours and a six. He has not been said Sutherland. not played an ATP World Nadal’s domination in Paris Tour event since 2011, due to with a stunning victory, only to mononucleosis, an energy-sapping lose to roger Federer in the final — viral illness. Federer’s only title at the clay-court “Thank you so much for all your Grand Slam. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 33

SPORT THIS WEEK

Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt and US tennis star Serena Williams have QATAR been voted as best Athletes for WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30 2015 by the international sports press association. FOOTBALL regarded as the fastest person Friendly, Paris Saint-Germain vs Inter milan, Al Sadd Stadium, 7.30pm. on earth, bolt is the reigning 100 Friendly, Qatar Under-23 team vs and 200m world champion. He also Yemen U-23 team, Al Ahli Stadium, won the 4x100m relay at the beijing 7.30pm. Worlds. Spanish and European HANDBALL football champions barcelona were Qatar League, Al rayyan vs Al voted as the best team. Shamal, 4pm and El Jaish vs Al Khor, 7pm at Qatar Handball Association complex. Los Angeles clippers forward HORSERACING Blake Griffin suffered a Weekly races, 4pm at Qatar racing THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31 Stadium; mesaimeer vs Al Gharafa, and Equestrian club. 6.45pm at Al Wakrah Stadium. partially-torn left quadriceps HANDBALL VOLLEYBALL tendon that will sideline him for Qatar League, Lekhwiya vs Qatar Sc, SUNDAY, JANUARY 3 Qatar League, Al Gharafa vs Police, at least two weeks, the NbA team 4pm, El Quiyada vs Al Arabi, 5.30pm FOOTBALL 5.15pm and Qatar Sc vs El Jaish, and Al Gharafa vs Al Sadd, 7pm at confirmed last week. Griffin was 6.45pm at Al Arabi Sc. Qatar Stars League, Umm Salal vs injured during the first quarter of Qatar Handball Association complex. Al Sadd, 4.15pm at Al Ahli Stadium; the game against the Los Angeles FRIDAY, JANUARY 1 Al Ahli vs Al Wakrah, 6.45pm at Al Lakers, but continued to play, Ahli Stadium; Al Sailiya vs El Jaish, VOLLEYBALL 6.45pm at Al Gharafa Stadium. finishing with 13 points in their Qatar League, Al Khor vs Al Ahli, 4pm 94-84 victory. and Al rayyan vs Al Shamal, 5.30pm MONDAY, JANUARY 4 at Al Arabi Sports club. TENNIS SATURDAY, JANUARY 2 Qatar Exxonmobil Open, 3.30pm onwards at Khalifa International FOOTBALL complex (till January 9). Qatar Stars League, Al Khor vs Al Arabi, 4.15pm at Al Khor Stadium; VOLLEYBALL Qatar Sc vs Lekhwiya, 4.15pm at Al Qatar League, Al Sadd vs El Jaish, Gharafa Stadium; Al rayyan vs Al 5.15pm and Al Wakrah vs Police MOVERS&SHAKERS Kharaitiyat, 6.45pm at Al Gharafa 6.45pm at Al Arabi Sports club. Ali to stay as Pakistan INTERNATIONAL one-day team captain WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30 Test at cape Town (till January 6). MOTORSPORT Dakar rally (till January 16). AKISTAN cricket board (Pcb) after he was banned and jailed SUNDAY, JANUARY 3 chairman Shaharyar Khan for deliberately bowling no-balls ALPINE SKIING said on Tuesday he had as part of a betting scam in a Test P Women’s World cup slalom at refused to accept one-day match. Zagreb-Sljeme. captain Azhar Ali’s Khan said he had CRICKET resignation over the changed Ali’s mind. Australia vs West Indies, 3rd Test at widely-tipped selection “I met Ali and since Sydney (till January 7). CRICKET of convicted spot-fixer he resigned as captain SKI JUMPING South Africa vs England, 1st Test at World cup at Innsbruck. mohammad Amir, I convinced him not to Durban. TENNIS saying the team could do so as Pakistan can’t THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31 Hopman cup, melbourne (till Jan 9); ATP/WTA at brisbane (till January 10). not afford a crisis at this afford a crisis at this time,” CRICKET time. he said. New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, 3rd ODI MONDAY, JANUARY 4 The 30-year-old, who took over Ali and former Twenty20 captain at Nelson. TENNIS as one-day captain in April, had mohammad Hafeez refused to FRIDAY, JANUARY 1 ATP at chennai (till January 10). tendered his resignation to protest train with Amir in the national SKI JUMPING TUESDAY, JANUARY 5 Amir’s prospective return to the team’s fitness camp last week, but World cup at Garmisch- CRICKET Partenkirchen, Germany. national team for next month’s returned after being threatened New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, 5th ODI at SATURDAY, JANUARY 2 mount maunganui. tour of New Zealand, five years with disciplinary action. CRICKET FOOTBALL New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 4th ODI at English League cup semifinals, Soderling hangs up racquet Nelson; South Africa vs England, 2nd first leg.

WEDEN’S Robin Soderling, kind words. So sad I won’t be able the player best known for to play professional tennis again, Sbeing the first man to beat but reading all your messages rafael Nadal at the French makes me feel a lot better,” Open, retired from Soderling said on his professional tennis Twitter account. because of a Soderling spent 10 long-running illness. years on the Tour and The 31-year-old, rose to as high as world twice a runner-up No.4. at roland Garros, has In 2009, he ended not played an ATP World Nadal’s domination in Paris Tour event since 2011, due to with a stunning victory, only to mononucleosis, an energy-sapping lose to roger Federer in the final — viral illness. Federer’s only title at the clay-court “Thank you so much for all your Grand Slam. 34 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 35

MOSAIC

SPORTMART CAMEO Karcher backs Rio Olympic Games cleaning products and accessories company Karcher agreed a deal to become an official supplier of next year’s Olympic Games in rio de Janeiro, brazil. The German company’s equipment will be used at all stadiums and arenas during the Games. In total, more than 1,000 of its machines will be used.

Generali, a Swiss Tennis partner Juventus partner since ’08, also remains the official insurance partner of the national Rowenta association. Italian Serie A football side Juventus X factor!HE all-new bmW X1 is Alongside its market-leading announced rowenta For men as now available in Qatar, dynamics and efficiency, a host their official shaving partner for announced Alfardan of innovative equipment features 2016. The deal will see the male T grooming brand launch a number Automobiles, its official importer also help secure the new bmW LIFESTYLE of contests offering Juventus fans in the country. X1 its stand-out position in the the chance to win prizes, both The interior of the new model, a segment. Among the items on the inside and away from the stadium. cutting-edge premium ambience options list are full-LED headlights, Rowing solo across Indian ocean! Dubai Properties and functionality grounded in solid Dynamic Damper control, the engineering, offers significantly bmW Head-Up Display and Driving brITISH-ITALIAN a winter living under a rock in the be the first to row alone from is into basketball more space for passengers and Assistant Plus system. mathematics graduate with French Alps. Australia to mainland Africa, Dubai-based real estate developer luggage. Four-cylinder engines The interior of the new model a craving to get away from “There’s no other getaway like arriving in Tanzania, unlike Dubai Properties Group expanded A its partnership with from the bmW Group’s latest combines the driver-focused it all intends to row solo across the this,” said Tomba of the row he previous rowers who arrived in the UAE basketball generation of power units, an cockpit design that has become Indian Ocean and listen to some plans to start from Australia in madagascar or mauritius. Association. It efficiency-optimised version of the a hallmark of the brand, with audio books in peace. mid-2016, probably in July. Tomba, who will have a satellite Generali supports will sponsor the bmW xDrive intelligent all-wheel- touches promoting authoritative, Francesco Tomba, 26, is Others have rowed solo across connection to stay in touch with national team drive SAV-style driving pleasure and a undeterred by his lack of the Indian Ocean before: Swede friends as well as family and is an Swiss Tennis and domestic system and newly-developed contemporary premium ambience. significant rowing experience. Anders Svedlund’s 1971 crossing is onshore route planner, expects International insurer Generali competition, which chassis technology all help to Standard equipment includes air He has already completed a the first on record. the journey to take around four extended its sponsorship has taken on official title of the ongoing Dubai Properties Group palpably enhance sports ability conditioning, an audio system with lone six-month swim around However, months in a 7m boat agreement with Swiss Tennis. UAE basketball League. and ride comfort compared to USb and AUX-in sockets, and the an Indonesian island, a cycling Tomba that he is having The new deal sees the company take on title sponsorship the outgoing model while fuel iDrive operating system, with a expedition in the Himalayas and aims to purpose-built. of Switzerland’s national consumption and emissions are 6.5-inch display integrated into the championships in 2017, with — Courtesy CSM Sport & Entertainment reduced by up to 17 per cent. instrument panel in freestanding the event to be renamed the www.csm.com The new model is available monitor form. Generali Swiss champion Trophy. @FastTrack_ME for the first time ever with front- The xLine and m Sport packages wheel-drive, a construction which are available as alternatives BMW X1 sDrive20i BMW X1 xDrive25i has been developed to deliver the to standard specification. The KEY SPECIFICATIONS 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol driving dynamics typical of the starting price of the new model is engine engine HEALTH Watch your weight! 141kw/192hp 170 kw/231hp brand. Qr155,000. 0 to 100kmph in 7.7sec 0 to 100kmph in 6.5sec ErObIc fitness is generally age than it is to be fit, said senior Reduce heart risk! tied to a longer life, but the author Peter Nordstrom of the Umea Asame cannot be said for University in Sweden. DULTS who score well on the enough blood to the rest of the obese people, according to new Nordstrom and his colleagues Google developing American Heart Association’s body. research. wrote in the International Journal TECHNOLOGY A(AHA) Life’s Simple 7 checklist Life’s Simple 7 are managing blood In a study of nearly 1.3 million of Epidemiology that the concept of are less likely than others to develop pressure and cholesterol, reducing young Swedish men, the least fitness compensating for obesity has new messaging app heart failure, according to a new blood sugar, getting physically active, fit normal-weight men were still emerged in recent years. Evaluation ‘The 30 Year Sweatshirt’ created study. eating healthy, losing weight and not less likely to die over the next few of the “fat but fit” concept could OOGLE, part of Alphabet Inc, is building a The AHA checklist and calculator smoking. Adherence to these seven decades than the most fit of the have implications for public health. YOUNG british entrepreneur “It’s made out of organic cotton new mobile messaging application to better was developed to educate the strategies is calculated for an overall obese men. About 40 per cent of the world’s has created the 30 Year and then a little bit of polyester, Gcompete with rival services such as those public on lifestyle habits that can score of one to 10. The new findings suggest it adults were overweight in 2014, ASweatshirt, a sustainable and which doesn’t sound so glamorous, offered by Facebook Inc, The Wall Street Journal improve heart health and reduce “The information before was more is more important to be according to the World ethical range of clothing that he says but is very helpful for functionality, reported. the risk of heart attack and stroke. for coronary heart disease . . . there a normal weight Health Organisation offers a practical solution to the cycle mobility and comfort,” said cridland. The new service would tap into According to the new results, they was not much on heart failure,” said at a young (WHO). of consumption and waste caused “The cotton is very durable, Google’s artificial intelligence may also reduce the risk of heart Dr Aaron r Folsom of the University by so-called ‘fast fashion’. quite heavy, 360 grams per metre. knowhow, integrating chatbots or failure, a long-term condition in of minnesota, who was not part of Londoner Tom Cridland, 25, said The seamstresses and craftsmen, software programmes that answer which the heart fails to pump the new study. he had combined old-fashioned who’re from Portugal, and I decided questions, inside a messaging app, the craftsmanship with a unique silicon on Portugal because I’m half journal reported. treatment applied to fabric that Portuguese, they’re the reason why I The new app will enable users to text Manage blood Control cholesterol Reduce blood sugar Get active Eat better Lose weight Stop smoking pressure (BP) High cholesterol most of our food turns Daily physical activity A heart-healthy diet Lower weight means cigarette smokers prevents shrinking. The result is a chose 30 years. friends or a chatbot, which will search the web Keep bP within healthy contributes to plaque, into glucose or blood increases the length improves the chances less burden on the have a higher risk sweatshirt that he guarantees will “I asked them ‘show me the oldest and other sources for information to answer a ranges to reduce strain clogging arteries sugar to be used for and quality of life. of feeling good and heart, lungs, blood of developing last three decades, and because the sweatshirt you guys have ever made’ question. LIFE’S on the heart, arteries and leading to heart energy. Excess blood staying healthy. vessels and skeleton. cardiovascular disease. items are priced at an affordable £55, and they showed me a sweatshirt It is unclear when the service will be launched or SIMPLE 7 and kidneys. disease and stroke. sugar eventually damages the heart, he insists that buyers will also save from the late ’70s which was still in what it will be named, the report said. kidneys, eyes and money in the long term. perfect condition,” he said. Google declined to comment. nerves. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 35

CAMEO Karcher backs Rio Olympic Games cleaning products and accessories company Karcher agreed a deal to become an official supplier of next year’s Olympic Games in rio de Janeiro, brazil. The German company’s equipment will be used at all stadiums and arenas during the Games. In total, more than 1,000 of its machines will be used.

Generali, a Swiss Tennis partner Juventus partner since ’08, also remains the official insurance partner of the national Rowenta association. Italian Serie A football side Juventus announced rowenta For men as their official shaving partner for 2016. The deal will see the male grooming brand launch a number LIFESTYLE of contests offering Juventus fans the chance to win prizes, both Rowing solo across Indian ocean! inside and away from the stadium. Dubai Properties brITISH-ITALIAN a winter living under a rock in the be the first to row alone from is into basketball mathematics graduate with French Alps. Australia to mainland Africa, Dubai-based real estate developer a craving to get away from “There’s no other getaway like arriving in Tanzania, unlike Dubai Properties Group expanded A its partnership with it all intends to row solo across the this,” said Tomba of the row he previous rowers who arrived in the UAE basketball Indian Ocean and listen to some plans to start from Australia in madagascar or mauritius. Association. It audio books in peace. mid-2016, probably in July. Tomba, who will have a satellite Generali supports will sponsor the Francesco Tomba, 26, is Others have rowed solo across connection to stay in touch with national team undeterred by his lack of the Indian Ocean before: Swede friends as well as family and is an Swiss Tennis and domestic significant rowing experience. Anders Svedlund’s 1971 crossing is onshore route planner, expects International insurer Generali competition, which He has already completed a the first on record. the journey to take around four extended its sponsorship has taken on official title of the ongoing Dubai Properties Group lone six-month swim around However, months in a 7m boat agreement with Swiss Tennis. UAE basketball League. an Indonesian island, a cycling Tomba that he is having The new deal sees the company take on title sponsorship expedition in the Himalayas and aims to purpose-built. of Switzerland’s national championships in 2017, with — Courtesy CSM Sport & Entertainment the event to be renamed the www.csm.com Generali Swiss champion Trophy. @FastTrack_ME HEALTH Watch your weight! ErObIc fitness is generally age than it is to be fit, said senior Reduce heart risk! tied to a longer life, but the author Peter Nordstrom of the Umea Asame cannot be said for University in Sweden. DULTS who score well on the enough blood to the rest of the obese people, according to new Nordstrom and his colleagues American Heart Association’s body. research. wrote in the International Journal A(AHA) Life’s Simple 7 checklist Life’s Simple 7 are managing blood In a study of nearly 1.3 million of Epidemiology that the concept of are less likely than others to develop pressure and cholesterol, reducing young Swedish men, the least fitness compensating for obesity has heart failure, according to a new blood sugar, getting physically active, fit normal-weight men were still emerged in recent years. Evaluation study. eating healthy, losing weight and not less likely to die over the next few of the “fat but fit” concept could The AHA checklist and calculator smoking. Adherence to these seven decades than the most fit of the have implications for public health. was developed to educate the strategies is calculated for an overall obese men. About 40 per cent of the world’s public on lifestyle habits that can score of one to 10. The new findings suggest it adults were overweight in 2014, improve heart health and reduce “The information before was more is more important to be according to the World the risk of heart attack and stroke. for coronary heart disease . . . there a normal weight Health Organisation According to the new results, they was not much on heart failure,” said at a young (WHO). may also reduce the risk of heart Dr Aaron r Folsom of the University failure, a long-term condition in of minnesota, who was not part of which the heart fails to pump the new study.

Manage blood Control cholesterol Reduce blood sugar Get active Eat better Lose weight Stop smoking pressure (BP) High cholesterol most of our food turns Daily physical activity A heart-healthy diet Lower weight means cigarette smokers Keep bP within healthy contributes to plaque, into glucose or blood increases the length improves the chances less burden on the have a higher risk ranges to reduce strain clogging arteries sugar to be used for and quality of life. of feeling good and heart, lungs, blood of developing LIFE’S on the heart, arteries and leading to heart energy. Excess blood staying healthy. vessels and skeleton. cardiovascular disease. SIMPLE 7 and kidneys. disease and stroke. sugar eventually damages the heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves. 36 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 37

CLOSE-UP | PSG’S QATAR WINTER TOUR 2015 Photos/Vinod Divakaran, AFP Divakaran, Photos/Vinod www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 37 Photos/Vinod Divakaran, AFP Divakaran, Photos/Vinod 38 WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 39

9 7 7 1 4 It is your turn now. Tell us about sports events in your neighbourhood, send us photographs too and get them published in DSP. MIND 7 2 8SQUARE Our e-mail is [email protected] YOUR PAGE 6 2 5 9 4 1 4 3 5

P 6 | FOOTBALL P 22 | MOTORSPORT RAYYAN KEEP WINNING QATARI ACE ALL4 RACING! 5 1 8 Leaders Al Rayyan continue from where they Leading Qatari driver Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah left off in the Qatar Stars League’s first phase stays fully confident of defending his title at with a laboured victory over Al Sailiya. the Dakar Rally, which starts on January 2. SUDOKU-505 5 7 9 udoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9 7 2 3 WEDNESDAY, DECEmBER 23, 2015 | Vol X | No.47 | QR 2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Follow us on 9x9 grid with several given numbers. S The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in 7 1 4 the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once.

It sounds ironic that FIFA boss 7 2 8 Sepp Blatter becomes the biggest catch of the Ethics Committee appointed by him as he is banned for eight years Solution-504 along with UEFA chief 6 2 5 Michel Platini. PAGES 4-5 3 2 4 5 9 1 6 8 7 5 1 8 7 6 4 3 2 9 9 4 1

UK ...... £1 UAE ...... Dh 5 Europe ...... €2 Yemen...... 75 Riyals P 24 | CHESS Oman ...... 200 Baisas Sudan ...... 1 Pound Bahrain ...... 200 Fils KSA ...... 2 Riyals P 20 | POSTER Egypt ...... LE 2 Jordan ...... 500 Fils Lebanon ...... 3,000 Livre Iraq ...... $1 Carlsen, the Kuwait ...... 250 Fils Palestine ...... $1 EXCLUSIVE FC BARCELONA 9 7 6 3 2 8 1 4 5 Morocco ...... Dh 6 Syria ...... LS 20 INTERVIEW people’s player! 4 6 7 8 3 9 2 5 1 4 3 5 1 5 9 2 4 6 8 7 3 5 1 8 Al Rayyan are looking 8 3 2 1 7 5 4 9 6 unstoppable this season 7 9 3 6 8 2 5 1 4 5 7 9 Al rayyan look in sizzling form and determined to 6 8 1 4 5 7 9 3 2 regain the Qatar Stars League football title (Doha 2 4 5 9 1 3 7 6 8 2 3 Stadium Plus, December 23). The fact that they dropped just three points so far in 14 matches shows their dominance. brazilian playmaker rodrigo Tabata has been in v excellent touch, but it’s the Lions’ perfect teamwork which has been the most telling factor so far. Uruguayan coach Jorge Fossati has proved to be the right candidate to lead the team’s title challenge. TOP TWEETS rayyan last won the league title in the 1994-95 season and here’s wishing them all the best to win it again. Great response to Active Mohammed Al Marri, Doha.

Fans are getting increasingly frustrated with Manchester Qatar’s fitness programme United, and manager Louis van Gaal in particular, as the No longer the Special One The Fitness and Health Programme, organised Mass Index, and undergo basic 3Red Devils2 again4 dropped 5 points, 9 this time1 in a goalless6 8 7 The way chelsea imploded in the English Premier last week by Active Qatar at the Aspire Park, tests for blood analysis, pressure and draw against Chelsea. Though United put up an improved League this season has been unbelievable (Doha performance and hit the framework twice, through Juan evoked great response. diabetes. 5Mata and1 Anthony8 Martial,7 they6 could not4 breach3 the 2 9 Stadium Plus, December 23). Active Qatar is a health and lifestyle initiative Fist-strength, joints flexibility, elasticity Chelsea goal. They have now gone five games without a Throughout his enviable career, Jose mourinho by the Qatar Olympic Committee. and aerobic fitness tests were also done. victory and languish in sixth place, making the fans calling has been known as a fighter and winner, but he During the programme, members of the Mohammed Hassan sent the details and 9for the Dutchman’s7 6 blood.3 The fact2 that sacked8 Chelsea1 4 5 looked clueless most of the time on the touchline. He public got a chance to measure their Body photographs. manager Jose Mourinho is available and has expressed reportedly lost control of the dressing room as well. his willingness to take over is making Van Gaal’s job all the chelsea had started with almost the same set of 4more difficult.6 It7 seems 8it is just 3a matter9 of time 2before 5he 1 players who won the English Premier League last gets the sack. Twitter was flooded with abuses, from angry supporters, directed at Van Gaal. Some reactions. season, but they were a pale shadow of themselves. 1 5 9 2 4 6 8 7 3 Now that mourinho has gone, fans like me hope Rashid, Jarallah reign supreme the team gets back on the winning path under Jan Aage Fjortoft People will probably insult job. Now seems safer. Don’t reason to resign for me, Rashid Al Naimi, partnering Abdulraman National Baja, held simultaneously. caretaker manager Guus Hiddink. @JanAageFjortoft me for this but honestly I 8believe 3 everything 2 you 1read. 7maybe 5 the media4 wants9 that, 6 Khalid in a Mitsubishi Evo 9, reigned supreme Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation Time for Woodward to SAcK find the desperate, anxious but I shall not do that.” Talked Jacob Socrates, Doha. at the Misfer International Rally held in General Secretary Mohammed Saad Al or bAcK!!! bloodlust for Van Gaal’s Red Army! of “fulfilling my contract” memory of the late Middle East champion. Morraikhi awarded the winners. Giggs waiting for the job Van sacking a bit distasteful. 7 @ mYm9UF c1 3 6 8 2 5 1 4 Meanwhile, Jarallah Jahman and his UAE Ahmed Fesial sent the details and Gaal waiting for a decision bloody disgusting that our Anna_MUFC Braden is Graceful! co-driver Ali Obaid, in a Nissan Patrol, won the photographs. Let’s be honest - this is bad Simon Curtis own supporters wanted us to @mufc_anna braden Grace confirming his participation at the management. @bifana_bifana 6lose so8 Van Gaal1 gets sacked.4 5Like him7 or not9 van gaal3 is 2 commercial bank Qatar masters is great news to Eight game winless run Always support the team hurting. No need to abuse golf enthusiasts in the country (Doha Stadium Plus, The United Stand “turned around” by 0-0 home regardless of the situation! the man no matter how bad @UnitedStandmUFc draw with 14th place team in 2 4 5 9 1things 3are. 7 6 8 December 23). Whatever happens now the league. Van Gaal’s on an Manchester United The South African is presently in splendid won’t be Van Gaal’s fault. It’s absolute roll. @manUtd Paul Smith form. That he would be making his fifth straight the board. remember that Louis van Gaal: “The players @Smudge1962 appearance in Doha means he’ll be familiar with the when we miss out on top 4 James Stretford are fighting for me. It was Van Gaal has offered to conditions and course here. #mUFc @Jamesstretford a good performance but resign twice at #mUFc the It’s a delight to watch him. Van Gaal saved his job we didn’t have the luck we latest following the #ScFc Steven Xavier, Doha. United Peoples TV lastnight with a draw. All needed.” defeat. but on both occasions @UnitedPeoplesTV because we showed some Woodward talked him out Think the idea of a sporting fight. What has happened to Gary Lineker of it. director is an interesting one. our club. @GaryLineker Splendid mix Ed Woodward just as guilty as David de Gea is so good he Harsha Bhogle Your magazine has been standing out for its content Louis van Gaal for our current Colin Millar could save Van Gaal. @bhogleharsha and design. I’ve a special liking for your posters. situation. @millar_colin When a team isn’t bad The way you’ve been covering the developments at Several british papers Rob Harris but is looking bad, it is FIFA has been great and comprehensive. Paul Santacast reported that not even a win @robHarris often a problem with the @Utdrantcast today could save Van Gaal’s Van Gaal: “There is not any environment they are in. Keep up the good work. Mohammed Hassan, Doha. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 30, 2015 39

It is your turn now. Tell us about sports events in your neighbourhood, send us photographs too and get them published in DSP. Our e-mail is [email protected] YOUR PAGE

Great response to Active Qatar’s fitness programme The Fitness and Health Programme, organised Mass Index, and undergo basic last week by Active Qatar at the Aspire Park, tests for blood analysis, pressure and evoked great response. diabetes. Active Qatar is a health and lifestyle initiative Fist-strength, joints flexibility, elasticity by the Qatar Olympic Committee. and aerobic fitness tests were also done. During the programme, members of the Mohammed Hassan sent the details and public got a chance to measure their Body photographs.

Rashid, Jarallah reign supreme Rashid Al Naimi, partnering Abdulraman National Baja, held simultaneously. Khalid in a Mitsubishi Evo 9, reigned supreme Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation at the Misfer International Rally held in General Secretary Mohammed Saad Al memory of the late Middle East champion. Morraikhi awarded the winners. Meanwhile, Jarallah Jahman and his UAE Ahmed Fesial sent the details and co-driver Ali Obaid, in a Nissan Patrol, won the photographs. www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

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