NBA | Page 7 | Page 3 Clippers India crush To Advertise here rally from 22 UAE to warm Call: 444 11 300, 444 66 621 down to stun up for Asia Thunder Cup fi nal

Friday, March 4, 2016 Jumada I 24, 1437 AH FOOTBALL Bayern must GULF TIMES now fi ght for title, admits Guardiola SPORT Page 5

SPOTLIGHT Tributes pour in for NZ legend Crowe , ’s greatest batsman, succumbs to cancer aged 53

AFP Former Black Cap Craig Cumming said most experts agreed Crowe’s career statistics would have been even more imposing but for a string of injuries. “He had that freak ability to predict what length the ioneering cricketer Martin Crowe, widely ac- ball was going to be bowled from the release point,” knowledged as New Zealand’s greatest bats- he said. man who laid the foundations for “So he was already getting in position based on how Pcricket, was hailed a “hero” yesterday after he the ball was released and his sixth sense allowed him died of cancer aged 53. to do that.” Diagnosed in September 2014 with terminal double- said it was “deeply saddened” hit lymphoma, a rare form of blood cancer, he passed at the loss of the country’s greatest batsman, while away in surrounded by family. hailed “a magnificent cricketer and “It is with heavy hearts that the family of Martin Crowe, wonderful man who will be sadly missed”. MBE, advise his death,” his family said. Former Black Caps called The batsman’s cousin, Hollywood star , Crowe “one of our true greats”. who was in frequent contact during his cancer fight, “An inspiration to me and so many others,” he tweeted. said he had lost a true friend. International Cricket Council chief executive David Ri- “My champion, my hero, my friend. I will love you chardson described him as “a larger than life cricketer”. forever. RIP M.D.Crowe,” the New Zealand-born actor “Martin’s passing is very sad news. He was not only one tweeted. of the finest batsmen New Zealand has ever produced Crowe’s family said he died surrounded by his loved but also one of the very best the world has ever seen,” ones and asked for privacy after the star’s lengthy and he added. Others hailed Crowe’s innovative captaincy, very public battle with the disease, adding: “God speed. with Australia’s Tom Moody calling him a “master bats- Rest in peace.” man and one of the great thinkers in our game”. Crowe enjoyed a 13-year international career from One ex-teammate said “the world is sud- 1982-95, including four years as captain. denly a lesser place”, while another, Ian Smith, said he He had a Test average of 45.36 in 77 matches and held was stunned at the loss of his friend. a slew of New Zealand records when he retired, “To realise that he’s gone at just 53, quite staggering,” including most Test runs (5,444), highest Test score he told Radio Sport. (299), most 50s (35) and most hundreds (17) -- the last Former Australian skipper up with of which still stands. Crowe just last week while in New Zealand comment- In his retirement, Crowe devised a new ultra-short form ing on the touring Baggy Greens, saying his friend was of the game called Cricket Max for his new employer weak but still firing wisecracks about their old rivalry. Sky Television, which helped lay the foundation for the “On the field, he was one of the best ever, it’s as simple modern Twenty20 revolution. as that,” Border told Fairfax New Zealand. An ICC Hall of Fame inductee, he remained involved “He was a great competitor, had great technique, won with New Zealand’s top players until the end, mentor- a lot of games for New Zealand and is bracketed up ing batsmen such as and . there with the greats of the game.” He particularly enjoyed the Black Caps’ fairytale run to Rugby union’s world champion All Blacks declared the final last year, admitting at the Crowe “a true NZ sporting great” while the scoreboard time that he had been uncertain he would live to see at Wellington’s simply read “RIP Martin the tournament. Crowe 299”—his highest score, achieved at the ground “Martin was a truly great sportsman—one of our finest- in 1991. ever batsmen and sharpest cricketing minds,” Prime A funeral service will be held at Auckland’s Holy Trinity Minister John Key said. Cathedral on March 10.

QATAR STARS LEAGUE Al Rayyan looking to wrap up title tomorrow

By Sports Reporter ‘I am sure that most of the people will day he said the same thing, except he added with Cup and Emir Cup. So there’s still lot of work left Doha agree with me that this will be most a smile that this time the people would believe it for us.” In other games tomorrow, sixth-placed important game of the season. That has too. “I am sure that most of the people will agree Al Arabi - coached by Gianfranco Zola - will be always been our philosophy and we will with me that this will be most important game of looking to pick up points to get back into top four win or a draw for runaway leaders Al continue thinking the same’ the season. That has always been our philosophy with just fi ve rounds to go after this week’s clash Rayyan will help them seal the Qatar and we will continue thinking the same,” said at Al Khor Stadium. Stars League (QSL) title tomorrow af- posted 19 wins with no draws. For a side that were Fossati. Al Arabi, with a tally of 30 points, take on Al ter a gap of 21 years when they meet Al relegated to the second division at the end of the “It’s true that this game could give the title for Kharaitiyat who are placed 12 with 21 points from WakrahA in a round 21 clash. 20-14-15 season, this has been a remarkable jour- us. But in case we don’t do well, we have to re- 20 matches. To entertain ideas of sneaking back Coached by veteran Jorge Fossati, Al Rayyan ney for Fossati’s men in the last seven months. member that the title is won with the points ac- into top-four would require Zola’s men to break have lost just one game in entire 2015-16 season, With a tally of 57 points from 20 matches, Al cumulated through the season and not just from the two-match losing streak. which came against Al Sadd in December when Rayyan are currently top of the QSL heap with El one match,” added the Uruguayan. In the day’s last match, 10th placed Al Ahli will the two sides clashed at Jassim Bin Hamad Sta- Jaish seem distant second with 39 points. Fossati insisted that winning the title does not look to pull away from the QSL relegation zone dium. In each of the pre-match press conferences, mean that his team has done their job this season. when they face Al Sailiya at Al Ahli stadium. Ahli In between, Al Rayyan - who will play their Fossati has always maintained that the ‘next “We have been doing well until now but we have will be hoping to add to their tally of 22 points, to next match at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium - have Al Rayyan coach Jorge Fossati match’ is always the most important. And yester- six games left this season along with the Qatar relieve their relegation fears. Gulf Times 2 Friday, March 4, 2016 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT Crowe: a batting craft sman who was ahead of his time The NZ legend was not just a brilliant batsman but also someone whose ethos of fair play is embodied in his successors

By Mike Selvey His preparations were never The Guardian less than meticulous. At Lord’s, in 1994, virtually on one leg, he made 142 against England that hen the cancer that has tak- was a masterpiece of technical en Martin Crowe from us excellence, and he followed it far too early fi nally, inexo- with 115 in the second innings of rably, had got its hooks into the match at Old Traff ord, aft er Whim, he exchanged emails with the Indi- New Zealand had followed on an cricket writer Dileep Premachandran, and there is no apology for quoting from the second innings of the match at Old them now. It was late last September, the Traff ord, after New Zealand had followed occasion of his 53rd birthday, and Crowe on: either would serve as a masterclass in was making sense of his condition, about the construction and execution of a Test how he felt of facing the imminent pros- match innings. One day, when Wasim pect of death. “It’s a fi ne line mentally,” Akram and were at the Crowe writes,” do I judge my life as a joy height of their reverse-swinging pow- or as sitting in death row?” It is both ers, he expounded to me the theory of philosophical and rhetorical: I don’t playing it, by staying inside the line and think I have ever come across someone looking to the off side: of many tributes, who has faced their demise with more the one in which Wasim rates him the rational fortitude and acceptance. best batsmen to whom he bowled, rates It is just under a year, during the very highly. Cricket World Cup, that last I saw him. Has there ever been a sharper cricket 16 March was a beautiful day in Auck- mind? Not in my experience. For all the land: he collected me in his 4x4 from my orthodoxy of his play, he was an innova- hotel. Far from seeing someone ravaged tor, someone ahead of his time by years. by the disease, as I had expected, I was He denied it strongly (not wishing to surprised how well he looked, tanned appear skittish in his practice) but one and full-faced. Even the total hair loss day at Lord’s, when he was a ground might have been put down to a family staff lad, I saw him switch-hitting. It trait, if his brother Jeff is anything to go was his thinking that came up with the by. Certainly at one time, he had tink- idea of Cricket Max, a short form of the ered with a slightly absurd weave so it game that we can now see as a precursor had been heading that way. We drove for to Twenty20 (one day, we might see his lunch to Woodpecker Hill, a new restau- idea for straight hits clearing the bound- rant in Parnell that he was keen on. ary being worth double morphing into Besides we two there were three extra runs for the distance struck). Much friends of his, one of them mutual. The is made of his impact on the 1992 World food was excellent, the conversation Cup (although he was always at pains to stimulating and happy. And when it was point out that his career lasted a good over, we stood in the sun, said goodbye deal longer than the few weeks of that and hugged. There was the realisation tournament). That he introduced the that in all probability we would never strategy of opening the with an again meet. It was he who comforted me. off -spinner , Dipak Patel, and the batting That day, he had told me that he had with the whirling pinch-hitting blade been given a 5% chance of living for a of , is almost cliche further year. The odds were correct: he now, but what is rarely acknowledged was 13 days shy of that 12 months when is that this was something dreamed up he passed away peacefully. He had been on the hoof, after they had played three diagnosed with follicular lymphoma a matches in more orthodox fashion. New couple of years previously but appeared Zealand lost the semi-fi nal to to be in remission, cleared, until the can- that year, undone by the emerging gen- cer returned, in the virulent terminal ius of Inzamam-ul-Haq, but even then form of double-hit lymphoma. The ap- it is a match and possibly tournament parently hale nature of his condition was New Zealand might well have won had a camoufl age. When he was awake, he their captain, who had made a brilliant said, he did indeed feel good, but rather 91 with the bat, not been forced from the than undergoing yet more chemothera- fi eld with injury and unable to shepherd py he was by then self-medicating with them through. liquid marijuana and sleeping 15 hours a Beyond a brief day. Happy hours though, he said. stint, he never took to coaching though, Has there ever been a sharper cricket which is the game’s loss. For a period, mind? Not in my experience. he had even been shunned by the na- It is the best part of four decades since tional team. But he became an outstand- fi rst I saw him. I was playing as profes- ing writer and talker on the game, and sional in Auckland, and he, just 16, was a brilliant mentor to young players not beating out his hundreds relentlessly transfer into achievement. But I saw him lington had scored against England the ity even at a time when the chronic knee best batsman in the world, but to create least the “two sons I never had”, Ross for Auckland Grammar, enchanting all when he was on the MCC ground staff fi rst of what were to be 17 Test centuries. condition that curtailed his career was the ultimate, defi nitive clinical batsman. Taylor, whom he helped through the dif- who saw him bat in the verdant environs at Lord’s and, a few years later, when he A Test average of slightly more than 45 incapacitating him. I have a contention His preparations were never less than fi cult time following his sacking as New of the Cornwall club, and was on the was playing for Somerset, he became my falls short of a generally accepted bench- (one with which he profoundly disa- meticulous. At Lord’s, in 1994, virtually Zealand captain, and Martin Guptill. As verge of making the Auckland side itself. penultimate fi rst class . By then he mark for greatness, but the fi gures, as greed but which I still hold) that so good on one leg, he made 142 against England much as anything, it is into his ethos of Clearly he was an exceptional talent, al- was already established as a Test bats- often happens, do not tell the true story a technician was he that he devoted his that was a masterpiece of technical ex- fair play, responsible behaviour and en- though that in itself does not necessarily man, who at the Basin Reserve in Wel- of a batsman of the very highest qual- energies not just to attempt to be the cellence, and he followed it with 115 in joyment, that the Black Caps now buy.

BOTTOMLINE A teenage prodigy with an ‘utterly correct, old-fashioned batting technique’

By Peter Mason within a whisker of the fi nals, scored more runs The Guardian than anyone else in the tournament, was declared man of the series, and showed himself an imagi- native leader whose innovations included opening artin Crowe, who has died aged 53 the bowling with a spinner, Dipak Patel, and intro- of cancer, was not just one of New ducing pinch-hitters. Zealand’s greatest ever cricketers, By 1994 his knees were causing him serious but one of the most elegant batsmen trouble, and by 1996 he was forced to call a halt theM world has yet seen. A teenage prodigy who to any kind of cricket. In all he scored 19,608 fi rst made his international debut at 19, he played 77 class runs at an average of 56.02, putting him Tests - 16 of them as captain - between 1982 and among the all-time elite. He also bowled useful 1995, and was the second highest run scorer in medium-pace in the earlier part of his career, in- New Zealand Test history, with 5,444 runs at an cluding at Test level. average of 45.36. He had strong claim to being the After retiring, Crowe became a commenta- best New Zealand batsman the country has so far tor for Sky TV and an executive producer of Sky produced. cricket coverage in New Zealand. He joined the Yet it was the way he played, rather than the board of the South Sydney Rabbitohs rugby league sheer volume of his run-making, that sparked club in Australia, which his cousin, the actor the cricketing public’s imagination. Possessed of Russell Crowe, part-owned, and came up with what Wisden called an “utterly correct, old-fash- the idea of Cricket Max, a three-hour version of ioned batting technique”, he had superb, eff ortless the game that never quite caught on but laid the timing and could play every shot in the book with foundations for Twenty20. He had a short spell as a lazy, upright grace. chief executive of the Royal Challengers Bangalore Throughout the 1980s and early 90s those cricket team in the Indian Premier League and in qualities served him well on many continents as The Indian and UAE teams taking part in the Asian T20 tournament in Bangladesh observe a minute’s silence as a mark of respect for Martin Crowe. 1992 was made MBE. a Test player, in domestic fi rst class cricket with Later in life, Crowe admitted that the pressure Auckland, Central Districts and Wellington in brother, Jeff , would appear in 39 Tests for his rible fi rst month, failing to reach double fi gures in sure and achievement, and by 1986 had become a of being a cricketing prodigy had been “torture”. New Zealand, and with Somerset in England, be- country, many with his sibling. But from a young fi ve consecutive innings. But he grew into the role key member of the side that beat England 1-0 in When he left the game he suff ered from depres- fore he retired through injury aged 33. age it was Martin, born in Henderson, a suburb of and by the end of the season had hit 2,600 runs a three Test series, scoring 106 in the drawn fi rst sion, which was partly alleviated by a “rebirth- Along with the great , Crowe Auckland, who drew most attention. in all competitions. He continued the success at Test at Lord’s and making handy contributions in ing” programme in which he identifi ed that his was a star turn during a profi table era for New At 18 he was considered not only the best young Somerset in 1985, when he was named a Wisden the second Test win at . early experiences had left him with “unfi nished Zealand cricket, playing a signifi cant role in the batsman in New Zealand but in the world, and was Cricketer of the Year, and had another stint there Fifteen more Test centuries were to follow - his teenage development”. In 2009 he married the country’s fi rst Test series win in England in 1986 taken on to the Lord’s ground staff in 1981. Having in 1987 that was cut short by a back injury. Crowe total of 17 is still higher than any other New Zea- former Miss Universe, Lorraine Downes . She sur- and, as captain, taking them to the semi-fi nals of gained experience on New Zealand’s fi rst class cir- made his Test debut against Australia in Welling- lander - and he scored 299 against at vives him, as do his mother Audrey, siblings Jeff the World Cup in 1992. cuit and in the Bradford league in England, at 21 he ton in 1982, and was selected to tour England in Wellington in 1991, the highest Test score for New and Debbie, his daughter, Emma, from a previous Crowe’s success appeared assured from the was engaged as the overseas player for Somerset, 1983. His early experiences of international cricket Zealand until Brendon McCullum reached 302 relationship with Huhaana Marshall, and by Lor- off . His father David had played fi rst class crick- stepping into the oversized boots of , were fraught, and he did little of signifi cance until on the same ground in 2014. The peak of Crowe’s raine’s children, Hilton and Jasmine. et during the 1950s, his mother Audrey was the who was on tour with West Indies. scoring exactly 100 against England in Wellington 143-match one-day international career was the Martin David Crowe, cricketer, born 22 Sep- country’s foremost female cricketer, and his older Sharing a house with , he had a ter- the following year. Thereafter he grew in compo- 1992 World Cup, when he captained his side to tember 1962; died 3 March Gulf Times Friday, March 4, 2016 3 CRICKET

REPORT SPOTLIGHT India-Pakistan tie in Dharamsala India crush UAE will be played as to warm up for scheduled: Thakur Asia Cup fi nal Opener Rohit Sharma made 39 runs with 28 balls, hitting seven fours and a six

AFP Dhaka

ndia warmed up for the Asia Cup India’s Rohit Sharma belts the UAE final against Bangladesh with a bowling in Dhaka yesterday. crushing nine-wicket win over minnows Iin Dhaka yesterday, their last league martyrs equally,” Thakur said in IANS match in the competition. New Delhi a press conference here. A disciplined Indian attack restrict- Earlier Chief Minister Singh ed the UAE to a meagre 81-9 before was categorically clear in saying they reached 82-1 in just 10.1 overs to he marquee World that “if the Himachal Pradesh complete the rout, their fourth victory Twenty20 match be- Cricket Association (HPCA) is in as many matches in the tournament. tween India and Pa- keen on the match, it can hold it Opener Rohit Sharma made the kistan at Dharamsala at its own risk”. highest 39 runs with 28 balls, hitting willT be played as scheduled on Thakur pointed out that the seven fours and a six, while Yuvraj March 19, Board of Control for cricket board condemns acts of Singh made good use of his promotion Cricket in India (BCCI) secre- terror but sports should not be in one-down position with an unbeat- tary Anurag Thakur asserted mixed with politics. en 25. yesterday. “BCCI condemns attacks “The here have been chal- Recently the Himachal like Pathankot but we can’t mix lenging, not the easiest,” said man of Pradesh’s political leaders ex- sports with politics,” he said. the match Rohit. “I am glad we have pressed strong reservations Thakur made it clear that the put up a performance like that. over holding the India-Pakistan board has not thought of any match in a state that has a high alternate venues for the high- Bhuvneshwar Kumar claimed 2-8 chunk of serving and retired octane clash. playing his fi rst match in the series, soldiers in the Indian Army as “No venues have been put while all of the other bowlers used well as families of martyrs of on standby as of now as far as by India skipper MS Dhoni were the Kargil War. the India-Pakistan World T20 rewarded with a wicket Leaders from both the rul- match is concerned,” Thakur ing Congress and the opposi- concluded. “Initially, you have to see the condi- tion Bharatiya Janata Party are Meanwhile, the Pakistan tions. Once you get a hang of it, you can united in their opposition to the Cricket Board (PCB) has threat- probably play your shots,” he added. Super 10 Group 2 match being ened pulling out of the World Rohit put on 43 runs in the open- hosted at Dharamsala. Twenty20 if they did not get a ing stand with Shikhar Dhawan before But Thakur yesterday said clear message about the secu- he was caught by Mohamed Naveed of he has met Chief Minister of rity situation from the Indian Qadeer Ahmed in third man area, in Himachal Pradesh Virbhadra government, cricinfo reported. what turned out to be the UAE’s only Singh and the talks have been Shaharyar Khan, the PCB success in the game. progressive and the match will chairman, called for India to Dhawan, who scored just three runs be staged as scheduled. publicly acknowledge Paki- in his previous two matches in the “As far as BCCI is concerned, stan’s participation in the tour- tournament, carefully protected his the India vs Pakistan match is nament and to also promise full wicket to remain 16 . on schedule in Dharamsala. As security to their cricket team. “I wanted that innings,” he said after far as March 19 is concerned, I The Pakistan government the match. “I have spent some time in have met HP chief minister and had initially granted the PCB the middle. It was important to get the the talks were very progressive. permission to play in India, but feel of the wicket for the final.” BCCI and the government want the board has decided to put Shaiman Anwar was the UAE’s top to resolve this situation. We the visit on hold until they are scorer, making 43 runs before he was respect the war veterans and guaranteed foolproof security. the last man dismissed. Bhuvneshwar Kumar claimed 2-8 playing his first match in the series, while all of the other bowlers used by Russell facing drug test sanction India skipper MS Dhoni were rewarded with a wicket. India rested Ravindra AFP, Kingston: West Indies Commission (JADCO) declined Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ash- all-rounder Andre Russell to comment when contacted ish Nehra ahead of the March 6 final could face a suspension under by AFP to confirm the report. and brought in uncapped Pawan Negi, anti-doping rules after missing Russell, 27, also could not be Harbhajan Singh and Bhuvneshwar three drug tests in the past 12 reached for comment. Kumar. months, reports in Jamaica said Failing to be available for a test UAE captain Amjad Javed said they Wednesday. is regarded as the equivalent of were looking for a total of around 120 Russell, a member of the West testing positive for a perform- runs. Indies squad for next week’s ance-enhancing substance, “We were playing the favourites of World Twenty20 championship meaning Russell faces a long the tournament and it was difficult for in India, could be banned for up spell on the sidelines if his viola- us,” he said. to two years if found guilty, the tion is confirmed. Russell has “When you face top quality bowlers, Jamaica Gleaner reported. played only one full Test for the it is difficult. They have got experience The Jamaica Anti-Doping West Indies. and they will come back hard.”

BOTTOMLINE SA, Australia tune up for World Twenty20

AFP Zealand last month. Tye played in only land with a . Durban South Africa have been boosted by the return of fast two T20 internationals against India. The series is a repeat of the 2013/14 bowler Dale Steyn. Australia have a strong batting line- season when the two sides met in South up, however, although this too could be Africa shortly before the 2014 World outh Africa and Australia will be problematical in terms of deciding on Twenty20 in Bangladesh. Australia seeking to fi nd their best com- the best combination. won convincingly and looked strong binations when they meet in South Africa won two T20 interna- contenders for the world crown. three Twenty20 internationals, tionals against England last month and But form in the warm-up series shortlyS before both sides travel to India will be strengthened by the returns of proved illusory. Australia won only one for the World Twenty20 tournament. fast bowler Dale Steyn and wicketkeep- out of three matches in Bangladesh and Australia appear to have the most er-batsman Quinton de Kock. failed to reach the knock-out stage, uncertainties. They were beaten 3-0 at Steyn played in a club match in Cape while South Africa reached the semi- home by India in their most recent T20 Town last weekend and took fi ve wick- fi nals. series and the selectors made several ets for 13 runs in two fi ve-over spells Squads: signifi cant changes in picking a squad spread over two innings. South Africa: (captain), for South Africa and the global event. Steyn, 32, has missed most of the in- Kyle Abbott, Hashim Amla, Farhaan was handed the captain- ternational season because of a groin Behardien, Quinton de Kock (wkt), cy, making him the leader in all three injury suff ered in the first Test against AB de Villiers (wkt), JP Duminy, Imran formats, while the squad includes three India in November and a shoulder in- Tahir, David Miller, Chris Morris, Aaron players who have yet to play in a T20 in- jury in the fi rst Test against England in Phangiso, Kagiso Rabada, Rilee Ros- ternational — wicketkeeper Peter Nev- December. souw, Dale Steyn, David Wiese. ill, left-arm spinner Ashton Agar and He said after his club outing that he Australia: Steve Smith (captain), Ashton leg-spinner . had been ready to play for the past three Agar, Nathan Coulter-Nile, James While Nevill has established himself weeks and was eager to get into action Faulkner, Aaron Finch, John Hastings, as Australia’s Test wicketkeeper, Agar, against the Australians. , , Zampa and fast bowler are De Kock was rested from the T20 , , Peter virtual novices at international level. series against England because of Nevill (wkt), Andrew Tye, , Agar has played in two Tests and two what was described as a minor knee , Adam Zampa. one-day internationals, famously hit- injury. The selectors will have to de- Fixtures: ting 98 at number 11 on Test debut in cide which two out of De Kock, AB de March the 2013 Ashes. Villiers and Hashim Amla will open Today, Durban Zampa made his debut and played the batting. The latter pair effectively Sunday 6, Johannesburg in two one-day internationals in New won the second match against Eng- Wednesday 9, Cape Town Gulf Times 4 Friday, March 4, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT NO PROBLEM Pellegrini unfazed Cech, Koscielny by City slump injury blows add to Arsenal’s woes Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini. AFP half-time Wednesday but denied Manchester that the loud booing the winger ‘It looks a bit like a confidence issue. We have to focus on our job and come back, endured during the fi rst half had anything to do with the decision. reminding ourselves that we have some quality as well’ anuel Pellegrini Sterling left Anfi eld under a refused to accept cloud in a move to City last year Manchester City’s and had no impact in a woeful hopes of Champions fi rst half display. MLeague qualifi cation are now un- “It was because we were losing der threat after their lacklustre 2-0 and I wanted to make a tacti- 3-0 loss at Liverpool. cal change,” Pellegrini added. City started the season as fa- Meanwhile Reds boss Jurgen vourites for the Premier League Klopp was thrilled with the way title and a place in the top four his team responded to the disap- was thought to be a formality. pointment of losing to City at the However, they are currently weekend and praised the mental in freefall and were comfortably strength he has in his squad. second best on Wednesday as Liverpool never gave City a goals from Adam Lallana, James chance on a bitterly cold night as Milner and Roberto Firmino Lallana, Firmino, Emre Can and condemned them to a third James Milner ran the show from straight league defeat. start to fi nish. City might be impressing in the Klopp is hoping the victory Champions League and also beat gives Liverpool an extra boost Liverpool in the League Cup fi - as the end of the season appears nal on Sunday, but they are in real on the horizon and he was full of danger of falling away from the compliments for his side. leading pack in the top-fl ight. “I’m very pleased, very sat- “I’m not thinking about the isfi ed with all the 93 minutes,” title or not thinking about quali- Klopp said. “It was really good fying for the Champions League, from the fi rst second. We spoke it’s important to think about the about the fi nal after the game. next game,” Pellegrini said. “It was very important we “We need to win at home be- showed the reaction, we showed cause we have lost our last three we are not as disappointed as it games in the Premier League so could have had a negative infl u- that is the most important thing. ence on the performance tonight. We have to recover our perform- “The boys did brilliant. They ances in the Premier League and were very angry in a positive way. get as many points as we can. “Tonight is more about the “We’ve lost the last three mental thing. We lost on Sunday. games but we want to try and be We had to show a reaction. We on the top of the table. We have were lively from the start. less than three days to recover, “With their quality City can we have to play on Saturday at always win and score decisive 3pm so we are going to see the goals but tonight we made it re- best team that can start on Sat- ally diffi cult for them. Arsenal players wait to restart after Swansea scored their second goal during the English Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium in London. urday.” “We can go and go and go be- Pellegrini took former Liver- cause we are in a good moment AFP Wayne Routledge cancelled out Joel Results “We will not talk about titles tonight. pool star Raheem Sterling off at and they are not.” London Campbell’s early opener for Arsenal be- I’m not in the mood. It’s a big disap- fore Ashley Williams bundled in a 74th- West Ham 1 Tottenham Hotspur 0 pointment.” minute winner. Arsenal 1 Swansea City 2 Swansea’s win was all the more remark- SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP rsenal will be without goal- “It is a very unlucky defeat because Stoke City 1 Newcastle 0 able given they were without head coach keeper Petr Cech and centre- we created many chances and we were Liverpool 3 Manchester City 0 Francesco Guidolin, who had been admit- back Laurent Koscielny for unlucky in our fi nishing,” said Wenger, Manchester United 1 Watford 0 ted to hospital with a lung infection. Saturday’s trip to Tottenham whose side hit the woodwork three times. His deputy Alan Curtis, who made six Celtic boss warns of Hotspur,A manager Arsene Wenger re- “The two shots on target they had in the changes, said: “I’ve not spoken to him, vealed after Wednesday’s 2-1 loss to whole game were the two goals. It’s a very from Arsenal fans and cries of “You don’t but I had a voicemail to say how delighted Swansea City. disappointing result and the players are know what you’re doing!” he is. Scottish title -up “Cech got a muscular problem at the very down. We have to respond to that. “Campbell has not played for a while “As far as I know, it’s a lung infec- end of the game,” Wenger said. “He will “It looks a bit like a confi dence issue. and he started to tire,” the Frenchman tion, and he stays in hospital for the next AFP not play on Saturday. I have full faith in We have to focus on our job and come said. “He played against a very young couple of days, (it) remedies itself quite Glasgow (David) Ospina.” back, reminding ourselves that we have left-back and I thought Welbeck could quickly, and he travels to Swansea on Fri- On Koscielny, he added: “He has a calf some quality as well. Analyse it well and give him some problems with his runs day. problem as well. He will not play on Sat- bounce back. We have a big game in three behind. “He’s been struggling for a week or so, eltic manager Ronny urday.” days. “These kind of decisions don’t mean but he’s turned up for training and helped Deila warned his play- The double injury blow will have “At the moment I am more worried that Campbell did badly. I think he did pick the team with the changes. ers they are in danger of blackened Wenger’s mood yet further about our results (than the title race). We quite well tonight (Wednesday), but there “We know we could have faced criti- missing out on the Scot- after a result that left Arsenal six points just lost three games and that is always a was room on that fl ank to be very danger- cism, but it wasn’t change for change’s tishC Premiership title if their re- below Premier League leaders Leicester very diffi cult moment for the team. ous with pace. sake. There’s nobody guaranteed a place. cent run of poor form continues. City in third place. “At the moment we don’t dream, we “We have to take the fans on our side. “I do think we’ll stay up. We have The Hoops were left frustrated It was Arsenal’s third defeat in a row, are realistic. We must come back to what They were ready to support us tonight. enough in the changing room. The squad as they couldn’t break down a after previous losses at the hands of Bar- we do well and do the basics.” “They were quite good, but we faded is there and if we can pick the right team Dundee side that rested several celona and Manchester United, and saw Wenger defended his decision to send in the game and you could see in the last and the right shape, there’s no reason fi rst team players ahead of their them booed off by their own fans at the Danny Welbeck on for Campbell in the part we had a lack of movement to create why we can’t get the results between now Scottish Cup quarter-fi nal clash Emirates Stadium. second half, a move that drew derision dangerous situations. and the end of the season.” with Rangers tomorrow. Celtic manager Ronny Deila. Aberdeen’s 1-0 win over Dun- dee United means the Dons are tion at the players and Deila fol- BOTTOMLINE now just four points behind lowing their second successive the Glasgow giants with just 10 draw. matches remaining. The Norwegian manager said Celtic have now won just twice he understood their anger but in their past fi ve league matches insisted he could turn things and Deila says a repeat of their around and still claim a double showing against Dundee in the with the Hoops, who take on Young guns impress Van Gaal league run-in will see his team Morton for a place in the last four relinquish their grip on a fi fth of the Scottish Cup tomorrow. AFP was much more eff ective when “When you get a yellow card league title in a row. “I understand they are irritat- Manchester moved to the right in the sec- after 20 minutes, as Timo- “Yes, that’s for sure. We need ed, like we are. The players un- ond half, with Anthony Martial thy did, it is not so easy to to be at a totally diff erent level,” derstand that as well but I know switching inside to take the cen- play against Ighalo and Troy the under-pressure Celtic man- the Celtic fans stay behind their ouis van Gaal hailed tral role. Deeney.” ager said after Wednesday’s 0-0 team,” Deila said. Manchester United’s “In the fi rst half, Martial was Flores was encouraged by draw. “But we have to show that we youthful spirit after they not in the game as a right wing- Watford’s display, but disap- “But we know how good we are a better side than we were ground out a 1-0 Premier er and Rashford was not in the pointed by a result that left his can be when we are at our best. today. LLeague victory over Watford. game as a striker,” Van Gaal said. side 12th in the table. It’s about details and about get- “In the dressing room you can United were second best for “That’s why we changed the “This happens in English ting the good feeling back again. see disappointed boys but we much of the game in atrocious shape. From that moment, we football. We played well. We “This is my responsibility and only have four days again and weather at Old Traff ord on were the better team.” tried to get a good result, but a something we have to improve we have to be up for the Scottish Wednesday, but still secured a moment of quality decided the together. We need to change it to Cup.” fourth successive victory thanks HANDFUL match,” he said. get points and to win the league. Celtic captain Scott Brown to Juan Mata’s 83rd-minute United’s manager also praised “It was a bad result, but we It was a bad performance but we admitted the players had let free-kick. the performance of 18-year-old had good feelings after the have to evaluate it and get on and themselves down. It was tough on Watford, and Tim Fosu-Mensah, who made match because of our perform- show a totally diff erent side on “We are devastated. We didn’t on their head coach Quique his full debut at centre-half. ance. Sunday. play as well as we would have Flores, who coached Mata in “Timothy has saved us three “It didn’t surprise me what “Now the players and I have to liked or like we could have,” the Real Madrid’s youth set-up and Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal celebrates at the end of times because of his speed. He Mata did with the free-kick. use this time to think about what Scotland international said. at Valencia. the game against Watford. wanted to come off in the second I’ve known him since he was 14, is happening and get the solu- “We let everyone down and United boss Van Gaal, though, half, but I kept him on because when I was training the teenag- tions and get back on track again. it was not good enough from felt it was just reward for the way diffi cult to play good football. It ing, that is beautiful to see.” he always closed the door for us,” ers of Real Madrid. “We are in front. We need to us. We didn’t do ourselves any his players battled against phys- was a physical game. United’s teenage striker Mar- Van Gaal added. “Mata can score these kind of perform and we need to get our justice out there. Even if it’s not ical opponents. “If you see the size of the Wat- cus Rashford was unable to “I think he’s a better full-back goals. He can make the diff er- points. If we do that then we will pretty football we have to grind “I don’t think it was an ugly ford players compared to ours, it repeat the scoring form that than a central defender. But at ence in very dangerous areas.” win the league. It’s as simple and out results at this stage of the win because the free-kick was a was not benefi cial to us. brought him two goals in each Ajax, he always played right cen- Ighalo missed a host of chanc- as diffi cult as that but there are season. fantastic shot from Mata,” Van “I think that the youngsters of his fi rst two senior games for tre midfi eld or right centre-half. es for the visitors, and Flores still a lot of games left.” “Points mean so much to us Gaal said. give us a lot of spirit and now the club. “However, he had not played said the Nigerian striker needs The full-time whistle was and we have got one point and “The performance was not so when the dressing room is full of He laboured in a central strik- before against Odion Ighalo, who to stop putting himself under so greeted with jeers as the home it’s not good enough for this good. The weather meant it was joy and all the players are laugh- ing role in the fi rst half, but is a handful for a centre-half. much pressure. supporters vented their frustra- team. Gulf Times Friday, March 4, 2016 5 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT BUNDESLIGA Bayern must now fi ght for title, admits Juve secure Milan coach Guardiola

AFP Munich

ep Guardiola admits Cup fi nal aft er his Bayern Munich face a fi ght at Borussia Dort- mund tomorrow in their Pbattle to win a historic fourth Bundesliga title after Mainz’s upset victory in Bavaria. Bayern’s shock 2-1 defeat both trimmed their lead over second- huge Inter scare placed Dortmund to just fi ve points and saw them lose their 100 percent home record for this ‘We made life diff icult for ourselves, I think tonight we played the worst ever game season. Dortmund host Bayern in a “We must fi ght until the last since I’ve been at Juventus. We were lucky to take it to penalties...’ top-of-the-table clash in three second.” days and Guardiola admitted his Mainz sealed only their sec- side has a fi ght on their hands. ond ever win in Munich when An unthinkable second Colombia striker Jhon Cordoba straight league defeat for Bayern came off the bench to hit the would leave Dortmund trail- 86th-minute winner. ing by just two points with nine “We had our chances and then games left in Germany’s top let them counter-attack. We fl ight. shouldn’t have allowed that to But the Spaniard said Bayern happen,” fumed Bayern’s goal- simply were not good enough scorer Arjen Robben. against Mainz as they failed to Mainz took a shock lead at convert their mind-blowing 78 the Allianz Arena when Spanish percent ball possession into vic- winger Jairo fi red home in the tory. fi rst-half with the Bayern de- “Our performance wasn’t fence well beaten. good enough, but I am not sad,” Robben pulled a goal back for said Guardiola, who is in his fi nal the Bavarians on 64 minutes be- season in Munich before coach- fore Cordoba netted only to be ing Manchester City next season. mobbed by his teammates. Bayern have won the league at “We knew how we could win a canter for the last three years, here with a strong defensive setting a record in 2014 when display and a good counter-at- they secured the title with seven tack,” said Mainz coach Martin games left. Schmidt, who praised his side’s But Guardiola says those days ‘outstanding display’. “It feels are gone. really good.” “No other team has won the Dortmund’s 2-0 win at Darm- Bundesliga four times in a row,” stadt on Wednesday cut Bayern’s he said. lead from eight points to fi ve as “This Borussia Dortmund another Colombia striker, Adrian team is completely diff erent to Ramos, and defender Erik Durm the last three years and we will netted. “We and Bayern both have to fi ght until the last game. know that things can now be a bit “We have to think of the next tight. We want to win the thing,” game and today was a clear signal said Dortmund’s Germany de- that it won’t be easy. fender Durm.

LA LIGA Outspoken Ronaldo File picture of Juventus’ players celebrating at the end of the Italian Serie A match against Inter Milan.

AFP take a 2-0 lead by the 49th minute thanks only compliment the lads. I hope this counter that saw Ljajic’s angled drive gets Madrid back on Rome to Marcelo Brozovic and Ivan Perisic. gives us the extra spur to try and fi nish in shave the far post. When Brozovic hit his second from the third place.” An increasingly worried Allegri spot eight minutes from time after a du- Inter threatened from the outset, Peri- switched to a three-man defence when track with 3-1 win olders Juventus suff ered an al- bious penalty decision, the tie was forced sic drilling just wide of Norberto Neto’s he replaced Stephan Lichsteiner with mighty scare on their way to a to extra time. upright but the hosts were rewarded for Andrea Barzagli, but the referee pointed second successive Italian Cup After two thrilling but goalless peri- their eff orts on 17 minutes when Slov- to the spot after Rugani was ruled to have fi nal, dominating Inter Milan at ods, Rodrigo Palacio’s miss from the spot enian midfi elder Brozovic fi red past Neto fouled Perisic in the area, despite fi rst Ha penalty shoot-out after Roberto Man- made the diff erence as Juve stayed on after Gary Medel had bundled Hernanes making contact with the ball. cini’s men won 3-0 on the night to level track for a second consecutive double. off the ball. Neto was unlucky as Brozovic’s spot- their semi-fi nal tie. Defender Leonardo Bonucci scored Juve looked out of sorts and another kick squirmed under him to level the tie Juventus, who claimed their fi rst Juve’s fi fth and fi nal spot-kick to start error, this time from Daniele Rugani, al- 3-3 on aggregate, but the ‘keeper then league and Cup double in 20 years last the celebrations, although he will miss lowed Adem Ljajic to unleash a curling produced a great refl ex save in the fi nal May, will now meet AC Milan in the May the fi nal due to suspension after earning shot that bounced off the top of the bar. minute of regulation time to parry Peri- 21 at Rome’s Olympic Stadium. a caution on the night. Ljajic, meanwhile, fi red inches wide of sic’s fi rst-timer from close-range. But in a rain-hit San Siro encounter that He admitted to Rai Sport: “We made the near post to give Juve plenty of reason Moments later Perisic earned a yellow saw Inter dominate throughout, Juve coach life diffi cult for ourselves, I think tonight for refl ection at the interval. card after he got up from a rash tackle on Massimiliano Allegri was soon regretting we played the worst ever game since I’ve Inter resumed in similar fashion and Juan Cuadrado to take the Colombian by his decision to deploy a second string side. been at Juventus. after just four minutes Eder burst down the throat. With a 3-0 cushion from the fi rst leg, “We were lucky to take it to penalties... the right to fi re a perfect for Per- Both sides created chances in extra Allegri rested goalkeeper Gianluigi Buf- we didn’t have the right approach to the isic, who tapped the ball past Neto at the time, Neto palming Perisic’s free header fon and striker Mario Mandzukic, while game. Inter didn’t have anything to lose, back post. The threat now looked real and over the bar and Zaza fi ring an angled Giorgio Chiellini, Claudio Marchisio and and we made it easy for them.” Juve upped their game, striker Simone drive inches past the far post. Martin Caceres were all injured. Inter coach Roberto Mancini could Zaza powering through the middle and In the dying seconds, Carrizo pro- But, under the cosh following a string only lament: “We deserved to win this. rounding Inter ‘keeper Juan Carrizo only duced two quickfi re saves on Alvaro of poor results, Mancini cracked the whip We were very unlucky. to hit the upright. Morata, including a superb one-handed AFP an outburst claiming Madrid and the Nerazzurri responded in style to “But it was a great performance. I can From the corner, Inter launched a eff ort, to force the tie to penalties. Madrid “would be top” of the league if his teammates matched his standards after defeat to Atletico BOTTOMLINE ristiano Ronaldo (top) at the weekend. made amends for recent “When there are changes you critical comments of his think it is going to be more dif- Real Madrid teammates fi cult, but with the eff ort and withC a goal and an assist in a 3-1 commitment of everyone we Zlatan fi res PSG into French Cup semis win at Levante on Wednesday managed to get the three points to cut the gap on La Liga leaders and a good performance,” said Barcelona to nine points. Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane. AFP told French television. have won the Coupe de Ronaldo’s penalty and an own Real had former Levante Paris “PSG warranted their win. It’s on nine occasions, second only goal from Levante ‘keeper Diego ‘keeper Keylor Navas to thank an experienced side, and even if to arch-rivals and ten-time Marino put the visitors in com- for not getting off to a terrible they went missing at Lyon they winner Marseille, who play fi fth mand before Deyverson pulled one start as he produced a brilliant latan Ibrahimovic pulled showed up and did a job tonight.” tier Granville on Thursday. back for Levante before half-time. save low to his left to prevent the strings as Paris Ibrahimovic carved open the In an all top-fl ight quarter fi - However, Isco’s late strike Giuseppe Rossi giving the home Saint-Germain cruised home defence for the opener nal earlier Wednesday, Lorient, from Ronaldo’s cut-back secured side a shock lead. into the French Cup on 12 minutes with a perfectly on the back of two league wins, the points in stoppage time. Ronaldo opened the scoring Zsemi-fi nals on Wednesday with weighted pass which his Uru- cruised past Gazalec Ajaccio Real trail second-placed from the spot on 34 minutes after a 3-1 away win at Saint Etienne. guayan strike partner Cavani ran 3-0. Atletico Madrid by four points, Lucas Vazquez had been tripped The result saw PSG bounce onto and smacked home with After fi rst half goals from Ro- but do open up a four-point lead inside the area by Lucas Orban. back from their fi rst domes- great relish. main Philippoteaux and Maxime of their own on Villarreal after Injuries to Benzema and Bale tic defeat in a year, a 2-1 league The giant Swede was at the Barthelme, Pape Paye fi nished they were held 0-0 at Celta Vigo. opened the door for 18-year- loss at Lyon at the weekend, heart of the second goal on 35 the job with a late strike. Barcelona can extend their old Borja Mayoral to get his fi rst with goals from Edinson Cavani, minutes too when Marquinhos The shock of the evening came lead over Atletico at the top to league start and he took his op- Marquinhos and late substitute tapped in at the far post after when second division Sochaux eight points with victory at Rayo portunity when his shot from the Lucas. a fi ne team move, as a vicious made the semi-fi nals when they Vallecano on Thursday. edge of the box hit the post and Ahead of their crucial Cham- cross from Ibrahimovic was put an end to top fl ight Nantes’ Gary Neville’s Valencia moved cannoned into the net off Ma- pions League return match at fl icked on toward the back post 16-game unbeaten run. into the top half of the table as rino’s back three minutes later. Chelsea next week however by Cavani. Nantes had been leading for they benefi ted from spectacular However, Levante were back key midfi elder Blaise Matuidi A spirited Saint Etienne, most of the game before Moussa own goal by Malaga goalkeeper in the game instantly through a limped off with a thigh injury in pumped up by 36,000 boister- Sow got an equaliser in the 87th Carlos Kameni to win 2-1 at La Deyverson strike. the second half. ous fans, hit back when a Val- minute to send the game into Rosaleda. Madrid had much better con- Paris coach Laurent Blanc entin Eyserric penalty reduced extra-time. Madrid boss Zinedine Zi- trol after the break and Ronaldo had told his players their week- the arrears to 2-1 just before the Substitute Sekou Cissé made dane was without a host of fi rst was desperately unlucky not to end performance was not good break. it 2-1 against the run of play be- team regulars as the suspended restore their two-goal lead when enough and had demanded ap- PSG were easing out the game fore Sow sealed the win for the Dani Carvajal and Sergio Ramos he struck the post from James plication, which he seemed hap- when late substitute Lucas drib- former Peugeot factory side and joined the injured Marcelo, Luka Rodriguez’s fi ne through ball. py with afterwards. bled past several defenders and despite a late consolation from Modric, Gareth Bale and Karim Isco answered his recent crit- “It’s diffi cult to win here. But fi red home the clincher two the Brazilian Adryan Socahux Benzema on the sidelines. ics with a calm fi nish from Ron- really it’s rare you see a team win File picture of Paris Saint-Germain’s Swedish forward Zlatan minutes into added time. are into the fi nal four. However, Ronaldo started de- aldo’s cut-back in stoppage time so easily at Saint Etienne,” he Ibrahimovic (R) in action during a French L1 match. Defending champions PSG Now to see what happens. spite causing controversy with to round off the scoring. Gulf Times 6 Friday, March 4, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT NEWCOMERS High fi ve arrivals into the Chinese Enter the dragon: Super League he cash-rich Chinese Chinese record. The 28-year-old Super League splashed has endured a mixed start to life 331 million euros ($359 in China, scoring on debut in a million) on players in its pre-season friendly last month winterT transfer window, out- but being red-carded in Tues- Super-rich Chinese spending the English Premier day’s Champions League win League for the fi rst time. Here are over Jeonbuk. the fi ve most notable signings: Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris Saint- Alex Teixeira (50 million euros, Germain to Hebei China For- Shakhtar Donetsk to Jiangsu tune, 5.5 million euros) Suning). Striker Teixeira, 26, scored league kicks off 89 goals in 223 matches for the Ukrainian side and was a target for Liverpool until Jiangsu broke ‘There’s a feeling that Chinese football is going to be worth watching again this year the Chinese transfer record. Teixeira began to repay some after many years of it being looked down upon by Chinese’ of the massive fee with his fi rst goal in the 3-2 AFC Champions AFP League win over Jeonbuk Hy- Beijing undai Motors on Tuesday. Ezequiel Lavezzi (R). Jackson Martinez (42 mil- Hebei described the Argen- record-breaking spending lion euros, Atletico Madrid to tina international forward, who spree which made the football Guangzhou Evergrande) played alongside Lionel Messi world sit up and take notice When Colombian striker Mar- in the 2014 World Cup fi nal, as has ensured that all eyes will tinez joined Brazilian Paulinho at “the next Maradona” and while beA on the Chinese Super League when it Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Asian cham- the fee was not huge by current starts this week brimming with foreign pions for a then Asian record Chinese standards, his reported stars. fee (broken by Teixeira two days salary of 31 million euros ($33.6 Alex Teixeira and Jackson Martinez, later) he was described as a “fox million) over the two years of his signed under the noses of English giants in the box” by Guangzhou’s web- contract is jaw-dropping. Liverpool and Chelsea, headline what site. But he struggled to make an has become Asia’s most glittering league impact in Madrid after moving Gervinho (AS Roma to Hebei after a 331 million euros ($359 million) from Porto, where he poached 92 China Fortune, 18 million eu- splurge on players. goals in 133 games, and is yet to ros) Ramires, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Gerv- get off the mark for his new club. The two-time Ivory Coast inho are also among the highly paid play- footballer of the year had strug- ers who will get their fi rst taste of the Ramires (28 million euros, gled in the Italian capital, scoring CSL after being lured from Chelsea, Paris Chelsea to Jiangsu Suning) just 17 times in 71 Serie A appear- Saint-Germain and Roma respectively. The Brazilian midfi elder had ances and reportedly had handed Whether the sudden mass investment fallen out of favour at the English in a transfer request when Hebei will translate into quality on the pitch is Premier League champions who opened their chequebook. He unclear, but transfers which smashed the probably couldn’t believe their previously had a disappointing Asian record four times and outstripped luck when Jiangsu off ered to take two years at Arsenal where the the English Premier League have created him off their hands in January striker hit the net only nine times an undeniable buzz. for a fee that was, at the time, a in the English Premier League. “Everyone in China is talking about the league, workmates, friends, even old people on the street,” said 33-year-old QATAR STARS LEAGUE Shanghai SIPG fan Ma Zheng. “There’s a feeling that Chinese football is going to be worth watching again this year after many years of it being looked Sadd have no other down upon by Chinese,” he said. A Chinese league bursting with money and glamour is a far cry from the wide- option but to keep spread corruption of just a few years ago, before a major crackdown ensnared doz- ens of offi cials, referees and players. winning: Pouraliganji Guangzhou Pharmaceutical were kicked out of the CSL in the fall-out— only to bounce back a year later and, re- Guangzhou Evergrande striker Jackson Martinez (L) in action against Sydney FC during their AFC Champions League match. branded as Guangzhou Evergrande, fi nish as champions for the next fi ve seasons. record, which was raised again just days hai SIPG were last year’s runners-up. “I’m happy to see more famous But in a sign that suspicions remain, later when Jiangsu Suning snapped up Guangzhou R&F open the competi- players coming to play in China the offi cial gambling operator in neigh- Liverpool-linked Teixeira for 50 million tion on Friday against newcomers Hebei and pushing up the quality of the bouring Hong Kong has barred bets on euros from Shakhtar Donetsk. China Fortune, with Evergrande starting league here,” said Li Jun, an offi ce the CSL, citing fears over “transparency, Other notable imports include Gerv- their title defence away to Chongqing Li- worker from Beijing. “But I worry integrity and competitiveness”. inho to Hebei China Fortune for 18 mil- fang on Sunday. these players will block Chinese lion euros, and Colombian international But despite the hype over the high- players from getting more time on WORLD CUP DREAMS Freddy Guarin to Shanghai Shenhua from profi le new signings, there are also mis- the pitch” Tycoon club-owners have been encour- Inter Milan for 11 million euros. givings about what impact they may aged to spend big on players by the au- While this year’s spending has reached have on the process of developing home- Jun, an offi ce worker from Beijing. thorities headed by football-loving Pres- record heights, Chinese clubs have been grown talent. “But I worry these players will block ident Xi Jinping, who have ambitions to importing top players in their prime for China have under-achieved on the Chinese players from getting more time host and even win a World Cup. several years now, including Evergrande’s global football stage for decades, having on the pitch.” The political pressure has yielded 2011 capture of Fluminense playmaker reached only one World Cup, in 2002, The lack of local talent is cited as one purchases like Martinez, who was ex- Dario Conca, then 28. and looking in severe doubt for the next reason for Chinese clubs’ massive spend- pected to leave Atletico Madrid for The championship is expected to be a fi ght edition in 2018. ing, although quota rules mean they Chelsea but instead joined Evergrande between Evergrande, led by former Brazil “I’m happy to see more famous play- must have at least seven domestic players Sadd defender Morteza Pouraliganji (R). for 42 million euros. boss Luiz Felipe Scolari, and his old sparring ers coming to play in China and pushing on the pitch at any one time. The move broke the Asian transfer partner Sven Goran-Eriksson, whose Shang- up the quality of the league here,” said Li Now to see what happens. By Sports Reporter and battle on the in the pitch for Doha them. On an individual level, I promise them to help my team SERIE A win the coming games, espe- l Sadd’s Iranian in- cially after I scored my fi rst goal ternational defender in the previous match versus Al Morteza Pouraliganj Arabi. has assured that the comingA game versus Al Gharafa What is the reason behind the in Round 21 of the QSL next poor results recently? Totti, Spalletti doubts linger Monday will be very tough clash, The team is going through with no other alternative other tough period in view of the miss- than the victory for Al Sadd. ing and injured players. Current- Pouraliganji sat down with QSL ly the team is performing well online for an exclusive interview especially with the return of lots ahead of Fiorentina clash ahead of the Monday evening of key players in the squad. AFP American—understandably, if He added a caveat, saying: clash. Rome one considers Roma’s huge wage “Although, against the Juventus The team is going through bill—is hoping to steer Totti to- of recent seasons, there’s not What do you think about the tough period in view of the wards a management or ambas- much you can do.” next game versus Al Gharafa? missing and injured players. ncertainty over the fu- sador’s role. While Napoli, at three points It is going to be big challenge, Currently the team is tures of Francesco Totti Regarded as Serie A’s most behind Juventus, are expected to Al Sadd have no other alternative performing well especially and coach Luciano generous employers, Roma have come closest to dethroning the but to achieve victory and con- with the return of lots of key Spalletti is hanging an annual wage bill of 113m eu- Turin giants this May, the fi ght tinue winning after the recent players in the squad Uover Roma ahead of a clash with ros, according to fi gures from for third spot resumes in earnest two victories against Al Khor and Fiorentina today that is key for a league table in Gazzetta dello today. Al Arabi. What is your ambition as a both clubs’ chances of Champi- Sport earlier this season, al- For many, Fiorentina’s im- team this season? ons League qualifi cation. though Totti’s 2.5m per season pressive brand of total football What are your preparations I have limitless ambition with “It won’t be decisive, but it’s pales in comparison with the under Sousa is worthy of a place for this game? Al Sadd. Despite the short period a six-pointer,” Fiorentina coach 6.5m earned by fellow teammate at Europe’s top table next sea- Al Ghrafa is a tough team, with of time I spent with them, I think Paulo Sousa said after his side Daniele De Rossi, the league’s son. some good players. It is a diffi cult we can achieve great things this hit the woodwork twice on their highest earner. Despite Roma’s recent pur- test against a strong team. We year. way to being held 1-1 by Napoli Although Spalletti copped ple patch, Fiorentina and their are currently preparing well and on Monday. huge criticism for a recent spat “proud” coach certainly won’t are taking one game at a time. Is the team capable of win- With Juventus and Napoli du- with Totti after the veteran be considered the underdogs We have several tough matches ning any title this season? elling for the league title, Roma complained in an interview he when they head to the capital on coming in the league and the cup We have become a better and Fiorentina—in third and should be playing more, the Friday, when Totti is expected to competitions. squad, after the returning play- fourth places and both eight 56-year-old could have the last start on the bench. ers we certainly can challenge. points off the pace—are among laugh. “We’ve never hidden the ex- Al Sadd defeated Al Gharafa Our objective is to compete for four teams hoping to clinch the Spalletti hinted last week he tent of our ambitions, we can in the fi rst leg. Will you be the titles of both Qatar Cup and third Champions League quali- File picture of Roma forward Francesco Totti. would only remain with the club compete with the best teams in able to repeat the win? Emir Cup. fying spot. if Pallotta gave him the funds to this league, even the ones fi ght- Well I wasn’t with the side, so But Roma’s campaign is being Yet the ‘Totti Case’ (Il Caso One-club man Totti, who is in build a side capable of realisti- ing for the title,” added Sousa. I cannot speak about this game. What are the diffi culties you hindered by events off the field. Totti) -- as the Italian media his 23rd season with Roma, has cally challenging the four-year “The lads’ attitude makes me However our preparations have faced so far in QSL? Under Spalletti, who began his are labelling the ongoing af- been mainly surplus to require- domination of Juventus. proud. They always want to im- gone well, we are ready to battle Since I joined the team and second spell at the club when he fair surrounding Roma’s iconic ments in what has been an in- “If I stay at Roma, I want to prove themselves and play at the on Monday. everything is going well. Over- replaced Frenchman Rudi Garcia captain—has gained momentum jury-hit season but is said to be have the possibility of being able highest level. Even fans of other coming diffi culties in football two months ago, the Giallorossi this week following the visit of angling for an extra year’s deal. to fi ght for the scudetto: I’ve al- teams have acknowledged the What is your message to Al needs huge determination, won six consecutive games for USA-based club president James So far, Pallotta has been coy ready fi nished runner up in the quality of Fiorentina’s game, and Sadd fans? which is available in Al Sadd the fi rst time this season. Pallotta. although reports suggest the past a few times,” said the Italian. that really satisfi es me.” We promise to achieve more team. Gulf Times Friday, March 4, 2016 7 SPORT

NBA Clippers storm from 22 down to stun Thunder 103-98 Clippers trailed by 17 heading into the final frame but outscored their guests 35-13 to notch a come-from-behind win

DPA Los Angeles Minnesota Timberwolves Zach LaVine (centre) goes to the basket as Washington Wizards Bradley Beal (left) and Garrett Temple (17) defend during the t took the LA Clippers nearly three quarters second half at Target Center. (USA TODAY Sports) to fi gure it out. Chris Paul had 21 points and 13 assists, DeAndre Jordan had 20 points with 18 rebounds and the Clippers stormed Ifrom 22 down for a stunning 103-98 home- court victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday. “OKC played harder, more aggressive than us for nearly three quarters before the bench came in and did it back at them,” Clippers coach Doc Rivers said. “Their energy changed the game and from that point on we were locked in. Chris, DeAndre and Jamal brought then bought us home.” “We can’t expect to win games like this every night but to get one where we didn’t have it for three quarters it was a good win for us.” Kevin Durant scored 30 points, and Russell Westbrook added 24 with 12 assists for Okla- homa City (42-19), which suff ered a late game meltdown. “We just let up and got comfortable with the lead,” Westbrook said. “We can’t let up against good teams, especially on the road. The Clippers (40-20) trailed by 17 heading into the fi nal frame but outscored their guests 35-13 to notch their biggest come-from-behind win of the season. “We felt if we could chip away we could get it back,” Clippers backup guard Jamal Crawford said. “Once we started playing defence the game started going our way.” The Clippers trailed 95-81 with 5:16 remain- ing before making their move led by the re- serves. Wesley Johnson buried back to back tri- ples bring the Clippers to within eight. Durant fumbled the ball away leading to a Crawford layup at the other end. The Thunder turned the ball over again re- sulting in a Jordan layup. Paul’s layup knotted the contest but Durant countered with a jumper. Jordan then made consecutive acrobatic layups and the poor 41 per cent free throw shooter con- verted both from the line to give the Clippers a 99-97 edge with 1:12 left. After a Durant miss, Crawford banked in a runner and the lead was four. Durant looked to cut the lead in half but the nearly 90 per cent free throw shooter missed both with 33 seconds remaining. The Thunder had another shot after Crawford ORLANDO MAGIC 102, CHICAGO BULLS 89 seven assists, Patrick Beverly buried the go held off a late charge to beat the Bucks to end a for a franchise-record 11th straight home win. missed jumper with 12 seconds left. Westbrook Nikola Vucevic scored 24 points, rookie Mario ahead triple with 51 seconds left and the Rockets three-game losing streak. Gordon Hayward had 26 points in Utah’s (28-32) grabbed the rebound and fi red up a wild off - Hezonja added a career-high 21, and the Magic (30-31) edged the visiting Pelicans (23-36). Khris Middleton topped Milwaukee (25-36) season-high fourth straight loss. balance 3-point that bounced off backboard. It (27-33) sent the sinking Bulls (30-30) to their with 23 points. ricocheted to team-mate Serge Ibaka and out of season-high seventh straight road loss and BOSTON CELTICS 116, DENVER NUGGETS 117, LA LAKERS 107 bounds, giving the Clippers the improbable vic- fourth in a row overall. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS 103 MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES 104, D.J. Augustin exploded for 22 of his 26 points in tory. “This is huge for us,” Johnson said. “It’s our Isaiah Thomas tossed in 30 points and the Celt- SACRAMENTO KINGS 98 the fi nal quarter, carrying the Nuggets (24-37) biggest win of the year. It showed the character CHARLOTTE HORNETS 119, ics (37-25) extended their home win streak to 12 Mike Conley scored 10 of his 24 points in the past the visiting Lakers (12-50). of this club.” PHILADELPHIA 76ERS 99 while snapping the Trail Blazers’ six-game road fi nal quarter and the Grizzlies (36-24) crowned Kemba Walker scored 30 points and the visiting success. Damian Lillard had 20 points for weary the visiting Kings for the 12th straight time. De- WASHINGTON WIZARDS 104, SAN ANTONIO SPURS 97, Hornets (32-28) handed the league-worst Sixers Portland (33-29), playing its fourth game in fi ve Marcus Cousins had 18 points and 16 rebounds MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES 98 DETROIT PISTONS 81 (8-53) their 10trh straight loss. nights. in Sacramento’s (24-35) fourth consecutive loss. Reserve Bradley Beal tossed in 26 points, spark- Kawhi Leonard scored 27 points, LaMarcus ing the Wizards (30-30) over the visiting Tim- Aldridge had 23 and Spurs (51-9) rolled the Pis- HOUSTON ROCKETS 100, INDIANA PACERS 104, TORONTO RAPTORS 104, UTAH JAZZ 94 berwolves for their fourth straight win. Span- tons to clinch a playoff spot for the 19th consec- NEW ORLEANS PELICANS 95 MILWAUKEE BUCKS 99 Kyle Lowry scored 32 points, DeMar DeRozan iard Ricky Rubio topped Minnesota (19-42), utive season with their 29th straight home win. James Harden had 39 points, 11 rebounds and Jordan Hill had 19 points, and the Pacers (32-29) added 31 and the Raptors (40-19) beat the Jazz with 22 points.

NHL FOCUS Silfverberg scores winner, NFL to ask US court Ducks edge past Canadiens to restore Brady’s ‘Defl ategate’ suspension

Reuters Patriots employees had conspired to defl ate the New York balls, which could make them easier to grip. Goodell upheld the suspension on July 28, prompting the legal challenge on Brady’s behalf. he National Football League will urge a Brady has denied knowing about any plan to de- US appeals court yesterday to restore fl ate footballs. New England Patriots star quarterback Berman’s decision allowed Brady to play the Tom Brady’s (right) four-game “De- full 2015 NFL season. The Patriots made the play- Tfl ategate” suspension over an alleged scheme to off s but did not reach the Super Bowl. defl ate footballs used in a playoff game last year. It is unclear how quickly the three-judge panel The 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals in New hearing the appeal could rule. The next NFL sea- York will hear arguments over whether to reverse son is scheduled to begin in September. a federal judge’s September decision to throw out the suspension imposed by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. The case has become a test over how broadly to interpret Goodell’s disciplinary powers under the league’s collective bargaining agreement with its players union. The NFL has said Goodell deserves broad au- thority to punish conduct detrimental to sport’s integrity, while the NFL Players Association be- lieves his power is limited. Anaheim Ducks left wing Jakob Silfverberg (second right) is congratulated by teammates after scoring. (USA TODAY Sports) US District Judge Richard Berman in Manhat- tan sided with the union, saying that Brady “had Reuters in regulation for Anaheim while John Gibson from the point that got through a screen in no notice that his discipline would be the equiva- Montreal stopped 25 shots. front and past goaltender Jonathan Bernier. lent of the discipline imposed upon a player who used performance enhancing drugs.” CAPITALS 3, MAPLE LEAFS 2 BLACKHAWKS 5, RED WINGS 2 Brady had been suspended in May 2015, four akob Silfverberg scored the only Defenseman Matt Niskanen’s power-play Artemi Panarin had two goals to lead the months after underinfl ated footballs were used shootout goal to give the Anaheim goal at 9:31 of the third period lifted the Chicago Blackhawks to a 5-2 win against the in the Patriots’ 45-7 victory over Indianapolis in Ducks a 3-2 win over the Montreal Washington Capitals to a 3-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday night at Joe January 2015’s AFC championship game. Canadiens on Wednesday night at the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday. Louis Arena. That win took the Patriots to the Super Bowl, NationalJ Hockey League, in front of 15,273 at The matchup between the teams with the Brent Seabrook a goal and three assists, where they defeated the defending champion the Honda Center. most and least points in the NHL was tied Patrick Kane a goal and two assists and An- Seattle Seahawks, giving Brady his fourth cham- The Ducks (35-19-8) used their ninth con- when Toronto right winger Nikita Soshnikov drew Ladd also scored for Chicago while Co- pionship title. secutive victory to move into a fi rst-place tie was called for boarding with 9:20 left. Sec- rey Crawford made 31 saves. Brad Richards The NFL suspended Brady after Ted Wells, a in the Pacifi c Division with the Los Angeles onds later, Niskanen took a pass from center and Gustav Nyquist scored for Detroit while lawyer hired by the league to investigate the in- Kings. Corey Perry and Jamie McGinn scored Nicklas Backstrom and fi red a wrist shot Petr Mrazek made saves. cident, said Brady was “generally aware” that two Gulf Times 8 Friday, March 4, 2016 SPORT

OLYMPICS ‘Drug-testing lab will be operational for Rio Games’ ‘The lab will be fully accredited with the correct legal framework’ FOCUS Rio chief says Olympic bid was ‘very clean’

AFP investigation into Lamine Diack, Rio de Janeiro Senegalese former president of world athletics body the IAAF, and his son, Papa Massata Diack. io de Janeiro staged a The IOC has insisted there is “very clean” campaign “no evidence” of any wrongdo- for the 2016 Olympics, ing. the chief organiser told Meanwhile, Nuzman was crit- AFPR yesterday in response to ical of a decision by the Austral- a French investigation into the ian Olympic Committee to bans bid. Carlos Nuzman, president its athletes from visiting Rio’s of the Rio 2016 Organising Com- favelas, or slums, during the Ol- mittee, shrugged off any doubts ympics due to security fears. about the integrity of the Brazil- Rio’s mayor, Eduardo Paes, has ian bid before the International described the ban as a “source of Olympic Committee (IOC) vote aggressions to Brazil”. in 2009. “If you travel round the world “We did a very clean and or- you’ll see the same kind of ganised bid. We had a huge dif- buildings around the world—in ference among all the candidates Australia, in France, in India. during all the rounds and in the It doesn’t matter where,” said end it was 66-32,” Nuzman said Nuzman. Olympic Games Rio 2016 Organising Committee president Carlos Arthur Nuzman speaks in London yesterday. (AFP) in an interview in London. Seven “And each place has a diff er- cities started the contest, with ent name. You will fi nd the same Reuters the correct legal framework, which will be ruled non-compliant. Preparations for Nuzman also denied reports that ath- Rio beating Madrid in the fi nal in any other country. I think it’s London mean full operations for the Games,” the Rio Games have also been overshad- letes would be charged for mosquito vote. not a good measure or a good an- Nuzman told Reuters at a news confer- owed by construction delays, an ailing screens for their rooms, saying the organ- Asked what he knew about nouncement, what they did.” ence in London. Brazilian economy and the Zika virus. In a ising committee had agreed to pay for air the French investigation, Nuz- He added: “They need to re- he anti-doping laboratory that “All the wording has been approved by further blow this week, French prosecu- conditioning to minimise the risk of be- man said: “Nothing. It’s not our member they organised the Syd- will test athletes during this the IOC, WADA, the federal government tors investigating corruption in athletics ing infected with the Zika virus. problem.” He added that the or- ney Games (in 2000). And they year’s Olympic Games will be and the organising committee. We prefer raised questions about the bidding proc- The mosquito-borne virus has been ganising committee has had no had problems.” fully WADA compliant by this to do it by March 15. We expect to have ess for the Rio and Tokyo Olympics. linked to brain damage in thousands of contact with French prosecutors. But Nuzman did say that peo- Tmonth’s deadline, Rio organising com- this fi nal document by then.” Nuzman said Rio had nothing to hide. babies in Brazil and both international A French inquiry into cor- ple seeking to visit the favelas mittee president Carlos Nuzman said WADA rules say doping cases must “We did it a clean way,” he said. “The health and sports offi cials are urging vigi- ruption allegations against the should join offi cial tours. yesterday. The World Anti-Doping be heard by an independent specialised winning margin was large and we had lance by those travelling to the Aug. 5-21 former head of world athletics He said that the only unfi n- Agency (WADA) stripped the $25 mil- tribunal as opposed to a general sports strong support from a great number of Rio Games. Asked whether he was con- has been expanded to examine ished venue in the Olympic park lion Laboratorio Brasileiro de Controle court, as is the current process in Brazil. (IOC)members.” cerned that only 47 percent of tickets had bidding for the 2016 Olympics, was the velodrome, which is due de Dopagem (LBCD) of its accreditation A Rio spokesman said Brazil’s Presi- With around fi ve months to go until the been sold for the Games, Nuzman said won by Rio, and for the 2020 to be completed in two weeks. in 2013 because it failed to meet required dent Dilma Rousseff would sign a decree opening ceremony, Nuzman said the only Brazilians “loved to leave it late”, pointing Games, to be held in Tokyo. He also played down the fact standards, re-instating it last year. to change the law with immediate eff ect. venue still lagging behind was the velo- to the soccer World Cup. “We are at the verifi cation that only 47 percent of tickets But unless Brazil changes its doping Doping is one of many issues dogging drome, which is still without its wooden But Nuzman said there were no plans stage (to establish whether there for Olympics events have been laws to conform to global regulations by the build-up to South America’s fi rst track. The test event has been pushed to give away free tickets to children from has been any wrongdoing),” said sold, fi ve months before the start the March 18 deadline, the anti-doping Olympics, with Russia currently barred back two weeks to April 30. low-income families. a judicial source, who revealed of the Games. “Brazilians love to tests for the Games could be moved else- from international competition and “This is the only test event delayed out “This is always a diffi cult situation,” he that the inquiry began in De- buy tickets at the last moment,” where at considerable cost. Kenya struggling to implement new anti- of 44 test events,” he said, adding that the said. “The organising committee decided cember. he said. “This happened with the “The lab will be fully accredited with doping measures by an April deadline or golf course would be tested next week. not to have invitational tickets.” The inquiry is part of a wider (2014) World Cup.”

CYCLING DIAMOND LEAGUE LOSES NEW YORK China disqualifi cation stuns worlds MEETING, ADDS AFP London Team Denmark compete during the RABAT TO THE LIST Men’s round 1 during the 2016 World Salvo, North Carolina: Athletics’s most prestigious one- hina’s women were disqualifi ed Championships at the Lee Valley day series, the Diamond League, is losing its New York from the team sprint fi nal on the VeloPark in London yesterday. (AFP) meeting with Rabat, Morocco, replacing it, the IAAF said opening night of the world cham- yesterday. pionships on Wednesday, a deci- Rabat will become the first African city to participate sionC that so incensed their French coach in the 14-meeting series, which off ers cash prizes at the Benoit Vetu that he suff ered a suspected end of the season for each discipline, the International broken hand hitting a table in anger. Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) said. The team of Jinjie Gong and Tianshi Organisers of the Adidas-sponsored New York competi- Zhong had appeared to have successfully tion say they plan instead to conduct a street event featur- defended their world title in emphatic ing distance and sprint races along with field events such fashion against Russia only to be relegated as the pole vault and long jump. “We believe that chang- for an illegal change. ing our focus to a street meet is one way to make the “It is the rules but the rules are bad,” said event attractive to a younger audience.” Mark Wetmore, Vetu, his right hand in a cast, before leaving director of the meeting, said in a statement. London’s Lee Valley VeloPark for x-rays. The loss leaves the United States, athletics’ top team “It was a millimetre too early, that is all. and most sought after market, with just one Diamond One millimetre.” League meeting, the Nike-sponsored Prefontaine Classic After their relegation, the Russian duo in Eugene, Oregon. It comes at a time when the scandal- of Daria Shmeleva and Anastasiia Voinova plagued IAAF is trying to build interest in the sport in the were declared world champions. United States by holding its world indoor championships Earlier in the day, during qualifying, in Portland, Oregon, this month and the 2021 outdoor hosts Great Britain, needing to place two championships in Eugene. nations between them and France to earn Adidas’s chief executive said yesterday the company the last place for the Olympics, could only was monitoring how world athletics was dealing with a come fi fth meaning the seventh-placed doping scandal while its sponsorship deal still runs, dis- French claimed the spot for Rio. missing reports it had terminated the contract. Home rider Katy Marchant launched a An independent commission of the World Anti-Doping blistering tirade against Agency found Russia had engaged in widespread, state- coaching staff for experimenting with dif- sponsored doping and former IAAF president Lamine ferent teams in qualifi cation events. Diack is under investigation by French authorities after “There is a lot of frustration, disappoint- being accused of a cover-up in return for bribes. His family ment, disappointed in the organisation,” have dismissed the allegations. she said. “We’re in this position through Russia is suspended from international athletics and decisions of other people, not through any “We’re going to Rio for the same reason when she successfully defended her indi- the Spaniard coasted to solo victory. its track and field team will miss August’s Rio Olympics fault of our own.” we came here,” said Webster. “We’d only vidual pursuit title convincingly. In a bunch sprint behind him, Ignacio unless it is reinstated. The Germans came from behind to beat come here if we thought we could win. Against Poland’s Malgorzata Wojtyra, Prado of Mexico rode strongly to take silver The New York meeting, a charter member of the Dia- Australia, featuring Olympic legend Anna We’ve drawn a line in the sand but, to be the 31-year-old Wiasak almost caught her with ’s Claudio Imhof winning mond League, had been scheduled for June. Meares and Stephanie Morton, by just over honest, that’s all it is. rival over the closing lap before coasting bronze with a late lunge for the line ahead “We’ll aim to carry the momentum we’ve established one-tenth of a second in a close race for the “You can go on about ‘favourites’ but it’s to a victory even more comfortable than of Raman Ramanau from Belarus. with the adidas Grand Prix into an event that further sup- bronze medal in the women’s team sprint. all about whoever lines up in August and her dominant qualifying performance. “I In qualifying for the men’s team pur- ports our brand strategy,” Adrian Leek, general manager Meanwhile, for the fourth successive whoever does the fastest three sprints in thought this morning about this being the suit, the host nation qualifi ed fastest after of Adidas running, said in a statement. year, New Zealand’s men were the fastest 90 minutes. The demands are diff erent to fi rst rainbow jersey of the day and you pic- a strong performance from 35-year-old Street events have been popular in Europe with the City team sprint squad in qualifying, but im- here and we’ve got a few things we’ve been ture yourself up there in it,” said Wiasak. former winner Bradley Games in Manchester, England, attracting top athletes proved on last year’s silver medal by beat- working on to prepare for those demands.” “As defending champion, I felt a little bit Wiggins who led Britain to a time of 3 min- including world 100m record holder Usain Bolt. Rabat’s ing the for gold. Reigning world champions France, of pressure but my Australian team mates utes 55.664 seconds. Meeting International Mohammed VI will be held on May The team of Ethan Mitchell, Sam Web- featuring Gregory Bauge, Kevin Sireau in the team pursuit all really backed me and Wiggins, who is seeking a fi fth Olympic 22. ster and Ed Dawkins were too powerful for and Michael D’Almeida, could only fi n- I was confi dent because of the way we all gold at his fi fth Games in the team pursuit “This is a proud moment for our country’s athlet- the Dutch in the closing stages after trailing ish fourth, losing the bronze medal race prepared for this competition.” in Rio, helped the hosts fi nish ahead of ics community and for the international reputation of earlier in the three-lap event, a victory that to Germany. In the women’s team pursuit, A late break by Sebastian Mora Vedri was Australia, defending champions New Zea- Moroccan sport in general,” meeting director Abdeslam will make the Kiwis favourites for gold at Australia’s Rebecca Wiasak won the fi rst suffi cient to win an exciting men’s scratch land and Italy among the four teams who Ahizoune said. this summer’s Olympics. world title of the 2016 Championships race which featured multiple attacks before advance for round one and the medal rides. Gulf Times Friday, March 4, 2016 9 SPORT

FOCUS DAVIS CUP Djokovic, Murray target quarter-fi nal Danish royalty visit showdown

AFP jor winner Lleyton Hewitt could Paris be drafted into action as a play- ing captain in the clash with the Aspire Academy United States after Nick Kyrgios ovak Djokovic and was ruled out through injury. Andy Murray can set up It’s a match-up between the Prince Frederik and Princess Mary's visit was part of a five-day trip to the region a Davis Cup quarter- tournament’s two most suc- fi nal blockbuster if they cessful nations but the US won successfullyN pilot Serbia and de- the last of their 32 titles in 2007. By Sports Reporter Doha fending champions Great Britain Australia captured their 28th and through the fi rst round. most recent crown in 2003. However, the world’s top two In a shock move late Wednes- high-profi le delegation of of- players will go into their home day, Hewitt replaced Kyrgios in fi cials from Denmark, led by clashes against Kazakhstan and the squad despite having retired Prince Frederik, the Crown Japan respectively this weekend as a player after the Australian Prince of Denmark, and Prin- with question marks over their Open. cessA Mary, the Crown Princess of Den- fi tness and match sharpness. The 35-year-old is now ranked mark, and including a number of Danish World number one Djokovic 301 in the world but boasts a for- Ministers, members of Cabinet and the saw his streak of 17 successive midable Davis Cup record of 42- Danish Ambassador to the United Arab fi nals come to an end in Dubai 14 in singles. Emirates, visited Aspire Academy on last week when an eye infection Bernard Tomic, the world Wednesday. forced a quarter-fi nal retire- 20, will play singles as will Sam The delegation was welcomed by As- ment. Groth with Hewitt likely to only pire Academy director general Ivan Bravo, Murray, meanwhile, hasn’t hit feature in Sunday’s doubles on Aspire Academy deputy director general a ball in anger since losing to old the grass courts of Kooyong. Ali Salem Afi fa, Aspire Logistics director rival Djokovic in the Australian Top 30 players John Isner and general Abdullah Nasser al-Naimi, and Open fi nal almost fi ve weeks ago. Jack Sock will lead the United other members of senior management. The 28-year-old took Febru- States’ hopes. During a comprehensive tour of the ary off after his wife Kim gave The winner of the tie will take Academy’s facilities, the delegation birth to their fi rst child, Sophia. on either last year’s runners- learned about the educational and train- Djokovic led Serbia to the 2010 up Belgium or 2005 champions ing programmes the Academy provides Davis Cup title. Croatia who meet in Liege. for its students, in support of Qatar’s fu- “I am optimistic and I hope Switzerland, the champions ture generation of elite athletes. that I am going to play,” said the in 2014, go to Pesaro to face Italy Offi cials from the Academy also pre- Prince Frederik and Princess Mary visited Aspire Academy on Wednesday. 11-time major winner. “I was a without Roger Federer, who is re- sented an overview of its history and the little sceptical but now all is go- covering from knee surgery, and signifi cant progress it has achieved in the Academy’s youth teams to diff erent play- ing well.” the resting Stan Wawrinka. fi elds of sports education and sports sci- ing styles, management philosophies and Djokovic and world number Instead their hopes will be ence. Offi cials from the delegation and tactics from around the globe in an eff ort 23 Viktor Troicki will play sin- spearheaded by 34-year-old the Academy also discussed opportuni- to complement the development of their gles for the Serbs in Belgrade Marco Chiudinelli whose ranking ties for potential future collaboration. talent and potential. while Kazakhstan’s top player is is a lowly 146. During the course of the visit, the delega- At the conclusion of the visit, Bravo Mikhail Kukushkin, the world 79. The winner of that tie will face tion also attended a presentation by Danish presented Prince Frederik and Princess Murray, who led Great Britain either Poland or Argentina who football star Ebbe Sand that discussed con- Marry with an Aspire Academy plaque to their fi rst Davis Cup title in 79 are playing in Gdansk. cepts for utilising sport in the promotion of to thank them for their visit. From their years last November, said being The Poles are in the World green energy and sustainability. side, the Crown Prince and Princess ex- a new father has not aff ected his Group for the fi rst time while Ar- The delegation also met with mem- pressed how impressed they were with sleep patterns. gentina, runners-up three times bers of the Aalborg BK youth football the programmes and philosophy of As- “It was very diff erent to what I since 2006, are in the elite sec- team and its staff , who participated in pire Academy, which aim to build a fu- expected,” he said. “I still practise tion for a 15th consecutive year. the latest Aspire Academy Tri-Series ture generation of elite athletes through hard and do all the same things I The South Americans will be tournament of the 2015-2016 season. combining academics and sports under was doing before. I will fi nd out if favourites to progress with two The Tri-Series tournament is a unique one roof. it is diff erent on Friday or not.” players—Leonardo Mayer and competition that brings together youth Prince Frederik and Princess Mary The key clash in Birmingham Guido Pella both in the top 50. teams from Aspire Academy with those were on a fi ve-day business trip to the could come on Sunday when Poland’s top singles player is from some of the world’s most success- region, which included a visit to Saudi Aspire Academy director general Ivan Bravo presents Prince Frederik with a plaque to Murray takes on Japan’s top Jerzy Janowicz ranked at 96. ful and well-known clubs, exposing the Arabia. thank them for their visit. player, Kei Nishikori, the world Yannick Noah begins his sec- number six. ond spell in charge of France in Murray holds a 5-1 career ad- the Caribbean where Guadeloupe vantage over Nishikori ahead of hosts the tie against Canada. the fi rst Davis Cup clash between Nine-time champions France the two nations since 1931. can count on top-10 stars Jo- Big wins for HBK, Galfar and CBQ “Britain have one of the best Wilfried Tsonga and Richard teams with Andy and his brother Gasquet while Canada are reel- By Sports Reporter run-rate pressure and collapsed at up for 270 in 43 overs. Hasitha led their Fokhrul 1 wkt, Rafiq 1 wkt) beat Bangla- (doubles star, Jamie). It’s a great ing after world number 13 Milos Doha 141 in 34 overs. Fokhrul, who cracked reply with 63, Nafi az (32), Muftab (31) desh 141 all out in 34 overs (Fokhrul 52; challenge,” said Nishikori. Raonic withdrew with an adduc- 52, off ered the toughest resistance to and Damith (30) batted well and de- Lahiru 4 wkts) by 267 runs. Man of the tor injury suff ered at the Austral- the rivals. Johny made 24. Lahiru was layed the inevitable to some extent. Match: Ushantha of HBK (178 runs and HEWITT PLAYS IT AGAIN ian Open. shantha’s big century set up the wrecker-in-chief, dismissing four Galfar Al Misnad also turned out to be 1 wicket) Should Serbia and Britain emerge For France or Canada, a quar- a 267-run rout of Bangladesh players. Ushantha, Mughees and Gayan a big winner as they crushed the chal- Commercial Bank 337/7 in 45 overs victorious, they will clash in the ter-fi nal with either Germany or Club by HBK in the Qatar all got a wicket each. lenge of Doha Youngstars by 133 runs. (Waleed 113, Dharmang 53, Habib 51; UK from July 15-17 for a place in the Czech Republic, the 2012 and Airways Division A Cricket Waleed starred in Commercial Bank Galfar made a modest 263 all out in 45 Amjad Khan 2 wkts, Kushal 2 wkts) beat the semi-fi nals with Murray al- 2013 champions, awaits. ULeague at the West Bay Grounds. Qatar’s 67-run triumph against Doha overs. Kamran (three wickets), Iqbal ready revealing that he intends They meet in Hanover with Doha Falcon 270 all out in 43 overs (Ha- The Qatar Cricket Association is Falcon in the second match. Waleed (three wickets) and Rawaayt (two wick- sitha 63; Sajjad 4 wkts, Ali 3 wkts) by 67 to play. world number seven Tomas Ber- hosting the national league to provide cracked a superb 113, which provided ets) bowled well for Doha Youngsters XI. runs. Man of the Match: Waleed of CBQ In , former world dych making his 30th Davis Cup exposure to the players. the nucleus to his team’s big 337 for In reply, Doha Youngsters could bare- (113 runs and 1 wicket) number one and two-time ma- appearance for the Czechs. Batting fi rst, Ushantha plundered a seven in 45 overs. ly reach 130 in 36 overs. Taimoor (61) Galfar Al Misnad 263 all out in 45 brilliant 178 and Dilashrihit a stylish 74, Habib (51) and Dharmang (53) batted was the mainstay of their batting. Umer overs (Imraz 77; Kamran 3 wkts, Iqbal 3 which enabled HBK to amass 408 for solidly to register half-centuries. Aamir and Imraz snapped three wickets each, wkts, Rawayt 2 wkts) beat Doha Young- four in 35 overs. Mughees (37), Niman- (43), Sajjad (24) and Ali (22) were other while Suneth added two scalps. stars 130 all out in 36 overs (Taimoor tha (33) and Joseph (28) also contributed contributors. Amjad Khan and Kushal 61; Umer 3 wkts, Imraz 3 wkts, Suneth useful individual scores. Munna picked shared four wickets. BRIEF SCORES 2wkts) by 133 runs. Man of the Match: two wickets. Doha Falcon battled bravely but it HBK 408/4 runs in 45 overs (Ush- Imraz of Galfar Al Misnad (77 runs and Bangladesh Club could not bear the was not enough as they were wrapped antha 178, Dilashri 74; Munna 2 wkts, 3 wickets)

GCC Golf Championship 2016

Lleyton Hewitt replaced Nick Kyrgios in the Australian squad.

WTA MALAYSIAN OPEN Svitolina heads to quarter-fi nals

AFP competition when she knocked Kuala Lumpur out top seed Roberta Vinci from Italy in the fi rst round on Tues- day. econd seed Elina Svitoli- Buyukakcay will meet sixth seed na advanced to the quar- Eugenie Bouchard from Canada at ter-fi nals of the Malay- the quarter-fi nals today. sian Open yesterday with The 22-year-old Bouchard aS 6-1, 3-6, 6-0 win over Japan’s has been trying to put a diffi cult Risa Ozaki. 2015 behind and has been show- The 21-year-old Ukrainian ing signs of returning to form re- who took almost two hours to cently. defeat her Japanese opponent, She cruised to the next round will square off against Slovakian after trashing Kurumi Nara from Kristina Kucova today. Japan 6-1, 6-2 on Wednesday. Qatar’s Saleh Ali al-Kaabi managed to stay on top of the leaderboard with a one-shot lead despite a seven-over performance on day two of the GCC Golf Championships Kai-Chen Chang was sent In other second round matches at Doha Golf Club (DGC) here yesterday. Al-Kaabi, who is the only golfer with an under-par performance at the DGC in this tournament so far - three-under 69 in round home packing after being dis- yesterday, Naomi Broady from one on Wednesday, shot a 79 for a total score of 148 while compatriot Ali al-Shahrani turned in with the best card for the second round with a one-over 73. The one-over patched by Turkey’s Cagla Buyu- Britain beat China’s Zhaoxuan card was good enough to propel al-Shahrani to third place on the leaderboard with 151 points behind al-Kaabi and Bahrain’s Sager Diyab al-Noaimi, who shot a two-over kakcay in straight sets, 7-5, 6-3. Yang 6-4, 6-3, while Lin Zhu for a total card of 149. PICTURES: Jayaram The 25-year-old Taiwanese from China defeated Zarina Di- player had a dream start to the yas from Kazakhstan 7-5, 6-2. Gulf Times 10 Friday, March 4, 2016 GOLF

WGC-CADILLAC CHAMPIONSHIP MCILROY SWITCHES PUTTING GRIP AFTER No extra ‘Big Three’ MISSED CUT LAST WEEK Florida: Rory McIlroy will good, the contact is much bet- experiment with a new putting ter and it really just takes my grip, with his left hand placed right hand out of it and that’s below the right, at this week’s really what I wanted to do.” WGC-Cadillac Championship in McIlroy, a four-times major buzz for Spieth at Doral Miami after struggling on the winner, missed the cut at the greens and missing the cut in Honda Classic last week after his previous PGA Tour start. struggling with his putting Spieth, Jason Day and McIlroy will play the first two rounds in each other’s company The Northern Irish world and he decided to revert to a number three says he has used method he employed during the unconventional cross- his first full season as a profes- Reuters handed grip a lot in recent sional. “I used it back in my first Doral, Miami years as a putting drill and felt year on tour, 2008, for a while the time had come to test it out but it’s a drill that I’ve always in competition. done,” said the 26-year-old. olf fans will be treated to the “Over the past few weeks “And I have also putted a lot rare sight of the game’s top three my right hand was becoming with just my left hand. players grouped together at this a little bit too dominant, so I “It’s one of those things week’s WGC-Cadillac Champi- practised over the weekend, where the drill started to feel Gonship in Miami, but world number one just with left below right and it better than the real thing so I’m Jordan Spieth is not buying into any buzz felt really, really good,” McIlroy just going to stick with it.” over the ‘Big Three’. told reporters at Doral on McIlroy has been paired in American Spieth, second-ranked Wednesday while preparing for a high-profile grouping with Australian Jason Day and third-ranked Australia’s coach opening round. world number one Jordan Spi- Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy will play (right) with batsman David Warner. “So I’m going to give it a try eth and second-ranked Jason the fi rst two rounds of the elite World this week and see where we go Day for the first two rounds this Golf Championships event in each oth- with it. It felt really, really good, week at the Trump National er’s company. “Does it add to anything? the roll of the ball is really Doral Resort. Honestly at a World Golf Championship, we prepare for these and we think of these as a step below a major championship, that’s how we feel,” Spieth told reporters LPGA at the Trump National Doral Resort on Wednesday. “Everyone is fi ghting for the same prize and when we get out there we are playing our own game. I’m not trying to down Aussie teen Lee play it and for me personally, I would say, ‘Sure, it’s going to be a lot fun because I enjoy playing with both of them.’ “But I don’t think anyone is buying holds joint lead into the ‘Big Three’ because I don’t think that’s a necessary comparison when you AFP look at the ‘Big Three’ from the past,” said Singapore Spieth, referring to golfi ng greats Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player. This will be only the second time ustralian teenager Min- that Spieth, Day and McIlroy have been jee Lee and Taiwan’s grouped together on the PGA Tour, and Candie Kung shot fi ve- McIlroy was looking forward to the under-par 67s to share prospect as he prepared for the open- theA HSBC Women’s Champions ing round. “It is going to be fun,” said the lead at the top of a tight fi rst- 26-year-old. “I have played a lot with round leaderboard yesterday. Jason and a lot with Jordan over the past Defending champion Park few years but we haven’t really played In-Bee was amoung four play- together in a three-ball. So the next two ers one stroke back and world days are going to be enjoyable and it will number one Lydia Ko was four be good out there, hopefully a little bit of off the pace in tied 27th after a a buzz around that group.” hot, windswept day at the par- Both Spieth and McIlroy will tee off on 72 Serapong course on Sentosa the challenging Blue Monster layout af- island. ter missing the cut in their most recent Kung shot to the top of the lea- PGA Tour starts. Masters and US Open derboard with fi ve bogeys and an champion Spieth failed to advance at the eagle in the 12th. Two bogeys on Northern Trust Open in Los Angeles two the 13th and 15th failed to dis- weeks ago while McIlroy struggled with lodge the world number 41 from his putting on the way to an early exit at the tournament lead. Later Lee, the Honda Classic last week. 19, who is seeking her second ca- “I will try and gain some momentum reer victory, joined the 34-year- back off of Los Angeles, that was a bum- old Taiwanese at the top with mer,” said the 22-year-old Spieth. “I’ve four birdies and an eagle. been working pretty hard on my game for Jordan Spieth hits a shot during a practice round ahead “The wind was a little calm the last week-and-a-half to try and get it of the Cadillac Championship in Doral, Florida. (AFP) back then (on the 10th hole),” ready for a challenging golf course. Only said Kung, who started on the Minjee Lee the scores will end up telling but I feel back nine. “I was able to get up a little bit better, I feel better about my there in two and made my putt it just happens for a reason.” game.” from about six feet. “I love wind. She added: “Everything else Twenty-nine of the world’s top 30 Trump is the front-runner for the Re- Windy is good. It makes it tough was pretty steady today. I hit the players are competing this week at Doral publican Party nomination for US Presi- for everybody. Brings everybody ball good and putted really good in the fi rst of the season’s four elite World dent and he is expected to appear Sunday into the game. You have to hit out there today. Looking really Golf Championships events. Ameri- at the WGC event to present the winner’s good shots out there and make forward to the next three days. can Dustin Johnson defends the title he Rory McIlroy speaks to trophy. McIlroy was not so worried about your putts.” I really feel comfortable on this clinched by one shot last year. the media in Doral, the political concerns over Trump, whose The wind also gave Lee’s game golf course. I had a really good Florida. (AFP) success on “Super Tuesday” bolstered his a lift, highlighted by an eagle on round today and it gives me a lot US PRESIDENTIAL CONTENDER overall lead with more races tomorrow the par-fi ve 12th. “I hit my fi ve- of confi dence as well.” TRUMP LOOMS OVER WGC EVENT and Florida going to the polls March 15. wood into the green, and it was Ko, who is recovering from a It’s also the fi rst PGA event at US presi- “I’m not American,” McIlroy said. a little into the wind, so I think cold, said she had a few adjust- dential contender Donald Trump’s prop- “He’s not going to be the leader of my I had like 200 meters (yards) in,” ments to make as she seeks her erty since the start of his candidacy, country so it doesn’t bother me. I can’t said the Aussie. “Just hit the fi rst win in the tournament. “My which has included insults aimed at Mex- vote and if I could I’m not sure I would for bottom tier and stayed there, so club selection wasn’t that great icans, military veterans, women and his any of the candidates.” I was putting over the tier. It was today,” said the 18-year-old New tepid rebuke of support from the former Trump bought Doral in 2012 and spent about 30 feet and I made it. It Zealander. leader of the racist Ku Klux Klan which $250 million renovating the resort, in- was a nice eagle there.” “So I’ve just got to get a hang has upset African-Americans. cluding the Blue Monster course, bring- Park, the world number two, of the wind and with how breezy Trump’s insulting comments about ing more water into play and boosting hit fi ve birdies but also a bogey it is sometimes and with the el- Mexican immigrants last year led the benefi ts for the long-ball striker while on the par-three 17th—after evation when you’re out there, PGA of America to cancel the PGA Grand sparking complaints from others. not carding any bogeys at all in it feels more or less and then it’s Slam of Golf rather than play as originally comments are inconsistent with our Jersey, what would be his fi rst property to Trump’s critical comments could pro- last year’s run to the title. “It’s a little diff erent when it’s down planned on a Trump course in Los Ange- strong commitment to an inclusive and host a major tournament, and the same vide costly for Doral as automaker title gonna come at some point,” the there. I’ve just got to get used to les. welcoming environment in the game of course would host the 2017 US Women’s sponsor Cadillac is not renewing its deal 27-year-old told AFP. “It’s actu- it, be confi dent in the club that “We continue to stand by our earlier golf,” the PGA said. Open. Trump National in Washington is after this season and any new sponsor ally easy to get it over with today I’ve chosen and if I’ve got a good statement, and the statement of other But the 2022 PGA Championship has set to host next year’s Senior PGA Cham- would have the right to move the tourna- and just play without the pres- look for birdie, put a good stroke golf organizations, that Mr. Trump’s been scheduled for a Trump layout in New pionship. ment to another course. sure for next few days. It’s okay, on it.”

SPOTLIGHT Woods says feeling better, no timetable for return

Reuters is trying to get stronger and more fl ex- the 40-year-old, the world number Los Angeles ible. Sitting out as long as I did, some one for a record total of 683 weeks who Tiger Woods posted a video of weakening occurred, and I have a lot is now stunningly ranked 446th. “In himself swinging a golf club in of work ahead of me.” order to do that, I have to get healthy.” an eff ort to shoot down recent ormer world number one Ti- Woods, who has slipped in recent Speaking at a news conference lat- reports that suggested he had ger Woods, sidelined from years due to injuries and mastering of er in the day in Montgomery, Texas endured setbacks during his competition since August, a new swing, thought he was back to where he has designed his fi rst golf rehabilitation process. said on Wednesday he is feel- form after tying for 10th at the Wyn- course in the United States, Woods ingF “a lot better” as he continues his dham Championship in August, fol- said his biggest frustration was not recovery from back surgeries but has lowing a dismal season in which he knowing when he would return to no timetable for his return to the PGA missed three cuts in the majors. competition. Tour. But three weeks later he had a sec- “All those are unknowns,” he said Last week, the 14-times major ond microdiscectomy surgery to al- at Bluejack National outside Houston. champion posted a video of himself leviate pressure on a disc in his lower “The only thing I do know is that I am swinging a golf club in an eff ort to back, before needing another proce- progressing, I am getting better, I am shoot down recent reports that sug- dure on Oct. 28 on the same area due getting stronger. I just have to take it gested he had endured setbacks dur- to discomfort. day by day. ing his rehabilitation process. Woods, who made just 11 starts on “From where I was (health-wise) in “As I announced last week, I am the PGA Tour last season and only December, it has changed dramatical- starting to feel a lot better,” Woods seven the season before, had his fi rst ly. I just need to keep that momentum said on his website. “I have been chip- back surgery in early 2014. “While going. Eventually it’s getting (back) to ping and putting at home, and recent- there is no timetable on my return to the elite level and competing out here ly started hitting nine-irons. That’s competitive golf, I want to play this with the guys. That’s going to take been so nice. The big thing right now game at the highest level again,” said some work.” Gulf Times Friday, March 4, 2016 11 SPORT

FOCUS MOTOGP Yamaha's Lorenzo shows intent for Bright future for title defence Qatar rugby: Asian rugby consultant

Camels side narrowly lost to top-seeded team from Chinese Taipei in Al Ain recently Movistar Yamaha's Jorge Lorenzo; (below) Ducati's Andrea Iannone

By Sports Reporter to narrow the lead 15-14. The Camels ith the start of the Doha struck back with a sensational try out season fast ap- wide and maintain the lead 20-14. proaching, riders With time running out Taipei’s strong and teams eagerly atar Rugby Federation presi- counter attack allowed them to take the Wwent to work at the Losail Inter- dent Yousef al-Kuwari was lead 21-20. Then seconds from full time national Circuit as the fi nal test understandably disappointed Taipei’s backs managed to score another of the pre-season got underway. in the loss to Chinese Taipei by try under the posts to put an end to a As the track opened, Michele oneQ try at the Asia Rugby Sevens in Al Ain stunning game 28-20. Pirro, Hiroshi Aoyama and last Friday, but the boss insists the future Speaking about the fi rst international Takuya Tsuda o rushed out on for Qatar rugby is bright. outing of the Camels, at the Asia Rugby track, the three test riders given Al-Kuwari believes his Camels side Development Sevens, QRF general man- the responsibility of assessing was the better team on the day. “We ager Ali al-Malki said, “We are satisfi ed track conditions. As the sun be- outplayed them. We were doing to them with the overall performance of the team gan to set more and more riders what they do to other teams. We cut off they progressed with each match. It was a trickled out on track with Stefan their ball passing and choked their fast rewarding experience for all of us.” Bradl the fi rst full time Grand men,” he said. Giving his assessment of the Cam- Prix rider to circulate. The Chinese Taipei was top-seeded els performance in Al Ain, Asia Rugby With all of the riders out on for the Asia Rugby Development Competition consultant Aaron Stockdale track, Marc Marquez and Scott Sevens Series. They had previously won said, “The quality of rugby played by the Redding led early in the session. Two Ducatis followed in the Chennai and backed up their dominance Qataris was very impressive though ex- It was an unfortunate start to the form of Hector Barbera and An- at Al Ain. perience counted against them. Overall, test for Valentino Rossi who fell drea Dovizioso for a total of four Al-Kuwari said, “I am proud of our the competition achieved its aim in that at Turn 10, the Movistar Yamaha Ducati machines inside the top Qatar team we have made huge strides it gave the new teams like Qatar the nec- MotoGP rider uninjured in the ten, more than any other manu- since Dubai Sevens. Our team had little essary exposure. I see Qatar developing fall. facturer. Barbera once again im- preparation together but was able to put rapidly to be one of the major forces in A fall from Aleix Espargaro in pressed on the Avintia Racing in sterling performances. Apart from our the region very soon and the continent as the closing hours of the test saw Ducati, ending sixth and 0.068s fi rst loss to India all our other losses were well.” the session briefl y red fl agged as ahead of Dovizioso’s factory ma- close encounters and lost in the last few Stockdale, who was in Doha after the the debris was cleared at Turn chine. seconds of the game.” tournament to appraise the facilities on 14. Fortunately, Espargaro was The top Honda rider was Cal For the Qatar national rugby sevens ground for the sport in the country, add- uninjured and able to continue Crutchlow in eighth, 1.058s off squad this was the fi rst Asia Rugby De- ed that he was impressed with the quality testing. Lorenzo’s best time. A crash at veloping tournament. Having missed of the facilities available and the passion Throughout the second half of Turn 14 shortly before Espar- the fi rst leg at Chennai, the Qatar Cam- of the players. the test Andrea Iannone, Mav- garo’s fall upset the LCR Honda els posted an impressive performance in Action from the Asia Rugby Developing Sevens at Al Ain. “With what I’ve seen, Qatar, without erick Vinales and Jorge Lorenzo rider’s testing plans only slightly. the second leg played at Al Ain to stand any doubt, is moving in the right direc- all took a turn at the top of the 0.007s behind him was fellow at ninth place on the overall competition overcome Pakistan after a long day pro- The Qatar team suff ered a huge loss in tion. I believe with the supports of both time sheets with Lorenzo ending Brit was Bradley Smith on the table. ceedings”. the opening match against India going the QOC and the federation, the play- the fi rst day of testing on top. A Monster Yamaha Tech 3 ma- The tournament was the fi rst Asia Chinese Taipei topped the standings down 36-7. ers will do wonderfully well sooner than 1:55.452 was his best time of the chine. Rugby meet for the camels rugby seven’s with Philippines and UAE coming in sec- Chinese Taipei lined up for Qatar’s later,” he said. opening day, 1.3 seconds slower Completing the top ten was team. They faced some very stiff opposi- ond and third. next match. The crafty skills of the Tai- Meanwhile, the Qatar Rugby Sevens than the 2015 pole lap, but 0.428s Marquez, the Repsol Honda rid- tion but managed to win three and lose Twelve Asia Rugby nations including pei middle men opened up the scoring will resume at 6pm Saturday evening at ahead of Vinales in second. Mo- er unable to match his top three three. Al-Kuwari said, “The fi rst game Chinese Taipei, Thailand, India, Paki- account 7 nil but determined Camels re- the Aspire Warm up Track. vistar Yamaha MotoGP have pace from the Phillip Island test was not too good for us we got caught stan, the UAE, Lebanon, Iran and Qatar sponded with three unanswered tries to The Qatar Rugby Sevens is in its inau- elected to run a hybrid of the 2015 two weeks earlier. After their napping and off -guard. Our second loss participated in the two day, seven-a-side take the lead 15-7 at half time. gural year launched by the newly formed and 2016 bike, both Lorenzo and resurgent form in Australia, it to Chinese Taipei was very close and men’s tournament held at Al Ain, UAE, In the second half Chinese Taipei was Qatar Rugby Federation on February 6. It Rossi running extensive tests on seems Honda still have work to same was the loss to Iran. We managed to over the weekend. resolute in their play as they scored fi rst is scheduled to conclude on April 9, 2016. it in Qatar. do before the season begins on Vinales continued his impres- the 20th of March at the Qatar sive pace from Phillip Island, the track. Team Suzuki Ecstar man fi nish- Espargaro ended 11th after his ing second to Lorenzo. Tsuda, crash, 0.7s slower than his team- the Suzuki test rider, is so far the mate Vinales. Younger Esparga- only Suzuki rider to run the fully ro, Pol, was 0.195s back in 12th, seamless gearbox but both Vinal- ahead of Dani Pedrosa who had es and Espargaro are hopefully of another diffi cult day of testing. testing it on the second day and Yonny Hernandez and Loris utilising in the fi rst race. Baz rounded out the top 15, both Third fastest and 0.442s back within two seconds of the fast- on his teammate was Rossi who est time. 2.398s from the top was completed 33 laps after his early Jack Miller, the Losail Interna- fall. With both the factory Yama- tional circuit proving a greater ha bikes inside the top three, it challenge for his still healing is clear that they will be a threat leg. Pirro, who replaces Danilo and title challengers throughout Petrucci at the test, was 17th as the season as they were in 2015. he assists the Octo Pramac Ya- Rossi joined Vinales and Lorenzo khnich team in exploring their in the 1’55s, the trio the only rid- GP15. ers to produce times under the It proved a frustrating test for 1’56 barrier. Tito Rabat who fell at Turn 2 and Leading the Ducati charge was was unable to get within two and Iannone who now has access to a half seconds of Lorenzo’s time. two 2016 Desmosedicis for the One of the highlights ahead fi rst time. With 53 laps com- of the Qatar test was the un- pleted, the Ducati Team rider veiling of the new 2016 RS-GP, QRF president Yousef al-Kuwari with Asia Rugby Competition consultant Aaron Stockdale; (right) Stockdale with QRF general manager Ali al-Malki. completed more laps than any Bradl ending the day 19th. Both other rider on track and managed Bradl and Alvaro Bautista, 22nd, to end 0.667s behind Lorenzo. attended a private test at Qatar PORSCHE GT3 CUP CHALLENGE MIDDLE EAST Completing the top fi ve was fel- while the rest of the fi eld were in low Ducati rider Redding, the Australia but are both well aware Brit proving that the GP15 is still there is still a lot of work to do on Frijns eager to set record straight in Bahrain competitive. the new bike. (MotoGP.com)

Agencies for myself and really push for some good Team Abu Dhabi’s Carella and Charlie Frijns Sakhir results over the two races. “I have worked hard over the course al-Qamzi qualify second and sixth of the season but with motor racing you eason 7 of the Porsche GT3 Cup can never know what is going to happen. Team Abu Dhabi’s former world champion Alex Carella and Thani Challenge Middle East will come Qualifying will be extremely important al-Qamzi set up the prospect of a thrilling start to the new power- full circle to fi nish where it all be- for me and I am hoping to get as close boat racing season, after qualifying in second and sixth positions gan this weekend as the Middle to that top-three fi nish in the driver’s for today’s inaugural Grand Prix of Dubai. East’sS most professional one-make series standings as possible.” Despite tricky and windy conditions at the Dubai International returns to Bahrain for a thrilling weekend Regarded as the purest form of racing, Marine Club (DIMC) yesterday afternoon, 18 drivers qualified for of top-fl ight racing. every lap and every corner of the Porsche the opening round of the UIM F1 H20 World Championship at Hosting this weekend’s action is GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East counts. Mina Seyahi. Fractions of a second separated the leading group of the Bahrain International Circuit. The Qualifying is split by hundredths of sec- drivers through all three pulsating qualifying sessions and double 5.41km track will throw up a suitable onds and racing is pushed to the limits World Champion Philippe Chiappe deprived Carella of pole posi- challenge for the strong grid of 13 cars with driver talent and race craft the dif- tion with his last lap of the day – a run of 41.36sec – to claim a fifth with drivers from 8 nationalities, as ference between winning and losing as all career pole. they take on two 12-lap races across 4th drivers competing in identical fi fth gen- Carella ensured that Team Abu Dhabi was well placed for the and 5th of March, with all motorsport eration Porsche 911 GT3 Cups. opening race in second, while Team Sweden’s Jonas Andersson fans welcome to witness the on-track The unique one-make series consists and the Emirates Racing Team’s Erik Stark qualified in third and drama first hand. of 12 races between November 2015 and fourth. Victory Team’s Shaun Torrente fell short of the podium For Qatar-based Charlie Frijns, the March 2016. Season 7 concludes at the and qualified ahead of al-Qamzi in fifth place. Bahrain International Circuit has been illustrious Bahrain International Circuit “I don’t suff er from pressure, so I can go into the race on Friday, a thorn in his side. Despite qualifying in dered his climb up the driver’s standings. to this weekend, and have been since the between 4th and 5th March. confident and focused,” said Carella. “We have done the prepara- pole position in Race 1, Round 1 in Bah- Frijns currently sits in 5th place in the last time we were here in November. It’s tions and have the equipment capable of taking the win. I deal rain, Frijns failed to fi nish. He went into title chase, but with only 22 points be- rare that you get the two chances at the OVERALL STANDINGS (TOP FIVE) with each race separately. It is important that we take the win Race 2 with his confi dence knocked and tween him and a podium position, he will same track in one series and unfortu- 1. Jeff rey Schmidt (Al Nabooda) 225 and, with Thani alongside me, I feel we have the strongest team.” only managed to fi nish seventh. Since be giving everything he has this coming nately for me my fi rst attempt didn’t turn 2. Zaid Ashkanani (Al Nabooda) 199 “We all realise the importance of a good start to the season and then, Frijns has put in some very im- weekend. out the way I planned. I know I can go fast 3. Ryan Cullen (Cullen Motorsport) 191 claiming those first 20 points for the race win,” said ADIMSC’s pressive displays but the youngster can’t Speaking ahead of the fi rst race of on this track as I qualifi ed in pole position 4. Abdulaziz AlFaisal (AlFaisal) 180 general manager Salem al-Remeithi. “Thani and Alex are well pre- help but to feel that leaving Race 1 of the Round 6 at the Bahrain International Cir- for the fi rst race of the season, so for me 5. Charlie Frijns (Frijns Structural Steel pared and the whole team is focused to achieve that objective.” season in Bahrain with no points has hin- cuit, Frijns said: “I am looking forward this is a great chance to set things straight ME) 169

Friday, March 4, 2016 GULF TIMES EQUESTRIAN

CHI AL SHAQAB Fresh Dreher bounces back with a huge victory In the Doha Tour, Qatar’s Salman Mohammed al-Emadi impresses with a win in a three-star event

By Sahan Bidappa Doha

oming off after a three-week break due to a thigh injury, Hans-Dieter Dreher would not have expected to hit the groundC running straightaway. But the rest seemed to have done wonders for the German. Dreher and his 14-year-old stallion, Colore, had fi nished third in the 1.45m Class on the opening night of the CHI Al Shaqab, and the pair went two steps further yesterday. In the CSI5* Table A (238.2.1a) 1.50m, the main class of yesterday’s competi- tion, Dreher guided Colore to a clinical display, pulling out long strides with ease to stop the clock at 65.65 seconds. Dreher took home 16000 Euros for his eff ort. Great Britain’s Laura Renwick, riding Rembrandt Blue, won the CSI5* Table C, 1.45m, Belgium’s Gregory Wathelet (Oh event at CHI Al Shaqab yesterday. d’Eole) was second, ahead of Global Champions Tour winner Luciana Diniz RESULTS 2. Nicole den Dulk, The Netherlands (Fit For Fun) of Portugal. SHOW JUMPING (Faust) 10:46secs 70.667 Dreher said he was feeling good af- CSI5* Table A (238.2.1a) 1.50m 3. Celine Gerny, France (Flint) 10:22secs ter recovering from the injury. “I had 1. Hans-Dieter Dreher (GER) Colore. 68.600 a three-week break, because I had a Time: 65.65 seconds. Prize money: 4. Jaana Kivimaki, Finland (Bellilene) problem with my adductor. Yesterday, I 16000 Euros 10:38secs 65.067 rode for the fi rst time after three weeks Germany’s Hans-Dieter Dreher, on his bay stallion Colore, in action during the CSI5* Table A, 1.50m, event in CHI Al Shaqab at 2. Gregory Wathelet (BEL) Oh d’Eole. 5. Anne Frederique Royon, France and I was good on the course with my the Al Shaqab Arena yesterday. Dreher won the event with a time of 65.65. PICTURES: Garsi Lotfi 66.99 secs. 12800 Euros (J’Adore) 10:54secs 64.733 horse. I feel good overall,” he said after 3. Luciana Diniz (POR) Fit For Fun 13. last night’s victory. 67.68 secs. 9600 Euros CPEDI3* Team II (II Team) “I had a great round, good momen- 1. Demi Vermeulen, NED (Burberry) tum and my horse kept constantly CSI5* Table C (263) 1.45m 11:07secs 73.480 jumping. I am very happy. My horse 1. Laura Renwick (GBR) Rembrandt Blue. 2. Caroline Cecilie Nielsen, DEN (Leon) has one of the biggest strides and that Time: 59.89 secs. Prize money: 6250 11:31secs 70.245 helped. I could let him go all through Euros 3. Rixt van der Horst, NED (Caraat) the course. It was very fast on obstacles 2. Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA) Corbanus. 11:39secs 70.049 3 and 4 and again fast on 7 and 8, and a 64.47 secs. 5000 Euros 4. Angelika Trabert, GER (First Lady very good last turn as well,” he added. 3. Abdullah Alsharbatly (KSA) Wasabi. Melody) 11:23secs 65.784 The 44-year-old, whose ambition 65.26 secs. 3750 Euros 5. Annemarieke Roling - Nobel (Rico- is to compete at Olympics, said, “We chet) 11:15secs 65.686 will wait and see”, when asked if he had Doha Tour first leg booked his spot for 2016 Rio Games af- CSI3* Table A (238.2.1a) 1.30m CPEDI3* Team III (III Team 20x60) ter an impressive show on the fi rst two 1. Ali al Khorafi (KUW) Ungarin 4. Time: 1. Sanne Voets, NED (Vedet Pb N.O.P.) days of CHI Al Shaqab. 54.89 secs. Prize money: 3000 Euros 12:05secs 73.596 Earlier, Great-Britain’s Laura Ren- 2. Abdelkarim Abbar (KSA) Ziezo. 55.46 2. Ann Cathrin Lubbe, NOR (Porsborg- wick and her 11-year-old gelding, Rem- secs. 2400 Euros gaardens Donatello) 12:29secs 70.789 brandt Blue, fi nished on top in CSI5* 3. Salman Mohammed A S al-Emadi 3. Philippa Johnson-Dwyer, RSA (Lord Table C (263) 1.45m. The pair stopped (QAT) Lucky Lady. 56.08 secs, 1800 Louis) 12:21secs 67.368 the clock stopped at 59.89 seconds to Euros 4. Susanne Jensby Sunesen, DEN (Thy’s scoop home 16000 Euros. Que Faire) 12:37secs 67.061 Renwick lived up to her reputa- CSI3* Two Phases (274.5.3) 1.45m 5. Lotte Krijnsen, NED (Zarienta) tion as the ‘speed queen’ of the jump- 1. Salman Mohammed A S al-Emadi 11:57secs 66.974 ing circuit, as the gutsy rider pulled (QAT) Zorro Z. Time: 45.06 secs. Prize 6. Bernd Brugger, AUT (Denigo) off a sterling performance of pace and money: 6250 Euros 12:13secs 61.404 precision to overcome 23 other riders 2. Ali al-Khorafi (KUW) Cheril. 40.32 around a course set against the clock. secs. 5000 Euros CPEDI3* Team IV (IV Team 20x60) Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano jumped one 3. Khaled Abdulaziz al-Eid (KSA) Old 1. Carolin Schnarre, GER (del Rusch) rail down with Corbanus, fi nishing in Chap Tame. 42.27 secs. 3750 Euros 12:50secs 67.579 64.47 seconds, to come seconds. Saudi Qatar’s Salman Mohammed AS al-Emadi, riding Zorro Z, won the Doha Tour CSI3* Two Phases, 1.45m, event yesterday. 2. Camilla Christensen, DEN (Oester- Arabia’s veteran rider Abdullah Alshar- DRESSAGE gaardens Deleight) 13:14secs 67.302 batly and Wasabi fi nished third in 65.26 which is being run concurrently with home clean in 45.06 seconds for a purse tari rider Maryam Mubarak A al-Ali. CPEDI3* Team Ia (Ia Team) 3. James Dwyer, IRL (Fleurette van de seconds. the other international competitions at of 6250 Euros. Al-Khorafi (Cheril) was Maryam committed eight faults, but 1. Jens Lasse Dokkan, Norway (Cypres) Kreungel) 13:06 secs 66.905 Renwick has been knocking on the Al Shaqab, Qatar’s Salman Mohammed second, followed by Saudi Arabia’s looked forward to improving her per- Time: 10:09secs 71.522pts 4. Ahmed Sharbatly, KSA (Whitney) door of British team selection for sev- A S al-Emadi had an impressive day. Khaled Abdulaziz al-Eid (Old Chap formance in today’s competition. 2. Rihards Snikus, Latvia (King of The 12:58secs 56.944 eral years, and in 2015 she racked up an Al-Emadi and Ali al-Khorafi of Ku- Tame) in third. As one of the few female Qatari Dance) 10:01secs 71.014pts impressive 60 wins in Jumping classes wait went neck-and-neck in two com- Earlier, al-Emadi (Lucky Lady) had Jumping riders, al-Ali could be the fi rst 3. Elke Philipp, Germany (Finnbar) TODAY’S SCHEDULE around the world. She will be hoping petitions, with both emerging winners come third in CSI3* Table A (238.2.1a) woman to make a national team in one 9:45secs 69.275pts 8:45am: CPEDI3* Individual para- her performance at CHI Al Shaqab will in an event each. 1.30m, which was won by al-Khorafi of the very few sports where men and 4. Ana Isabel Mota Veiga, Portugal (Con- dressage be strong enough to impress selectors The Qatari triumphed in the Two riding his trusted eight-year-old mare women compete on an equal basis. She victo) 09:53secs 65.000pts 1:45pm: CDI5* Grand Prix Dressage ahead of the Rio Olympics. Phases (274.5.3) 1.45m, the fancied Ungarin 4. Saudi Arabia’s Abdelkarim already has two horses capable of 5-star 4:20pm: Doha Tour CSI3* Accumulator 3-star event of the day, which car- Abbar (Ziezo) came third. level, and it is her ambition to compete CPEDI3* Team Ib (Ib Team) (269a) 1.30m jumping QATAR’S AL-EMADI IMPRESSES ried more points for the Doha Tour. Finishing outside the placings, de- at World Equestrian Games and Olym- 1. Pepo Puch, Austria (Fontainenoir) 6:30 pm: CSI5* Table A (238.2.2a) 1.55m In the Doha Tour, the fi rst of three legs Al-Emadi partnered Zorro Z to come spite showing great promise, was Qa- pic Games in the future. 10.30 secs 74.533 jumping

CHI Al Shaqab is one of the top events: Groung Jury prez Ellenbruch

s president of the Ground Jury, As a key member of the FEI’s inter- of the top events of the region and it show at the highest possible level,” Ellenbruch confesses that he was very horses as well as the riders - can be Stephan Ellenbruch plays a cru- national committee, Ellenbruch has brings together the top riders from all Ellenbruch enthuses, “with the Grand impressed with Al Shaqab’s off ering to really happy.” Acial role in the orchestration of extensive knowledge of the technical over the world in Jumping especially, Prix that has an Olympic format, with the world of equestrian sport. CHI Al Shaqab’s reputation is clearly well CHI Al Shaqab. Together with five other elements of this event, as well as the and also the local riders who are two rounds and a jump off . So this is “I am travelling all over the world established on an international scale, members of the jury, he will preside rules of equestrian sports. He travels becoming better and better. There really challenging for the riders and and this is really one of the most and is vividly demonstrated by the over the technical judging of the com- all around the world administering are a number of Qatari riders among the horses. They all come because fantastic places I have ever been illustrious roll call of the world’s leading petitions. Alongside a stewards’ team, these regulations, so is more than the world’s top ranking now and it is they enjoy the hospitality of the place, to,” he reveals. “This is a place that riders who are competing this year. Ellenbruch will also be responsible for qualified to comment on the sig- always good to go to places to bring but also the conditions, which are has been made for the future, so “The entry list is the best you can overseeing horse welfare during the nificance of CHI Al Shaqab from an all these riders together.” really some of the best you can find all it is really up to date and it has all have,” Ellenbruch confirms. “We have competition, and for making sure that international perspective. CHI Al Shaqab is globally renowned over the world. It will be a 1.60 metre the technical details. The arena is the Longines’ World Number One and all riders and grooms are adhering to “This is one of the top events we have for its facilities, organisation and competition, and this is the maximum super big, the warm up and stable a lot of the top ten riders competing the off icial rules set by the Internation- on the FEI equestrian calendar,” El- – from the competitors’ point of level of diff iculty you can have at facilities is really perfect, so all here. The list is really something you al Equestrian Federation (FEI). lenbruch says. “First of all, this is one view – its challenges. “This is really a horse shows.” the athletes competing here - the can show to everybody to impress.” 20 GULF TIMES Friday, March 4, 2016 COMMUNITY

The Qatar Pavilion at the Global Village. Qatar pavilion at Global Village goes traditional The Qatar pavilion has a unique to welcome guests until April 9. By Anand Holla façade that stands out with its Ahmad Hussain bin Essa, CEO traditional pigeon tower design of Global Village, commented and other traditional forts, like Al on the 20th edition of Global ith the GCC Zubarah fort. At night, the tower Village and asserted that the large pavilions at shines, wrapped in lights that cover presence of GCC pavilions is a Global Village its façade. The pavilion on the continued strength for the park. celebrating the inside is a replica of Souq Waqif, “It is a continued source of pride 20th season of the Qatar’s most famous market, and for Global Village to host so many Wregion’s leading family destination the Qatar pavilion is renowned of the GCC countries as pavilions for cultural shopping and for its excellent products, such as during our 20th season. All of the entertainment by showcasing traditional abayas, perfumes, and pavilion organisers developed and their rich traditions and unique Burqu that cover 35 diff erent shops. executed some amazing ideas to heritage to guests from around the This year, at Global Village’s create beautiful facades, as well as world, Qatar is making its distinct Qatar pavilion, the entire pavilion off er products, and experiences that presence felt with its pavilion that has been booked by exhibitors who local residents, regional visitors and stands out for its fascinating design have specifi cally come from Qatar guests from all over the world will and warmth. to showcase their goods to guests, enjoy,” he said. The unique pavilions at the lending a brand new feel to the “The GCC pavilions have always Inside the Qatar Pavilion. Global Village introduce the Gulf Qatar pavilion. been some of the most attractive region’s range of products and The GCC pavilions are available elements of Global Village,” he level of organisation, the size of it has over 5 million visitors over aesthetics to guests, giving them for guests to visit throughout continued, “Part of our goal has participating pavilions and the an area of 17,200,000 sq ft. Ahmad the chance to learn about the UAE the 20th anniversary of Global been to provide a comprehensive number of products and activities Hussain bin Essa further pointed and surrounding countries, whether Village from 4pm until 12am on cultural, leisure and artistic on display from individual out, “We hope to see the success of they are local residents or tourists. Saturday to Wednesday, with experience from around the world. countries.” the GCC pavilions continue to grow Global Village’s 20th season is Global Village extending its The GCC is a unique area that Global Village is said to be the in Global Village, because they are welcoming guests to GCC pavilions working hours on Thursday and people should be able to learn world’s largest tourism, leisure an added value to the rich cultural across the park. Each pavilion is Friday by staying open from 4pm about when at Global Village and entertainment project. It experience of Global Village that fi lled with rare products that will until 1am. The region’s leading and we are proud to see that the is the region’s fi rst cultural, is provided to its guests from the enthral GCC nationals, as well as family entertainment and cultural pavilions have grown over the past entertainment, family and UAE, the GCC and the world at visitors to Dubai. shopping attraction will continue years in terms of the professional shopping destination. Every year, large.”