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Wednesday, March 2, 2016 Jumada I 22, 1437 AH FOOTBALL Don’t rush United GULF TIMES gem Rashford, warns Van Gaal SPORT Page 3 BASKETBALL Dominic shines as Rayyan capture 17th League crown ‘More than a team we are like one family where we back each other to the hilt’

By Sports Reporter ‘Dominic was outstanding, Doha but so were Alban and the rest of the guys. Al Sadd played very well but we stayed in the game ominic Davon starred with a and fi nally pulled it off ’ match-high 25 points as Al Rayyan captured the Qatar the fi rst fi ve minutes before Al Rayyan Basketball League title for the pulled up their socks and forced a 18-18 D17th time by sweeping to their second fi rst quarter tie. consecutive win in their best-of-three Al Sadd, however, were off the mark fi nals against Al Sadd. quickly in the second quarter and After their crushing 48-78 loss in the scored a whopping 16 points in the fi nal fi rst game of the series last weekend, Al fi ve minutes while restricting Al Rayy- Sadd produced a much better perform- an to just six. ance yesterday but still failed to make That gave them a 40-34 cushion but most of their 40-34 second quarter Al Rayyan fought back gamely to lead advantage before crashing to a 71-62 53-48 after the third quarter before defeat against Qatar’s most dominant their seven-point streak in the fi nal side over the years. session tilted the game in their favour. Davon, who played the full duration For Al Sadd, Khalid Suliman Abdi of the match, was defi nitely the man of was the top scorer with 16 points, while the moment for Al Rayyan as he scored Saeed Erfan Ali and Deba Kone had 15 at crucial times to help his side take and 14, respectively. control, especially during the third and Al Rayyan coach Koufos Stergios fourth quarters when they were under credited the victory to team spirit. tremendous pressure. “More than a team we are like one Trailing by six points after the second family where we back each other to the quarter, Al Rayyan clawed their way up hilt,” Stergios said after the match. thanks to Davon and Alban Ngombo “We were under a great deal of pres- who took the fi ght to the opposition. sure during the fi nal but it was this The turning point of the match came team spirit and our never-say-die at- when Al Rayyan hit a rare purple patch titude that helped us turn the tide and and produced seven consecutive points win the championship. after the teams were tied 58-all to lead “Dominic was outstanding, but so 65-58. were Alban and the rest of the guys. Al Davon had scored three of those sev- Sadd played very well but we stayed in en points which helped Al Rayyan de- the game and fi nally pulled it off .” liver the killer blow from which Al Sadd The coach said his team’s focus will never recovered. now shift to the Cup tournaments. Ngombo was not far behind for Al “We will celebrate our win for two- Rayyan, scoring 22 points, while Salem three days and after that we will focus Abdullah had 15. on the Qatar Cup and the Emir Cup be- The match started in dramatic fash- Qatar Basketball Federation chief Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani and other off icials applaud as Al Rayyan captain Yaseen ismail Musa holds aloft the Qatar sides the regional tournaments that are ion with Al Sadd taking a 10-5 lead after Basketball League trophy after their win over Al Sadd yesterday. due.”

FOOTBALL Lekhwiya hold Zobahan to pick up fi rst point

AFC Isfahan El Jaish hope to consolidate Zobahan’s Hadi Mohammadi (C) AFC, Doha: Al Ain coach Zlatko Dalic “We also missed many scoring atar Stars League champi- heads the ball clear during their wants major improvements from chances in the first match against El ons Lekhwiya picked up their Asian Champions League match his side in their return meeting with Jaish and we should try to work hard fi rst point of the 2016 AFC against Qatar’s Lekhwiya at the Qatar’s El Jaish in the AFC Champi- and score from any chance that we Champions League campaign Foolad Shahr Stadium in the ons League Group D encounter the will create in Wednesday’s game. asQ Djamal Belmadi’s side secured a 0-0 Iranian city of Isfahan yesterday. Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium today. “El Jaish will try their best to stop us draw with Iran’s Zobahan in Group B In their continental opener at home in the attack and they are also capa- yesterday. to the same opponents last week, ble of creating chances and causing Zobahan had won last week’s meeting Dalic saw goals from Abderrazzaq us problems like they did previously.” between the two teams thanks to a soli- Hamedallah and Romarinho con- Opponents El Jaish took advantage tary goal by Mehdi Rajabzadeh, but Bel- demn his side to a 2-1 defeat despite of Lekhwiya’s heavy 5-0 defeat to Qa- madi’s side held fast at the Foolad Shahr Douglas’ penalty 25 minutes from tar Stars League leaders Al Rayyan Stadium to claim their fi rst point of this time. to move into second place in the year’s continental campaign. And the Croatian coach is likely to domestic standings with a 1-0 win The home side were on the front foot be without midfielder Yaser Matar over Al Wakra on Saturday. from the fi rst whistle and, with less than who was withdrawn in the Matchday “We played against Al Wakra in the two minutes on the clock, Lekhwiya One meeting and Colombian Danilo local league and it was a chance to goalkeeper Ivan Rodrigues was forced Asprilla who is still recovering from a prepare the players for the match to dive at full stretch to push Kaveh Re- recent injury. against Al Ain,” said El Jaish coach zaei’s shot to safety after the Iranians hit “We are looking to make a good Sabri Lamouchi. quickly on the break. comeback after losing the opening “We will concentrate hard and And, just four minutes later, Golmo- match although this game will be hopefully we can get another win to hammadi’s side went closer still as Ali very hard for us. After losing the strengthen our position in the group. Hamam’s header came back off the cross first meeting, we have tried to fix the “After the opening win, we didn’t cel- bar before being hacked to safety. mistakes that we made, especially ebrate too much because we know Lekhwiya took time to fi nd their in defence,” said Al Ain coach Dalic, that we still have a long road to go. rhythm, with Alain Dioko going closest who saw his team qualify for the “The match on Wednesday will not for the visitors when his shot on the turn quarter-finals of the UAE President’s be easy because our opponents will from outside the area was saved by Mo- two defenders on the fl oor only for the before setting up Ismail Mohamad, but his weak eff ort rolling ever closer to the Cup following a 4-0 win over Al It- try to avenge their defeat and this hammadrashid Mazaheri. South Korean to shoot high over the bar his eff ort from inside the are was hope- line, Chico Flores was just quick enough tihad Kalba on Saturday. will make things harder for us.” With seconds remaining in the half, after a perfect lay off . lessly off target. to sprint back and clear to safety. Nam Tae-hee should have done better Ten minutes after the restart, it was A minute later, Zobahan came within At the other end, Nam tried his luck with his eff ort when he had the time and Lekhwiya who again looked the most inches of opening the scoring as Rezaei again, this time with a low side-footed With 11 minutes to go, Morteza Tabrizi him and space in the penalty area to pick space to pick his spot after Luiz Junior’s likely to open the scoring as Yousef Msa- outpaced Rodrigues to the ball on the eff ort from the edge of the area that was presented with the best chance of his spot, only to panic and send his at- tricky run down the right saw him leave kni surged towards the Zobahan defence edge of the Qatari side’s area but, with curled away from Mazaheri’s goal. the game when he found himself with tempt high and wide of the target. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, March 2, 2016 FOOTBALL

QATAR STARS LEAGUE BUNDESLIGA Guardiola dismisses Dortmund talk Rayyan on verge before Mainz of winning title with lots to spare None of the title contenders, including reigning champions Lekhwiya, El Jaish and Al Sadd, have come close to challenging Rodrigo Tabata and Co Pep Guardiola. AFP Leverkusen 3-1 at home on Sun- Munich day with goal-scoring midfi elder Yunus Malli netting twice to leave them fi fth and challenging ayern Munich could for a Champions League place Rodrigo Tabata: Al Rayyan move closer to an histor- next season. talisman ic fourth straight Ger- But Bayern want to secure the man league title if they league title as soon as possible to winB at nearest-rivals Borussia allow them to focus on Europe. Dortmund in four days, but Pep They set the Bundesliga record Guardiola says, for now, it’s all for the earliest title win two years about Mainz today. ago by wrapping things up with Bayern hold an eight point seven games left at the end of lead in the table and victory at March 2014, holding a 22-point Dortmund on Saturday would gap over second-placed Dort- be a signifi cant step becoming mund at the time. the fi rst team to win four straight Two years on, Dortmund are German league titles. making life much harder under Bayern won 2-0 at Champi- coach Thomas Tuchel and Guar- ons League side Wolfsburg last diola knows he can ill aff ord to Saturday and now a mouth- be distracted by the Champions watering showdown beckons in League or German Cup in his fi - Dortmund. nal few months in Munich before Before that however Guardiola coaching Manchester City next insists he is focused on playing season. resurgent Mainz at Munich’s Al- Tuchel says it is obvious Bay- lianz Arena. ern are eager to win at Dortmund “Everyone is talking about to leave Borussia with only a Wolfsburg and Borussia Dort- mathematical chance of winning mund, but we are playing against the title. Mainz, who are fi fth in the table. “It should be noted that Bay- “They are a strong and dy- ern want to decide things early,” namic team.” said Tuchel, ahead of their game The Martin Schmidt-coached on Wednesday’s at Darmstadt, Mainz proved just how strong who are just above the relegation they are in beating Bayer places.”

FOCUS Ronaldo rant

By Sports Reporter campaign opened with a 4-0 win over Al a four-goal haul for Tabata. as the league’s top scorer and assist maker. Doha Sailiya and was followed up with victories The next big test for Rayyan came in At times, he has dragged Rayyan over the forgiven and over Al Kharaitiyat (2-1), Umm Salal (3-1), the Qatar Classico against fi erce rivals Al line, including during the recent 2-0 win Mesaimeer (2-0) and Al Khor (4-2). Sadd. It was a pulsating game at Jassim Bin over Mesaimeer, which was goal-less until SL side Al Rayyan have exceeded The fi rst real test came in the form of Hamad Stadium and the Lions succumbed Tabata stepped up to score a magnifi cent forgotten: Zidane all expectations this season and Gianfranco Zola’s rejuvenated Al Arabi, to a narrow 2-1 defeat. It remains their only free-kick in the 89th minute. look certain to claim the 2015/16 and Rayyan passed it with fl ying colours. loss. Head coach Fossati has also proved an QSL title this weekend when A crushing 5-2 victory served as notice to Since returning from the winter break astute appointment. The Uruguayan led Al theyQ face Al Wakrah. the rest of the division that Rayyan meant Rayyan have proved unbeatable. Their ri- Sadd to a domestic treble in 2007, and he The Lions need just one more point to serious business this season. vals, on the other hand, have failed to fi nd could do something similar with Rayyan claim a fi rst Falcon Shield since 1995 after A week later and Lekhwiya were the op- any consistency. Lekhwiya and El Jaish this season. Fossati has proved a calming a quite outstanding campaign. Jorge Fos- ponents. Djamel Belmadi’s men went into keep swapping places in second spot, and infl uence on the squad – throughout the sati’s men have won 19 of their 20 matches the game on the back of successive defeats each week the gap at the top has been get- campaign he has played down the team’s so far and lost just once – in the Qatar but were still tipped to cause Rayyan prob- ting bigger. success and guarded against any degree of Classico to Al Sadd. lems. In the end, they were swept aside 3-1 Rayyan’s front three have been out- complacency. In truth, Rayyan had the league sewn up after Fossati’s men fought back from a goal standing all season. Inspirational captain This Saturday’s game against Wakrah before the winter break. None of the title down to take all three points. If nothing Tabata has been ably supported by Sebas- looks set to prove nothing less than a ti- contenders, including reigning champions else, this result showed Rayyan possessed tian Soria and Sergio Garcia. Soria, who tle procession. Even the most pessimistic Lekhwiya, El Jaish and Al Sadd, have come genuine belief – even against one of the arrived in the summer from Lekhwiya, has Rayyan fan cannot deny that the Falcon close to challenging Rodrigo Tabata and league’s strongest sides. played like he has a point to prove all sea- Shield will soon sit proudly in the club’s Co. Even an eight-game winning run from At this point, Rayyan’s passionate fans son, while Garcia has chipped in with vital trophy cabinet. Lekhwiya was too little, too late to have were dreaming of a fi rst title in 21 years. goals – particularly during Tabata’s recent The challenge now is to continue their a bearing on the title race, such has been Their lead at the top was already signifi - absence due to a hamstring injury. dominance in the cup competitions before Rayyan’s dominance. cant, and it was increased after four more It’s Tabata though who the history books preparing for next season’s AFC Champi- Rayyan benefi ted from winnable fi x- victories, including a 9-0 humbling of Qa- will focus on this season. The 35-year-old ons League. Rayyan fans will be hoping the tures in their opening fi ve games. Their tar Sports Club – a match which included has been a revelation and currently stands best is yet to come.

LA LIGA Atletico Madrid’s Uruguayan defender Jose Maria Gimenez (L) vies with Real Madrid’s Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo during Unbeaten record in sight for unstoppable Barcelona their La Liga match on Saturday. AFP ing the sacked Rafael Benitez in AFP “One day they will lose and we Madrid January. However, since Benitez’s Barcelona have to try to make sure that is sacking, Barca’s lead over Real has Lionel Messi (L) fights for on Thursday. Atletico have the stretched by 10 points leading to the ball with Sevilla’s Adil chance to close the gap to fi ve eal Madrid boss Zinedine questions over Zidane’s position uropean champions Rami during their La Liga points on Tuesday when they Zidane insists he has put for next season. Barcelona can set a new match on Sunday. host Real Sociedad at the Vice- Cristiano Ronaldo’s out- “When I arrived two months record for consecutive nte Calderon. We return to the burst at his own team- ago everything was beautiful and games unbeaten when Calderon with lots of enthusi- matesR behind him as he attempts now that we have lost one game theyE travel to lowly Rayo Valle- asm and desire. The strength we to turnaround a terrible season for everything is black,” added the cano tomorrow aiming to tighten gained from Saturday is enor- the Spanish giants. Frenchman. their grip on the La Liga title. mous,” said Atletico boss Diego Madrid sit third in La Liga, 12 “I understand your concern, Barca stretched their unbeaten Simeone. points adrift of runaway lead- but I continue to work with my streak to 34 games dating back to “Many teams change their way ers Barcelona, after losing 1-0 to players because I know they will October with a hard-fought 2-1 of playing when they come to the Atletico Madrid on Saturday. turn this around. The rest doesn’t win over Sevilla on Sunday to lead Calderon. They will sit back and However, after the game Ron- matter to me.” Atletico Madrid by eight points at look for the speed of their strik- aldo said Real would be top if his One of the key injuries that Ro- the top of La Liga with Real Ma- ers. That means we need to work teammates matched his stand- naldo alluded to has been the ab- drid a further four points back in doubly hard to fi nd the way to ards. The three-time World Player sence of Gareth Bale. third. open the game up.” of the Year later rectifi ed his com- The Welsh star has been out for Indeed, the Catalan giants Real Madrid are in action to- ments by claiming he was only the past six weeks and featured in look well set to repeat their treble day when they travel to bottom- referring to his colleagues level of just 17 of Madrid’s 34 games this of league, Cup and Champions placed Levante looking to put fi tness as Madrid have been rav- season. League from last season hav- Zinedine Zidane’s fi rst defeat as aged by injuries this season. Bale returned to training on ing also progressed to the Copa coach behind them. “Cristiano has spoken with Tuesday, but won’t be risked for del Rey fi nal and beaten Arsenal Today everyone. This subject is behind Wednesday’s trip to bottom- 2-0 away in the fi rst-leg of their Sevilla v Eibar, Celta Vigo v Villar- us,” Zidane said yesterday. placed Levante. Champions League last-16 tie. real, Malaga v Valencia, Athletic “We all know the importance Zidane also confi rmed that However, coach Luis Enrique the opponent can cause us prob- tate in defence and midfi eld once league games, including fi ve 2-2 Bilbao v Deportivo la Coruna (all Cristiano has and we are all with midfi elder Luka Modric will miss has insisted records will mean lems,” said the Spanish interna- more to keep his side fresh for the draws, but remain just two points 1900), Levante v Real Madrid him. out in midweek due to a foot in- nothing without the titles and tional. “Atletico Madrid continue fi nal few months of the season. above the relegation zone. (2000) “The issue has been fi xed. The jury. “Bale was with us this morn- defender Jordi Alba said they are to put the pressure on.” However, the star front three “It is diffi cult to beat Barca Tomorrow most important thing is what we ing in training. It is the fi rst full wary of not being complacent The suspended Dani Alves and of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and because we are facing the best Granada v Sporting Gijon (1900), have ahead and we will face that by session he has done with us and he with just 12 league games to go. long-term injury absentee Rafi nha Neymar are expected to start once team in the world with the best Espanyol v Real Betis (1930), all sticking together.” didn’t feel the injury he had. “In the dressing room there is are the only players unavailable to more in attack. players, said Rayo midfi elder Rayo Vallecano v Barcelona Defeat to Atletico was Zidane’s “He is a fundamental and im- precaution and at any moment Luis Enrique, but he is likely to ro- Rayo are unbeaten in seven Roberto Trashorras. (2000) fi rst in nine games since replac- portant player for Madrid.” Gulf Times Wednesday, March 2, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

CAUTION Beaten Asian chief pledges support to new FIFA boss Infantino AFP, Kuala Lumpur: The “I have already assured the Asian football chief who lost to FIFA president that I will sup- Gianni Infantino in the race for port him in achieving that goal the FIFA presidency pledged and I am confident you will join support for the new leader me in this task.” Don’t rush Man but said scandal-tainted world Sheikh Salman ran Infantino football must focus on restor- close, winning 85 ballots to ing trust. Infantino’s 88 before he lost Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim out 115-88 in the second round al-Khalifah urged unity and of voting. Last week’s extraor- support for the world body’s dinary congress in Zurich also reform process in a letter to approved a reform package Infantino, FIFA’s executive aimed at hauling FIFA out of an Utd gem Rashford, committee and his fellow era marked by corruption and regional leaders. controversy under suspended “We need FIFA to change if former leader Sepp Blatter. we are going to regain the “These reforms represent just trust, respect and confidence the start of a long journey of those who hold our great and are essential for achiev- game to heart,” the Asian ing greater professionalism, Football Confederation transparency and integrity for warns Van Gaal president wrote, according to a FIFA as well as all our member statement. associations,” Sheikh Salman “I am confident that by work- wrote. Van Gaal is wary of asking the Manchester-born forward to take on too much ing closely and consulting “We need FIFA to change if together, we will do the best we are going to regain the responsibility too soon, but leaving him out against Watford may well be impossible for FIFA and restore much trust, respect and confidence needed unity,” added the of those who hold our great AFP Bahraini royal. game to heart.” Manchester

arcus Rashford’s astonish- SPOTLIGHT ing start in senior football has given Manchester United a signifi cant lift at a key stage ofM a trying season, ahead of Watford’s visit Infantino begins today. The 18-year-old striker has impressed in United’s junior sides this season, scor- search for chief exec ing three times at Under-19 level and also fi nding the net regularly for the Under-21 Reuters Confederation in competitions team. His breakthrough into the senior Miami marketing. He graduated in 2004 side, though, has surprised even the most from the FIFA Masters course, optimistic of United supporters, with four which was created to train fu- goals in his fi rst two games. he victory celebration ture football administrators from Having struck twice in a Europa League over, new FIFA president around the world. win over FC Midtjylland last Thursday, Gianni Infantino’s fi rst El Amrani won the Young Rashford followed that up with two more major decision in charge Leader of the Year award in 2015 in Sunday’s 3-2 Premier League victory ofT the troubled world football or- from the ‘Leaders in Sports’ or- over Arsenal. ganisation will be to appoint a sec- ganisation partly in recognition Manager Louis van Gaal is wary of ask- retary general, eff ectively a chief of the way he handled the switch ing the Manchester-born forward to take executive, to run day-to-day op- of the African Nations Cup to on too much responsibility too soon, but erations. Equatorial Guinea after Morocco leaving him out against Watford may well Since FIFA was founded in 1904, withdrew two months before the prove impossible. it has had 10 secretaries general, all tournament because of the Ebola Even so, Van Gaal is urging caution. from Europe, the game’s strongest outbreak in West Africa. “We have to wait and see with Marcus,” continent. “He is very, very capable,” said he said. “He has only played two matches. At an event in London during his Swiss-based sports business con- It is about consistency. He has to show it campaign for Friday’s presidential sultant Joao Frigerio, who knows in the third and the fourth and the fi fth election, Infantino said: “I am El Amrani from the FIFA Masters game. convinced the general secretary alumni association. “There is no “But what he has shown in the second of FIFA should not be a European. doubt in my mind that he can be a match is already an improvement on the Why not an African?” great general secretary.” fi rst and that is special.” Martial, with United short of options in who have had little else to shout about this Flores is hoping to take advantage of Unit- A source close to Infantino said El Amrani could not immedi- Rashford is not the only young player to attack as Wayne Rooney recovers from the season. ed’s gruelling schedule of six games in 19 on Monday that this “did not ately be reached for comment. break into the United side in recent weeks. knee injury that is set to keep him out until It perhaps helps that they have come days, as well as the club’s lengthy injury necessarily mean that an African Infantino said on Sunday that Defenders Donald Love, Regan Poole April. through at a time when their team has list. would be chosen, more than he he would not rush into a decision and Timothy Fosu-Mensah have also Fosu-Mensah, meanwhile, was thrown started winning again. “Sometimes when we plan for the had not ruled out an African”. about the secretary general, whose been given debuts since the beginning of on against Arsenal after Marcos Rojo in- The victory over Arsenal was their match it’s like we always need to be inside That said, there would be a role takes on added importance in February, as have midfi elders James Weir jured his ankle, joining a casualty list that third in a row in all competitions and has of the manager’s head on the other team,” strong African contender in the FIFA’s new, reformed structure. and Joe Riley. includes Matteo Darmian, Ashley Young, reignited hopes of qualifi cation for next he said. shape of the Moroccan Hicham El Although some of FIFA’s reform To a certain degree, Van Gaal’s hand has Bastian Schweinsteiger and Marouane season’s Champions League. United lie “I don’t know exactly how Van Gaal is Amrani. documents refer to a “CEO”, a been forced by a long injury list. Fellaini, among others. fi fth, three points behind fourth-place thinking about the next match or what his The Paris-educated 36-year- source within FIFA indicated that Rashford was only given a chance be- The emergence of so many youngsters, Manchester City. focus will be. They have a lot of targets in old became general secretary of for “tradition reasons” the title of cause of a hamstring injury to Anthony though, has cheered up United supporters Watford manager Quique Sanchez this moment and play a lot of matches. For the African confederation (CAF) secretary general is likely to con- us it is an opportunity to have points. on an interim basis in 2010 and tinue to be used. “We know we are very competitive and was confi rmed in the role in Sep- Infantino might also look to Pochettino dismisses Spurs ‘favourites’ tag we can go every single step to win. Now we tember 2011. North America, whose adminis- have 37 points and we are happy.” He had previously been dep- trators played a key role in swing- AFP, London: Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochet- “In football it is good to play a little bit like this too. Our objec- The weekend 0-0 draw with Bourne- uty general secretary at CAF and ing votes to the Swiss at Friday’s tino yesterday laughed off Leicester City counterpart Claudio tive at the end of last season was clear: to reduce the gap with mouth left Watford comfortable in 10th worked for the Asian Football FIFA Congress in Zurich. Ranieri’s claim that his team are the favourites for the Premier the teams at the top.” place and eff ectively ended any lingering League title. He added: “For me Leicester are at the top and they have the fears that they may get dragged down the Surprise leaders Leicester are two points clear of Spurs ahead pressure too, like all the teams below. We don’t feel that. table. Flores may take advantage by rest- FRENCH CUP of the mid-week matches, with Arsenal three points further “Only for us it is important to keep our level, our fitness, our ing Etienne Capoue after the midfi elder back in third place. mentality and we’ll see what happens. It’s too soon to speak was withdrawn against Bournemouth. Ranieri said on Monday that it is Spurs, without a league title about the end of the season.” “Capoue is a very important player for since 1961, who should be considered favourites to take the Pochettino revealed that midfielder Dele Alli was a doubt for us,” the Spaniard said. PSG looking to title, but Pochettino believes the Italian was being mischievous. the trip to Upton Park after kicking the ground during the “He has played a lot of minutes this sea- “Mind games? No, it was a joke. I laughed a little bit,” the Argen- warm-up before Tottenham’s 2-1 win over Swansea City on Sun- son. I felt he might be a bit tired. I felt he tine told a press conference ahead of his side’s trip to London day. “Dele had a problem before the game against Swansea,” was not clear in the mind, he was not nor- bounce back rivals West Ham United today. said Pochettino, whose side host Arsenal this weekend. mal, but it is possible when a player plays a lot he is a bit tired.” AFP that Blanc will risk either Verratti Paris or Di Maria for the match at the Stade Geoff roy-Guichard. BOTTOMLINE PSG have won the Coupe de aris Saint-Germain will France on nine occasions, sec- be desperate to get back ond only to arch rivals Marseille on track after their shock who have ten, while the last of St 2-1 defeat at Lyon, when Etienne’s six cup successes came theyP face a trip to Saint Etienne for back in 1977. a French Cup quarter-fi nal today. Marseille will be hoping to ex- Zabaleta urges City to harness The capital city side suff ered a tend their record haul this season, fi rst domestic defeat since March as they face a last eight encounter 2015 on Sunday, and know that it with fi fth-tier Granville on Thurs- will not be easy away to Les Verts, day night. who are well in the hunt for a It is a dream tie for the Lower Wembley momentum Champions League place. Normandy club, who continue the PSG coach Laurent Blanc said rich tradition of lower league suc- AFP Arsenal’s 3-2 loss at Manchester sea but bounced back to beat the that his men were “too average” in cess in the competition, they are Manchester United was a boost for City, but same opponents three days later their loss at Parc OL, but it will be the fi fth team from the fi fth divi- Zabaleta says that his team must in the league, as inspiration. interesting to see if St Etienne try sion to reach the quarter-fi nals only focus on the trip to Liverpool “You have to try and take posi- and mirror Lyon’s tactics and play since 1999. The amateur side’s anchester City de- as defeat could spell disaster. tives from it and learn from these a high press against the cup hold- Stade Louis Dior is not big enough fender Pablo Za- “Well, of course, if we don’t experiences,” he said. ers. The Frenchman called on his to host such a match, though, baleta believes that win on Wednesday it will be “There is still a lot to play for. team to rediscover the spirit that and the game will be played at his team’s Wembley tough because we will miss a In the league we have to try and helped them go 36 league matches Ligue 1 club Caen’s Stade Michel Msuccess in the League Cup fi nal great chance to try to reduce the fi nish as high as we can and there unbeaten. d’Ornano. against Liverpool can spur them gap between the leader and us,” is the Europa League. We have to “When I see the last ten min- This decision has drawn heavy onto further silverware at home he said. focus on what we can do this sea- utes of the game, when we tried to criticism from Monaco, who play and abroad. “We are Manchester City, we son and fi nish it well. come back and stay unbeaten, I can at Caen in the league on Friday. Manuel Pellegrini’s team face have talent and big players to try “Of course I will take the re- say that we were too average to do The principality outfi t, who sit Liverpool again in the Premier to recover those points that prob- sponsibility, but as a team we’ve anything, even if it is Paris, even if second in the top-fl ight, are wor- League today, just three days af- ably we lost against Leicester and great character and personal- it is my team,” he said. ried about the state of the pitch ter beating them 3-1 in a penalty Spurs. They won their games ity. You saw that on the pitch, so “The mentality and the aggres- when they play there. shootout in the cup fi nal, follow- this weekend. They are two good there won’t be a problem mov- sion that enabled us to stay un- “AS Monaco wish to express ing a 1-1 stalemate at the end of teams. ing forward. I feel when we play beaten for so long had gone, but it their displeasure following the extra time. City have nine points “We cannot forget Arsenal. to the level we are capable of, we is possible that we can very quickly scheduling of the quarter-fi nal to make up on surprise league now we have time enough to be play for in the Premier League, Everything is very tight at the top can beat everyone. We left every- rediscover that spirit.” of the Coupe de France between leaders Leicester City and are also focused on the Premier League which is a lot of games. of the table. It just depends on us.” thing on the fi eld (against City). Blanc also has injury problems Granville and Marseille,” the club still very much alive in the Cham- and the Champions League,” the “We were in this situation be- Liverpool captain Jordan We have to do the same until the to worry about with the fi xtures said in a statement. pions League, following an im- Argentine right-back said. fore a few years ago even when Henderson admits there is a col- end of the season and there could coming thick and fast. “We cannot understand it, as pressive 3-1 last 16 fi rst-leg away “We know how important it is we won the league that we were lective and personal responsibil- be still success for us. Marco Verratti is once again on the pitch at Stade d’Ornano al- victory at Dynamo Kiev. now to recover all the players and about eight points behind the ity for him to lift his teammates “It is hard. It is diffi cult. But the sidelines, while Angel Di Maria ready appeared in poor condition Zabaleta believes winning the most of them be fi t for that period leaders and we still have a game after the disappointment of de- that is life and football and you missed the Lyon loss after limping in the last game against Rennes.” League Cup, for the second time because we have a lot of big games in hand. feat at Wembley. have to deal with it as best you off against Reims the week before. Nantes, whose 0-0 draw with in three years, will inspire them to coming up now until the end. “It’s time now to focus on the And the England midfi elder can. I’ve been in this situation With the second leg of the Monaco on Sunday means they additional success. “We need to try to win on Premier League and try to win pointed to the experience of the before. We beat Chelsea 4-1 after Champions League, last 16 tie have gone 16 outings without de- “We know that it’s another Wednesday and get back on track on Wednesday.” On a dramatic 2011-12 season, when Liverpool the FA Cup fi nal. We need to re- against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge feat, go to second-tier Sochaux competition, another cup is gone, again. There are still 36 points to weekend in the Premier League, lost the FA Cup fi nal to Chel- spond the same way.” to come on March 9, it is unlikely today. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, March 2, 2016 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT Best chance for Dhoni to lift third world title: Sehwag Former India opener says overall combination of the team makes them the ‘best’ FOCUS

IANS New Delhi West Indies can ne of the most explosive bats- men the game has produced, Virender Sehwag believes that regain T20 title, this is the best chance for India skipperO Mahendra Singh Dhoni to lift his third global title after clinching the 2007 World Twenty20 and 2011 World Cup says Ambrose crowns. Asked if this is Dhoni’s best chance of IANS winning his third World title, the former St John’s (Antigua) India opener said, “Of course. With the composition and combination we have and keeping in mind the way we are play- est Indies bowling ing right now, India are the favourites for coach Curtly Am- World Twenty20. We have a good chance brose has insisted of winning the tournament.” that his side has The World Twenty20 will be played Wsome of the world’s most de- across seven Indian cities from March 15 structive Twenty20 cricketers to April 3 with Eden Gardens in Kolkata who can combine to clinch the scheduled to host the fi nal. upcoming World T20 in India “It also depends on how we play on next month. The Caribbean out- match-days; where we play, what kind fi t, which won the tournament of wickets we get; these things will mat- in 2012, has a host of dynamic ter a lot. India playing at home defi nitely players who regularly shine in makes them favourites. If we perform the world’s domestic Twenty20 well in all three departments, no one can competitions and Ambrose feels stop India from winning the World T20,” they can continue their form in said the 37-year-old. the world event. Sehwag explained that the overall “Look at the team that we cally it will give confi dence to the combination of the team makes India have — half of the team are in youngsters in the squad. “Mar- the “best in the world”, but obviously demand across the world for dif- lon Samuels, Chris Gayle, Andre predicting is one thing and delivering it ferent T20 leagues. So you may Russell, captain Darren Sammy another. “Our team is playing very well. fi nd one guy here, maybe two in and all the senior players have Each department is performing whether this league and two in another to lead from the front,” said the it is batting, bowling or fi elding in com- league, but we have all at once so 52-year-old former star. parison to other teams. Our pacers Jas- we have a great chance of win- “From my experience over the prit Bumrah, Ashish Nehra and Hardik ning this T20 tournament — just years, when the senior players Pandya are doing well. So are our spin- look at our squad,” Ambrose told -- the guys that we expect to re- ners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra cricket.com.au. ally take the mantle and take the Jadeja,” said Sehwag, who is the only In- Ambrose’s point was high- team forward -- are doing well, dian to score two triple centuries in Test lighted recently by the stand- automatically the younger play- cricket. out performances of the play- ers will step up to the plate.” “Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina can ers in Australia’s domestic T20 Samuels, Gayle, Russell, also bowl spin. Plus, we also bat deep. Big Bash League. Andre Rus- Bravo, Badree and Sammy are After Dhoni, Ashwin and Pandya can also sell (Sydney Thunder), Samuel among eight members of the bat. Hence, overall the combination is the Badree (Brisbane Heat), Chris victorious 2012 World T20 squad best in the world. But then anyone can Gayle and Dwayne Bravo (Mel- backing up for this month’s predict. India have to play well to make bourne Renegades) starred for event in India. our predictions come true.” their respective sides. “The fact that we’ve won a Sehwag, who has played 104 Tests and Bravo (201 runs and six wick- World Cup means we know how 251 One-Day Internationals (ODI), fur- ets) was one of the Renegades’ to get it done … this year we’re ther said that Rohit Sharma and statem- best, while Gayle was relatively coming in with eight members ate Shikhar Dhawan have developed into low-key by his world beating from the team that won the a solid opening pair, hoping that they standards before exploding in (T20) World Cup so the squad is will come good in the world event which the fi nal match to register the not lacking in experience,” cap- starts next month. equal-fastest T20 half-century tain Sammy said. “For the last few years, Rohit and of all time (12 balls). “The guys are seasoned T20 Shikhar have been opening in limited Virender Sehwag retired from international cricket last year. The West Indies are in Group players so in that vein, I believe overs cricket for India and they have 1, clubbed alongside defending we have the right personnel and developed into a good pair. I hope they good start, a team can always give their friend Ashish Nehra, who recently made irrespective of the age, that person has a champions Sri Lanka, 2010 win- right calibre cricketers to help us perform well in World T20 and give good opposition a challenging target of 180- a comeback to the Indian team at the ripe chance to play for India,” said Sehwag. ners England, as well as South perform in the conditions in In- starts,” he said. 190. In the end, what matters is what kind age of 36. “He has been called back be- “I wish that he performs well in World Africa and the top team from dia, and we just have that belief “If an opener bats for 6-8 overs, he can of a start an opener gives you.” cause of his very good show in the Indian T20 and helps India win the event like he qualifying Group B (Hong Kong, that we can do it,” Sammy said. give such a start that when the middle- Sehwag, who scored 38 international Premier League (IPL). It has taken a lot of did in 2011. He is a very good bowler. He is Zimbabwe, Scotland, Afghani- The West Indies’ campaign order comes out, they can start going for hundreds in a career ranging from 1999 time... almost a year. This is a good sign regularly getting wickets for India in the stan). Ambrose said when senior kicks off against England on the shots right from the fi rst ball. With a to 2013, also expressed happiness for old which shows that whosoever performs, fi rst couple of overs.” players are doing well automati- March 16 in Mumbai.

ROUND-UP South Africa spinner Phangiso Inzamam backs tainted duo Asif, Butt suspended over AFP crued suffi cient nominations to be put for- New Delhi ward as a prospective board member at the club’s annual general meeting over Easter. illegal action Denison has made it clear in a BBC inter- ormer Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul view he does not believe the former England Cape Town: South Africa left-arm spinner Haq has backed tainted compatriots opener’s presence at committee level will be Aaron Phangiso will miss the first two Twenty20 Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt, in Yorkshire’s best interests. Internationals against Australia this week after saying they should be given a second Speaking on the day the club announced an his action was found to be illegal by the ICC’s chanceF after serving stints in jail for spot fi x- annual profi t for the fi rst time in seven years, testing laboratory. ing. The pair, along with former teammate Denison cited the need for “stability”. Phangiso will get the chance to win back Mohammad Amir, were jailed in Britain after Yorkshire, county champions for the past his place in the squad for the final game of the being found guilty of spot fi xing at the 2010 two seasons, are planning a multimillion series next Wednesday and South Africa’s World Lord’s Test against England. pound redevelopment of the Football Ground Twenty20 campaign in India, when he is re- Although Amir has returned to the national stand to try to guarantee Test match status tested by the ICC’s Panel of Human Movement team in impressive style, Asif and Butt remain beyond the agreement with the England and Specialists on Monday. sidelined and have not been included in Paki- Wales Cricket Board, in place until 2019. The first assessment revealed that all stan’s squad for the T20 World Cup starting Denison told BBC Radio Leeds: “We want in- variations of his deliveries exceeded the 15 this month in India. dividuals with skills that can guarantee the degrees level of tolerance permitted under ICC “Once a person completes his sentence, he survival of the club.” regulations after he was reported in a domestic has the right to live and play and the right to Members will be urged to look beyond Boy- 50-over semi-final last week. do everything else,” Inzamam told AFP in an cott when it is recommended at the end of Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed that interview in New Delhi. “So I believe the oth- this month that three new board members he will not be considered for the first two er players should also get a chance to make a are elected.“We are saying no on the back of Twenty20 matches against Australia on Friday return,” said Inzamam, who played with the stability,” the chairman said. “The success and Sunday. The 32-year-old will remain with pair in the later stages of his career. we have had in the last two seasons has been the squad to work with spin bowling coach The swashbuckling batsman, who took on the back of a very stable board and a very Claude Henderson, who will be joined by CSA’s over as coach of Afghanistan last year, was Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-Ul-Haq. stable management team, all pointing in the high performance manager Vinnie Barnes, to briefl y in Delhi as part of his minnow’s prepa- same direction.” try to remedy his action. rations for the World Cup. Cricket Council, while Asif and Butt became and got down to business right away with his Yorkshire retain signifi cant existing debts, Should Phangiso’s action still need work Inzamam, who played 120 Tests and 388 eligible last September for national and inter- wicket-taking ability intact. despite the annual profi t of £368,000 and an after Monday’s tests, he will be replaced in the one-day internationals during his illustrious national matches. Inzamam said he believes Pakistan still increased income of £8.4m, and Test-match national squad most likely, but not conclusively, career, praised Amir for his sensational spell But the Pakistan Cricket Board has said the stands a chance in the World T20 starting status is crucial to their well-being. by another spinner. Currently, Phangiso is the of bowling against India in the ongoing T20 pair will have to work harder to impress be- March 8 despite disappointing batting in the Denison has fond memories of Boycott in only back-up to legspinner Imran Tahir Asia Cup in Dhaka. “The sheer fact that a per- fore returning to international cricket. Asia Cup. “T20 is an unpredictable format, his playing days, when he became a hero for Phangiso was disciplined by CSA late last son can have so much talent, that even after a They returned to domestic cricket in style so you cannot rule out any team’s chances,” many, but will not allow that to aff ect year after allegedly off ending crew and passen- long hiatus he can bowl with the same vigour in January, with Butt smashing a century and said Inzamam, who has 8,830 Test runs to his his judgment. “He’s a boyhood hero of gers on a flight from India while in an intoxi- and precision” is amazing, he said. left-armer Asif picking up two wickets in credit. mine – I invaded the pitch aged 13 when he cated state. “The way he bowled against India it didn’t their fi rst outing in the one-day league. got his 100th hundred at Headingley. He was also forced to apologise after being look as if he was making a comeback after fi ve All three were found guilty by a British YORKSHIRE TELL GEOFF BOYCOTT “But the problem we face at the moment is caught by television cameras imitating snorting long years. It was a treat to watch.” court of arranging deliberate no-balls in re- THEY DON’T WANT HIM ON THE BOARD the club has been in serious fi nancial diffi cul- cocaine while in the team’s dugout during the The 23-year-old took three quick wickets turn for money in a complex betting scam. Geoff Boycott’s hopes of joining the board at ty for a long time, propped up by [the former second Twenty20 international against England for Pakistan in last week’s match before In- They were jailed in 2011 and were released at Yorkshire have found little favour with the chairman] Colin Graves. We need specialist at The Wanderers last month. Phangiso has dia eventually pummelled their bitter rivals diff erent times the following year. club chairman, Steve Denison. skills on our board in relation to fi nance and played 16 one-day internationals and nine T20s by fi ve wickets. Amir’s fi ve-year ban from the Amir returned to the national side for the Boycott, a former Yorkshire captain and construction, and that’s the direction of the for South Africa. sport was lifted last April by the International limited-overs tour of New Zealand in January more recently president, has reportedly ac- board over the next few years.” Gulf Times Wednesday, March 2, 2016 5 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Indian In-form Kohli guides state threatens Pak tie

AFP India to Asia Cup fi nal New Delhi

ndia’s cricket board yes- Kohli, hit 56 off 47 balls to guide India to 142-5 after their bowlers restricted Sri Lanka to 138-9 terday criticised authori- ties in the northern state of AFP arm spinner Rangana Herath for two Himachal Pradesh after they sixes off successive balls in the next Irefused to provide security for an India’s Virat Kohli plays a shot during the Dhaka Asia Cup T20 cricket match against Sri Lanka over to make 35 off 18 balls. upcoming India-Pakistan World at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium India captain MS Dhoni praised T20 tie, citing a January attack in Dhaka yesterday. (AFP) n-form batsman Virat Kohli made Singh for his eff ort. “Yuvraj Singh’s on an Indian army base. an unbeaten half-century as India innings was crucial, not just for this Chief Minister Virbhadra eased to a fi ve-wicket win over Sri match but for the team as well,” said Singh said yesterday that the Lanka to qualify for the Asia Cup Dhoni. “Good to see him get into some match should be moved to an- Ifi nal in Dhaka yesterday. good form.” other venue out of respect for Kohli, who played a brilliant innings Put into bat fi rst by Dhoni, Sri Lan- the “martyrs” killed in the as- of 49 under pressure against Paki- ka’s Kapugedera scored the team’s sault by Pakistani militants on stan on Saturday, hit 56 off 47 balls to highest of 30 off 32 balls, but the is- an Indian air force base in neigh- guide India to 142-5 after their medium landers needed a strong eff ort from bouring Punjab. pacers restricted Sri Lanka to 138-9. lower order batsmen Milinda Siri- He has threatened not to pro- Replying to the modest score, India wardana and Kulasekara. Siriwardana vide security for Pakistan’s play- were in danger early on when Nuwan made 22 off 17 balls while Kulasekara ers at the Himachal Pradesh Kulasekara removed both the openers added 17 after facing just six balls to cricket ground in the Himalayan Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma for provide a late impetus. town of Dharamsala where the just 16 runs. Indian medium pacers controlled the clash is due to take place on Dhawan returned to the starting innings making regular in-roads from March 19. “We are not willing to line-up after an injury break against the start. Ashish Nehra removed Chan- provide security for the match,” Pakistan but survived just three balls dimal early after he added six runs to a senior state government offi - before edging Kulasekara to Dinesh his 50 and 37 runs in the previous two cial told AFP. Chandimal for one. Sharma fell in Ku- matches. “It’s just one match that we lasekara’s next over off ering a catch to Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah are bothered about because it Chamara Kapugedera at slip for 15. then claimed two wickets each to fi nish involves Pakistan and our deci- Kohli, who hit seven fours, added 54 with 2-26 and 2-27 respectively before sion refl ects the sentiments of runs with Suresh Raina for the third the lower-order gave the Sri Lankan the people of Himachal.” wicket to put India fi rmly in control. innings some respectability. Sri Lanka Indian cricket board secretary “Touch wood, it’s coming out nicely captain Angelo Mathews said dew that Anurag Thakur accused the state now. Another crunch situation, 16 for had fallen on the ground in the evening of playing politics and said the 2. It’s nice to challenge yourself,” Kohli was partly responsible for their defeat. country regularly provided se- said after the match. “Kulasekara and “With the dew coming in, it felt like curity for Pakistani sportsmen Angie were bowling well. I knew I’m we were 20-25 runs short, but the In- and women. “The venues of the striking the ball well, so I have to take dians batted well, as always, and Virat World Cup matches were decid- the pressure off the other batsman by was outstanding,” he said. “If the wick- ed one year ago, the allotment of hitting the odd boundary.” et was like the previous one, it would matches was decided six months Dasun Shanaka broke the partner- have been a fi ghting total, but the dew ago,” said Thakur. ship as Raina miscued a catch to Ku- came in and the ball started sliding “By claiming that you cannot lasekara at mid-off after making 25 through.” provide security, you are only runs. Yuvraj Singh ensured it did not Bangladesh will face Pakistan in the giving credence to Pakistani aff ect India’s run-fl ow, hitting left- tournament today. claims that there is a security threat to their team in India. It’s about the country’s image.” Pakistan have already voiced SCORECARD concerns about security in India, SRI LANKA INNINGS 0, Jadeja 2-0-19-0, Ashwin 4-0-26-2 (nb1 saying there were specifi c threats D. Chandimal c Dhoni b Nehra 4 w2), Raina 1-0-9-0 from Hindu activists who forced T. Dilshan c Ashwin b Pandya 18 INDIA INNINGS the cancellation of a meeting be- S. Jayasuriya c Dhoni b Bumrah 3 S. Dhawan c Chandimal b Kulasekara 1 tween cricket offi cials from the C. Kapugedera c Pandya b Bumrah 30 R. Sharma c Kapugedera b Kulasekara 15 two countries in Mumbai last A. Mathews b Pandya 18 V. Kohli not out 56 October. The South Asian arch- M. Siriwardana c Raina b Ashwin 22 S. Raina c Kulasekara b Shanaka 25 rivals have not played a bilateral D. Shanaka run out 1 Yuvraj Singh c Kulasekara b Perera 35 series for more than three years T. Perera st Dhoni b Ashwin 17 H. Pandya b Herath 2 amid diplomatic tensions. Those N. Kulasekara run out 13 MS Dhoni not out 7 were worsened by the January D. Chameera not out 2 Extras (w1) 1 attack on the Pathankot airbase, Extras (lb 5 w4 nb 1) 10 Total (five wickets; 19.2 overs) 142 which came days after Indian Total (nine wickets; 20 overs) 138 Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Dhawan), 2-16 Prime Minister Narendra Mo- Fall of wickets: 1-6 (Chandimal), (Sharma), 3-70 (Raina) 4-121(Yuvraj), di’s surprise peacemaking visit 2-15 (Jayasuriya), 3-31 (Dilshan) 4-57 5-125 (Pandya) to Pakistan in December. The (Mathews), 5-100 (Siriwardana), 6-104 Bowling: Mathews 3-0-16-0, Kulasekara raid led to the postponement of (Shanaka), 7-105 (Kapugedera), 8-125 3-0-21-2, Perera 4-0-32-1, Chameera 4-0- peace talks between the nuclear- (Perera) , 9-138 (Kulasekara) 27-0 (w1), Herath 3.2-0-26-1, Shanaka armed arch-rivals, with Modi Bowling: Nehra 4-0-23-1(w2), Bumrah 1-0-7-1, Siriwardana 1-0-13-0 urging his Pakistani counterpart 4-0-27-2, Pandya 4-0-26-2, Yuvraj 1-0-3- Result: India won by five wickets Nawaz Sharif to take “fi rm and immediate action”.

IPL ROUND-UP Dravid named Daredevils’ mentor McDermott to step down as Australia Agencies New Delhi bowling coach ajasthan Royals’ exit from the Indian Premier League (IPL) Reuters enormously from his experience turned out to be Delhi Daredev- Melbourne and insight and they are all better ils’ gain when the latter unveiled cricketers thanks to his coaching theR legendary Rahul Dravid as their men- and hard work.” tor for the upcoming season of IPL 2016. ustralia’s bowling Di Venuto’s exit was made The former Indian skipper had been as- coach Craig McDer- public last month on Australia’s sociated with the Royals for a long pe- mott will leave after tour of New Zealand, where riod, fi rst as a player-captain and then as the upcoming World the top-fi ve batsmen all scored a mentor. Twenty20A tournament in India, heavily and were praised by Leh- South Africa’s Paddy Upton was un- joining batting coach Michael mann. He will leave to join Eng- veiled as the head coach. Dravid and Up- Di Venuto in departing the top- lish county Surrey as head coach ton will work with a team of assistants: ranked Test nation. McDermott, after Australia’s three Twenty20 Zubin Bharucha (technical director), who took 291 wickets in 71 Tests international matches against former India batsmen Sridharan Sriram for Australia, turned down a South Africa, which starts on and Praveen Amre (batting coaches), and contract extension so he could Friday. Former Test and one-day former Tamil Nadu and India fast bowler concentrate on his outside busi- international Greg Blewett will TA Sekhar (bowling consultant). ness interests, Cricket Australia step in as batting coach. Dravid was thrilled to be named as said in a statement yesterday. mentor of the side. “I am very excited by “Its been a thrill to have been PATTINSON SUFFERS the challenge of taking Delhi Daredev- able to help the players reach RECURRENCE OF SHIN PAIN ils on to the next level. From what I have their potential, and to see them Australia pace bowler James Pat- seen I have been impressed by the am- achieve such feats as the 5-0 tinson has suff ered a recurrence bition and energy demonstrated by the Ashes win at home, defeating of shin soreness that kept him on team and I look forward to working with a South Africa in South Africa and the sidelines for much of January group of players that I believe have what winning last year’s World Cup,” and been ordered to rest for the it takes to succeed. Along with the rest McDermott said. remainder of the season. of the support staff , I am fully aware of “I’d love nothing more than to The right-arm quick, who what this franchise means to its support- fi nish this stint with victory in missed Australia’s domestic ers and I intend to do everything possible the World T20 in India.” Twenty20 competition in Janu- to help build a team that the fans can be Australia coach Darren Leh- ary, returned to the international proud of.” mann said McDermott was a big fi eld in the second Test against Incidentally, the trio of Dravid, Up- loss for the team, having helped New Zealand in Christchurch ton and Bharucha were part of the core bring through some of their bur- where he impressed with his pace team at Rajasthan Royals, which has geoning fast bowling talent. and bristling aggression. been suspended for two seasons by Delhi Daredevils’ unveiled the legendary batsman Rahul Dravid (centre) as their mentor for the upcoming season of IPL 2016. “He has played a key role in The 25-year-old took six wick- the Lodha Committee. In 2014, having developing our young group of ets in the match at Hagley Oval, served as captain in previous seasons, ties and one no result. One of the most inaugural Pakistan Super League. constantly learning about the Twenty20 fast bowlers including Mitchell including 4-77 in New Zealand’s Dravid assumed the role of team di- sought after coaches in the T20 for- “I relish the privilege to work again format as I move around the world, and Starc, Josh Hazlewood, James second innings that helped re- rector cum mentor at Royals. In the 28 mat, Upton recently won the Big Bash with Rahul and Zubin, and to have the look forward to applying and furthering Pattinson, Pat Cummins and duce the target Australia needed matches Dravid oversaw, the franchise League with Sydney Thunder, before opportunity to do so at a franchise like this knowledge at the coming IPL season Nathan Coulter-Nile. to chase to seal the seven-wicket won 13 matches and lost 12, with two also coaching Lahore Qalandars in the Delhi Daredevils,” Upton said. “I am with Delhi.” “Our bowlers have benefi ted victory. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, March 2, 2016 SPORT

NBA NHL Sharks crush King James returns Canadiens 6-2 , step closer to with 33, Cavs edge postseason

By Curtis Pashelka Polak and Spaling, both San Jose Mercury News (TNS) slated to become unrestricted free agents this summer, were brought over from the Toronto Pacers 100-96 he San Jose Sharks’ 6-2 Maple Leafs last Monday for win over the Montreal second-round draft picks in 2017 ‘I just try to be their leader, leave an imprint on the game and live with the results’ Canadiens on Monday and 2018 and the contract of Raffi night served as another Torres. Treminder of just how diff erent “It’s supply and demand,” a place they’re in right now as Wilson said Monday. “History opposed to where they were 12 is history. You take emotions months ago. out of it, and I would rather pay At the end of February in 2015, full value for what we want than the Sharks tumbled out of the overpay for something we don’t playoff picture as they coughed want.” and wheezed through one of A handful of defensemen were their worst months in recent traded over the last three days, franchise history. Monday’s vic- although the most notable ones tory, though, capped an 8-4-2 dealt were left-handed shots. month that just about punched Polak is a right-shot defense- their ticket to the postseason. man, which the Sharks sought Joe Thornton, Joe Pavelski along with a reliable penalty kill- and Brent Burns each had three er and a physical presence. points and Chris Tierney added “When you see a day with as two assists as the Sharks moved few trades that took place today, 14 points ahead of Vancouver and you don’t want to be sitting there Arizona for third place in the Pa- going, geez, I wish I had been cifi c Division with 20 games to go. more proactive,” Wilson said. Nick Spaling and Melker “We think the net (gain), what we Karlsson also scored for the gave and what we got is very fair Sharks, who moved two points and I’ll echo again, not giving up back of second place Anaheim the young players that we drafted and four back of fi rst place Los the last few years was a crucial Angeles in what’s shaping up to part of this. We think we’re at a be one of the more entertaining good place.” division races in the NHL. Wilson also traded Alex Sta- The Sharks went 6-3-1 on the lock and Ben Smith for James road in February and 2-1-1 at Reimer and Jeremy Morin. Reim- home. er is also scheduled to be an un- Thornton had three points in restricted free agent in July, al- the fi rst two periods, as he fed though reaction to that trade was Burns and Pavelski for goals and much more favourable to Wilson. scored one on the doorstep to Wilson pointed to the work continue one of the more incred- the team has done to get back to ible scoring paces of his career. being a playoff and possibly a Pa- Thornton and Pavelski con- cifi c Division title contender. On nected on the fi rst two Sharks March 1 of last year after a 3-8- goals. Thornton opened the 2 February, the Sharks had 68 scoring 3:11 into the fi rst period, points in 63 games and were in and Pavelski fi nished his chance fi fth place in the division. as Thornton threaded a pass to “Our staff did a very good job him through three Canadiens of identifying the key ingredi- defenders for a 2-1 Sharks lead ents we wanted to add: A qual- with 4:05 to go in the fi rst. ity, physical, right shot D-man, a Then 3:11 into the second peri- goaltender to come in and com- od, Thornton and Burns worked a plement (Martin Jones) and Nick give and go, and Burns scored his Spaling ...,” Wilson said. “Add LeBron James (centre) of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots over Ian Mahinmi (left) of the Indiana Pacers during their NBA game in Cleveland, Ohio, on Monday. (AFP) 21st goal of the season by fi nding that with Martin Jones, Paul the inside of the cross bar. Martin, Joel Ward, and I think DPA after the 24-second shot clock expired. 20 points, 13 rebounds and 15 assists, and Washington Wizards 116, Philadelphia Monday’s Sharks lineup was you can see that the pieces have Los Angeles A James drive gave the Cavs a 91-90 the visiting Thunder rolled the Kings for 76ers 108: John Wall 16 of his 37 points the same one that beat Vancou- kind of come together.” advantage before George and Monta Ellis the 21st time in 25 meetings. Turkish- in the fi nal quarter, Marcin Gortat had 18 ver 4-1 on Sunday night, as gen- made layups at the other end to put the native Enis Kanter made all 11 of his fi eld with a career-high 20 rebounds, and the eral manager Doug Wilson didn’t RESULTS eBron James returned to the lineup Pacers back on top by three. goals en route to 23 points off the bench Wizards (29-30) beat the visiting Sixers for make any more deals before San Jose 6 Montréal 2 and the Cleveland Cavaliers got After Matthew Dellavedova drilled the for Oklahoma City (42-18), which had their third straight win. Ish Smith scored Monday’s NHL trade deadline. Dallas 2 Detroit 3 (OT) back on track. James scored 33 tying 3-pointer, Thompson hit the go- lost four of its previous fi ve outings. Sac- 25 points for the league-worst Sixers (8- He did, however, defend the one Toronto 1 Tampa Bay 2 points, Tristan Thompson made ahead layup off a James feed with 29.5 ramento (24-34) was led by DeMarcus 50), who dropped their ninth in a row, as he did make for Roman Polak and NY Rangers 2 Columbus 1 Ltwo crucial plays in the fi nal minute, help- ticks to go before blocking George Hill’s Cousins’ 35-point, 12-rebound eff ort. rookie centre Jahlil Okafor sat out the game Nick Spaling against perceptions Philadelphia 5 Calgary 3 ing the Cavaliers to a gritty 100-96 win drive with 18 seconds left. LA Clippers 105, Brooklyn Nets 96: with a right shin bruise. he overpaid for the two players. Pittsburgh 6 Arizona 0 over the Indiana Pacers on Monday night. Asked which play gave him the greatest Reserve Jamal Crawford scored 10 of his Memphis Grizzlies 103, Denver An energized James was back after satisfaction: “The game-winning block, 26 points in the fi nal quarter, Chris Paul Nuggets 96: Zach Randolph scored coach Tyronn Lue rested his superstar by far,” said Thompson, who fi nished had 23 with 12 assists and the Clippers 22, Matt Barnes had 16 and the visiting before Sunday’s uninspiring 113-99 road with 14 points and 11 rebounds. “Defence (39-20) pulled away in the fourth quarter Grizzlies beat the Nuggets. Memphis (35- loss to the Washington Wizards. wins ball-games.” to beat the stubborn Nets. Brook Lopez 24) moved to 5-2 since losing Spanish “They felt like they missed my energy Irving hit four free throws around a had 25 points and 10 rebounds for Brook- centre Marc Gasol to season-ending foot yesterday, so that’s what I bring to the Hill layup in the fi nal 8.9 seconds and the lyn (17-43), which dropped to 2-2 on its surgery. Kenneth Faried had 16 points table,” James said. “I just try to be their Cavs completed a 3-0 season-sweep of nine-game road trip. with 11 rebounds for Denver (23-37), leader, leave an imprint on the game and the Pacers for the fi rst time in six years. Milwaukee Bucks 128, Houston which committed 20 turnovers leading live with the results.” “When our backs are against the wall Rockets 121: “Greek Freak” Giannis An- to 30 Memphis points. The Nuggets were Kyrie Irving had 22 points and Kevin that’s when we tend to want to play hard,” tetokounmpo collected his second career without their top scorer Danilo Gallinari, Love netted 13 for the struggling East- Lue said. “I have to get on those guys to triple-double with 18 points, 17 rebounds sidelined indefi nitely with torn right best Cleveland (42-17), which had play a full 48 minutes.” and 11 assists, and the Bucks outlasted ankle ligaments. dropped three of its last four outings. Ellis scored 28 points and George add- the visiting Rockets. Jabari Parker poured Boston Celtics 100, Utah Jazz 95: Jae “Nothing else mattered but the game,” ed 23 for Indiana (31-29), which dropped in a career-best 36 point and Khris Mid- Crowder scored 22 points, including the Irving said. “We all threw ourselves into its third in a row. dleton added 30 for Milwaukee (25-35), go-ahead triple with 30 seconds left, the game. We kept it strong, we just kept which went on a late 13-1 run to turn a Avery Bradley had 18 and a key block on fi ghting.” ELSEWHERE one-point lead into a 125-112 cushion Gordon Hayward, helping the Celt- Indiana led 93-89 after Paul George Oklahoma City Thunder 131, Sacra- with 2:29 left. Dwight Howard had 30 ics (36-25), extend their home winning buried a 3-pointer from the right corner. mento Kings 116: Kevin Durant scored points with 13 rebounds for Houston (29- streak to 11. Trey Lyles and Shelvin Mack But referees reviewed the shot during a 26 points, Russell Westbrook posted his 31), while James Harden fi nished with 26 had 18 points apiece for Utah (28-31), Melker Karlsson of the San Jose Sharks celebrates after scoring timeout and wiped it out, ruling it came ninth triple-double of the season with points and nine assists. losers of three in a row. against Montreal Canadiens in San Jose on Monday. (AFP)

NFL Brady back for more: Quarterback, Patriots agree on extension through 2019

By Mark Daniels of slowing down, leading the NFL with 36 touch- could take the case to the Supreme Court. ond-round pick (which they used to take Patrick The Providence Journal (TNS) down passes and fi nishing third with 4,770 pass- Although Garoppolo might have a bright fu- Chung). ing yards. He was an MVP candidate through most ture, it now seems likely that it will be some- It’s also possible the Patriots could spend an- of the season before a rash of injuries on off ense where other than New England. With Garop- other draft pick on a quarterback and let some- hen the Patriots take the fi eld in hurt his fi nal numbers. The four-time Super Bowl polo still under contract for two more seasons, one develop as the No 3 over the next couple of September for their fi rst game of champion earned his 11th Pro Bowl bid. the Patriots don’t have to rush any decision on seasons. the 2016 season, it’s not a foregone Brady still has one more signifi cant hurdle to his future. Bill Belichick has drafted seven quarterbacks conclusion that Tom Brady will be overcome this off season. On Thursday, his law- During his fi rst two seasons Garoppolo has since Brady took over as the starter in 2001. Wtheir starting quarterback. However, it looks like yers will be in New York City as the NFL appeals completed 20 of 31 passes for 188 yards and a Brady was set to carry a salary-cap hit of $15 Brady will continue to wear the Patriots uniform the decision by US District Court Judge Richard touchdown. His action has mostly come late million for this upcoming season, and $16 million well into his 40s. Berman that vacated Brady’s four-game De- in lopsided games, with the exception of the for 2017. It is not known whether this will reduce According to ESPN, the Patriots and Brady fl ategate suspension. meaningless 2014 regular-season fi nale. the impact in either of those years. Brady has a his- have agreed on a two-year contract extension The sides won’t be arguing about whether This summer will be a good opportunity for tory, however, of agreeing to team-friendly deals. that will keep Brady on the team through the Brady was involved in a scheme to defl ate foot- other teams to see how Garoppolo has devel- Last season, 13 other quarterbacks had higher 2019 season, when he’ll be 42 years old. Accord- balls. Instead, three judges on the US Court of oped in New England. The 2014 second-round cap hits than Brady’s $14 million. They includ- ing to The Boston Herald, the Patriots initially Appeals for the Second Circuit -- Robert Katz- pick will likely be a valuable trade chip down the ed Eli Manning, Joe Flacco, Tony Romo, Alex approached Brady about the deal. mann, Barrington Parker Jr. and Denny Chin road. In the meantime, he gives the Patriots a Smith, Jay Cutler and Colin Kaepernick. Brady entered this off season with two years — will determine whether Berman properly ap- capable backup who has received rave reviews The Patriots now have three players signed left on his deal. His contract was set to expire at plied the law when he overturned the punish- for his work with the scout team. through 2019: Brady, Rob Gronkowski and the same time as backup Jimmy Garoppolo’s. ment that the league imposed on Brady in May The Patriots could keep Garoppolo through Devin McCourty. Would the Patriots roll the dice with a young- 2015. A ruling isn’t expected to be announced 2017 and then place the franchise tag on him so That group will certainly grow this year. er quarterback or keep Brady on the team into this week and could take up to three months. that they can trade him rather than lose him in Dont’a Hightower, Jamie Collins, Chandler his 40s? If the league prevails, Brady might have to free agency. That is what the Patriots did with Jones and Malcolm Butler are all on contracts On Monday, there appeared to be an answer. miss the fi rst four games of the 2016 season — not said what the league would do. If Brady and Matt Cassel in 2009 before trading him to Kan- that are set to expire after next season. The Pa- Last season, at age 38, Brady showed no signs although NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has the players union once again prevail, the NFL sas City, along with Mike Vrabel, for a 2009 sec- triots will want to extend some of those deals. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 2, 2016 7 SPORT

NBA Stephen Curry’s tale of wimp revenge has taken him to Messi-like heights NBA MVP’s remarkable run is more than a simple accumulation of stats, it’s a form of basketball revolution

By Aaron Timms deliberation on the edge of the three- theguardian.com point arc as diff erent play options are assessed—is being upended: Curry has made it possible to conceive of a space t’s what the world ignored that of pure transition as a space of pure made Stephen Curry’s Saturday scoring. In the process, he’s reintro- night so special. Kevin Durant sat duced an element of surprise into a in the stands, glum-faced, as Cur- sport most often seen by its detractors Iry sunk the improbable, preposterous, as plodding and predictable. on-script, last second three-pointer— Curry is a freak, of course, and his heaved, it seemed, almost apologeti- ever-extending three-point range is cally, from mid-waist—that gave the unlikely to herald an immediate tacti- Golden State Warriors victory in one of cal revolution throughout the NBA: his their sternest tests of the season. achievement is unique because it’s dif- Durant himself had just capped off fi cult. But the arc of athletic excellence a performance every bit as impossible only knows one historical direction, so as anything the Warriors idol has pro- it’s fair to see in Curry’s example a light duced this season—he scored 37 points for future NBA generations to follow. and shot seven-of-11 from the three- Where does Curry’s season fi t in the point line. But all that was forgotten pantheon of the great streaks? Wilt in the delirium of Curry’s last-second Chamberlain, who smashed his own heroics, the latest chapter in the un- points record with around 25% of the stoppable rise of Steph. season left in 1960-61, off ers the most Historically, the NBA has specialized obvious corollary in basketball, and in creating great players everyone loves some have reached for the Michael Jor- to hate, anti-heroes over whose un- dan comparisons. questionable athletic greatness hangs But this era is diff erent to Chamber- a permanent caveat, fl awed geniuses lain’s, and Jordan’s record is a tribute to like Kobe Bryant. sustained, superhuman greatness over Durant is a player everyone can three diff erent decades—something Cur- like—an all-round Good Dude who ry will only be able to match years from contributes to charity and is kind to now. For pure streakiness, Rocky Mar- people less rich than him. Curry, alone ciano, Wayne Gretzky, and Lionel Messi among modern NBA greats, is the play- all enjoyed unbroken chains of achieve- er everyone loves to love. ment on a level similar to Curry’s—with The great sporting streaks gain pow- Messi’s 2012-2013 feat of scoring in 21 er from the depth of their shadows— consecutive games, which overlapped the players the world forgot about, with his 2012 record of 91 goals in a cal- even if just for a moment, while the endar year, probably the closest we have streak was being made. to a modern point of comparison. Curry, it’s true, benefi ts from a stel- we are witnessing the fi rst steps of a from sleeves to no-sleeves once they wins (Golden State have 53 wins with with Davidson or early years as a pro Messi, like Curry, doesn’t look like lar Warriors support cast—his achieve- potentially historic march to greatness. leave college and move to the pros, 24 games left). Yes, he’s smashed the suggested he would suddenly vault, in much of an athlete. He’s the high priest ments this season would never have Basketball has always been stacked in but Curry is doing things another way, record for consecutive three pointers— his mid-20s, onto the same plane as of wimp revenge. Messi, like Curry, been possible without the dogged tight favor of the meatheads. smashing records as if in tribute to his he’s now scored from beyond the arc in basketball’s true greats. doesn’t just score a lot: he expands the defending of Andre Iguodala, Dray- The rise of Curry—impish, elusive— own puniness: Look mom, sleeves! 129 consecutive games. In his fi rst few seasons with Gold- realm of the possible. But Messi had mond Green’s snappy distribution, or represents a readjustment in favour of He’s the anti-macho boy wonder Yes, he’s already beaten his own en State, he stuck to the point guard been heralded as a future great since the tweets of Andrew Bogut. the little guy. It’s not that he’s little, who never gets old, and in a sense his record for total three-pointers scored manual, mixing work around the his teenage years; he didn’t suddenly, These players often get overlooked, not in a Muggsy Bogues sense at least: entire career can be fi t under the cat- in a single season, and there’s still basket with mid-range jumpers and without much warning, explode onto a as do the feats of the other greats in the guy is 6ft 3in, after all. It’s more egory of wimp revenge. around 30% of the season left to play. three-pointers. But over the past two plane of greatness as if kicking through the league. If the best we can say about about the way he moves around the His strategy is defl ective, and the But this only captures part of the seasons, the Curry jump shot has al- a locked door, dragging an entire team Curry is that he’s putting modern ti- court, fi nding the pockets, working the unique insight off ered by his genius is achievement. It’s not just that Curry most completely evaporated; this term along with him. tans like Durant in the shade, that dead zones, tricking the big men. that often, the best way to neutralize is sinking a lot of three-pointers; he’s almost all his points have come from With Curry, this is what we are wit- alone stands as testament to the scale There’s something slightly nerdy your opponents is to refuse to confront doing them from further and further layups and three-pointers. nessing right now. Perhaps, in the end, of his achievement this season. about Curry: the wiry frame, the easy them head-on: he meets power with out. All streaks are impressive from the It’s the growing range from which it’s pointless to make comparisons, be- As it happens, there’s so much more mastery of proper syntax when talk- evasion, and gains strength even as he vantage of pure statistics—that’s their he’s landing his long shots that makes cause however you look at it, Curry’s to say—because Curry, no prize for ing, the not-quite goatee, less a fully runs away. In the face of power, he of- very nature—but few fundamentally this Curry season truly revolutionary. season has no precedent. pointing this out, is unfairly, scan- formed beard than a wispy, pubescent fers less than power can conquer. In a explode the limits of what was previ- Single-handedly, he is reimagining the The numbers are jaw-dropping but dalously good right now. And what statement of aspirational manhood. sport of Steves, he is Steph. ously thought possible in their given sport’s understanding and use of the what makes Curry’s streak is about he’s doing this season is more than Even the choice of clothing for Sat- It’s important to get a handle on what sport. As Curry’s three-point streak mid-court, once thought of as a strict- more than the simple accumulation of just a fl uke, or a one-season fl ash, or urday night’s last-second stunner—a exactly it is that makes Curry’s season extends, so too does the range from ly transitional zone in the movement stats: it’s a movement, an opening, an a refl ection of league-wide defensive t-shirt rather than a sleeveless jersey— so special. Yes, the team he leads now which the baskets land. from defense to attack. advent, a Bernie Sanders-like strike for weakness, as Phil Jackson and legions was somehow fi tting. looks set to beat the Chicago Bulls’s Curry was a talented college player, Basketball’s traditional rhythm— the little guy, its own kind of basketball of has-beens might argue: few doubt Players are supposed to graduate 1995-1996 regular season record of 72 but nothing about his three seasons speed through the center of the court, revolution. GCC GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS BEGIN AT DOHA GOLF CLUB TODAY

Qatar Golf Association off icials pose for a group photo with players and off icials from the GCC countries during the opening ceremony of the GCC Golf Championships (Senior and Under-18) which begins at the Doha Golf Club today. The event continues till Saturday (March 5). The four-day event has attracted a total of 37 players (20 senior and 17 junior) from the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman besides hosts Qatar. While the senior team will play four rounds, the junior team will be playing three rounds on the par-72 DGC course. Each country has sent two senior teams and one junior team for the four-day event. PICTURE: Jayaram Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, March 2, 2016 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Mourinho and Van Gaal could work at Man United together A similar handover worked for Van Gaal at Barcelona, so it is a shame the English game does not operate in that way when the Dutchman is doing a good job bringing through youngsters at Old Traff ord

By Barney Ronay The Guardian

here’s a good bit in Bobby Robson’s au- tobiography where he describes with brilliantly magnanimous good sense the end of his time as Barcelona head coach. TRobson still had a year left on his contract when Louis van Gaal (left) he found out the club had other plans, with the and Jose Mourinho best young (ish) coach in the world already lined spent time together up to take over. at Barcelona in 1997. Talks were held. A compromise was reached. Robson would stay on as general manager, of- fering his handover notes and bequeathing his assistant, the magnifi cently piqued José Mour- inho, to his successor. Who was of course the 40-something Louis van Gaal. Robson describes the arrangement: “Look Louis,” I said. “You’re going to be the future, so you have the job and I’ll walk way. Let’s shake hands and do it nicely. I’ll scout for you. I won’t undermine you …” I ought to say that Louis was totally respectful towards me.” It worked too. Robson saw out his contract. Barcelona won the league that year. A very amicable, grown-up kind of succession was brokered. Fast forward 20 years and the suggestion con- tinues to bubble away that this same triangula- tion of elite coaching talents is circling Man- chester in slightly altered form. In this version Van Gaal is now Robson, the ageing eminence with a year left to run. Mourinho is Van Gaal, the hot (ish) young (ish) thing. And Ed Woodward and the dispa- rate Old Traff ord hierarchy are charged, as the Barcelona board were, with producing the best possible result from the coaching riches bump- ing shoulders – so we are led to believe - in the Old Traff ord vestibule. So. Why not do a Bobby? The latest whispered talk is that Mourinho will take over if United fail to make the Champions League for next season. But perhaps this doesn’t have to be an either-or. Why not resist that familiar old scorched earth urge and create a kind of high-end brains trust, reuniting Mourinho with the coach who fi rst gave him the chance to actually take a proper training session? Van Gaal has been here before after all. He re- mains a huge asset with a vast reservoir of ex- pertise on development and good practice. Who knows, in some sweeping academy- revamping, player-scouting role he might even help Mourinho remember his own best quali- ties, that concentrated energy and focus on fi ne details rather than the gruelling adversity of his toxic middle age. It is certainly an idea. Albeit not one that has boldness of nothing much left to lose – the past Badstuber. Even his AZ Alkmaar had a reputa- in Anthony Martial, Shaw and even, perhaps, to the thin gruel of Van Gaal’s second season the any serious chance of becoming reality, given eight days have seen a rejigged tion for blooding talent, with Graziano Pellè the improving Memphis Depay, who clearly likes idea that he has betrayed “the United way” al- that so many impossible variables must fi rst United beat Midtjylland, Shrewsbury and a and Moussa Dembélé among those touched by playing in a team where he gets to swagger a lit- ways seemed a little mean spirited. This is a club slot into place. Forget the personalities, we sim- fl accid Arsenal, while scoring 11 goals and fi eld- the Van Gaal nose for a tyro. At United a more tle, and there is something here at last, an arma- presided over by distant, speculative owners, ply do things diff erently here. The acrimonious ing 13 players aged 23 or younger. Louis, old boy. youthful team has emerged only out of neces- ture of a fi ne and engaging young team. a squad assembled in the garish Galáctico-lite sacking, or worse the Busby-style destruc- We’ve been expecting you. sity. As late as the fi nal game of Van Gaal’s fi rst On Sunday at Old Traff ord this accidental style. At times Van Gaal – austere, aristocratic, tive lingering-on seem to be the only available This was always likely to be Van Gaal’s ace and season Phil Jones was the only player in the team United produced the most seductively Man- hunched next to his mute and frowning Giggsy – tropes for managerial departure. general legacy project whatever his results on under the age of 25. This season kicked off with chester United-ish moment since the departure looks like the most United-ish thing left. Which is a shame in itself, given the fragile the pitch. “It is the culture of Manchester Unit- Luke Shaw the only really youthful regular. of Alex Ferguson, and perhaps a little longer There are still those who would blame the hints that Van Gaal might have found his way, ed, that is why they take me as a manager,” Van A turning point came with the 3-0 defat at still. Marcus Rashford’s second goal, made by a struggles of an ageing coach for all the club’s fi nally, into the guts of this muddled, listing jug- Gaal shrugged this week and he does of course Arsenal in early October. The next game against spin and cross from Lingaard, was a kind of her- ills. Plus of course the pressure to play returning gernaut of a club. Yes: it’s the kids! have a genuine history here, a combined XI of Everton saw Jesse Lingaard back for the fi rst itage piece in itself, created and fi nished by two stars may yet derail even this little glimmer of There have been a few mini-dawns in the players given their club debuts under his hand time this season, from where he has become players who have been at the club since the age the shadow-United, a genuine Van Gaal legacy past 18 months. Indeed the current minor surge that is a match for any modern manager. something of talisman for those intermittent of seven and eight, Lancashire- (and Cheshire)- beyond furred arteries of the last year and half. may or may not make it through the week. This At Barcelona he promoted Xavi and Carles glimpses of the best of late-Van Gaal United. born and performing with an undeniably com- There is another point here, though. The non time, though, the waft of minor positivity does Puyol, and even managed to whistle in Andrés Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, an emergency pelling native energy in the cause. sequitur many are so keen to usher in – slow- at least look and feel like something that is both Iniesta and Thiago Motta during that failed sec- fi ll-in, looks as if he may have a future at left- Whatever happens from here this is at least burn Louis out; punkish José in – could well de- authentically Van Gaal and in tune with the ond stint. At Ajax he gave debuts to Edgar Dav- or centre-back, his preferred position. Players what football clubs are supposed to look like, a stroy any such progress at a stroke. Succession club’s own hackneyed, but undeniably seduc- ids, Clarence Seedorf, Patrick Kluivert, Marc such as Paddy McNair and Donald Love may not reminder that there is a kind of happiness even has been a key topic at United. Come the sum- tive, view of itself. Overmars and Edwin van der Saar. become regulars, but there is a healthy excite- at the top level that exists outside simply haul- mer they may well have another chance to get it Whatever the real driving force – injuries, the Bayern brought Thomas Müller and Holger ment in simply seeing them on the pitch.Chuck ing in cups and trophies. Of the many objections right, or wrong, all over again.

FOCUS ECB chief Clarke to explain role in ICC takeover to MPs

By Ali Martin a spokesperson said. “The committee cent ICC board meeting that the ICC is The Guardian has already looked at football, athletics considering governance reform but we and tennis, as part of a wider group of want to know what the ECB thinks that investigations into sports governance reform should look like. iles Clarke, the England and and, in relation to cricket, the ECB is an “It is hugely important that cricket Wales Cricket Board presi- obvious choice to call in.” does not miss this opportunity to em- dent, will be summoned Damian Collins, the Conserva- brace meaningful reform, and that the to answer questions by the tive MP for Folkestone and Hythe ECB are at the forefront of ensuring GCommons culture, media and sport se- who sits on the select committee, has that the international game gets the in- lect committee over his role in the con- also emailed the ECB chairman, Co- dependent, transparent and account- troversial “Big Three” takeover of the lin Graves, about the ICC issue, having able governance it deserves. And if the International Cricket Council. been part of a protest outside The Oval ECB disagrees, we need to know why.” Clarke, the former ECB chairman, by the Change Cricket campaign last Collins’ email to Graves was sent was central to the reforms in early 2014 summer. last week before a special screening that led to India, England and Australia Shashank Manohar, the new ICC of Death of a Gentleman at the House taking greater control of cricket’s gov- chairman, has already vowed to re- of Commons on Monday night, the erning body and allocating themselves view the 2014 restructure before the award-winning documentary by fi lm- 52% of revenues generated by interna- annual conference in June, with Col- makers Sam Collins and Jarrod Kimber tional events. lins now asking Graves how he and the that charts the so-called “Big Three” With the select committee having ECB envisage change. “This is a crucial takeover of the ICC. spoken to Greg Dyke, the FA chairman, moment for cricket,” Collins said. “We “The England & Wales Cricket Board over FIFA corruption, the athletics have put six key questions to the ECB, is aware of interest from the Select chief Sebastian Coe regarding doping because the cricketing public deserve Committee for Culture, Media & Sport and Chris Kermode of the ATP on the to know how their game is being run. to look into the governance of inter- subject of match-fi xing in tennis, it “England, along with India and Aus- national cricket,” an ECB spokesman will now turn its attention to cricket’s tralia, are the most infl uential boards at said. governance. the ICC. In August I accused them of “The Committee has already spo- “The committee has decided to orchestrating a back-room power grab ken to a number of sports bodies in look into the conduct of the ECB in that saw these three countries taking their on-going enquiries into the gov- relation to the governance of inter- over the game at the expense of the ernance of international sport and we national cricket, in the context of the other 102. would welcome the opportunity to talk Giles Clarke, the ECB president, will follow Greg Dyke and Sebastian Coe in appearing before a Commons select committee other investigations it is undertaking,” “We welcome the news from the re- with them in the coming weeks.” investigating sports governance. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 2, 2016 9 FEATURE ‘I want my daughter to be proud of her dad when she grows up’ Andy Murray discusses the challenges and delights of fatherhood, his Grand Slam fears and why he has not lost the psychological battle with Novak Djokovic, in his first freewheeling interview since the birth of his daughter Sophia

By Donald McRae in London changing a stinky nappy, he can hold beat Djokovic, who leads their head- The Guardian the baby’s legs as if handling a trussed- British tennis ace to-head record 22-9, when he wins the up chicken? “I’ve not held her upside Andy Murray with fi rst set. “All of them actually,” he says down yet,” Murray grins. “But, yeah, wife Kim Sears. more precisely of the nine victories ust after seven o’clock on a win- after the fi rst couple of days I felt much over his nemesis. ter evening, at the end of a long more confi dent.” It must be crushing, psychologically, day in which he has returned to The key question on court will be whenever he drops the fi rst set to Djoko- his old life of being the second whether, just like Djokovic and Roger vic? “No. I obviously lost the fi rst set 6-1 bestJ tennis player in the world, Andy Federer have seemed to play even bet- but the next two sets were close. If it was Murray stretches out on a sofa at ter since becoming dads, fatherhood 7-6, 6-3, 6-1 then it would be like ‘Oh, Queen’s Club in London. might help his tennis. “It’s tough to God.’ But, yeah, if the top players win the It’s cold and dark outside but Mur- tell,” Murray accepts. “I’ve been train- fi rst set they’re winning 95% of the time. ray, despite having practised hard at ing again and certainly haven’t been It helps to get a lead and then play with Wimbledon and now facing an hour worse. I’ve been very motivated in more freedom. I had break-points in his of questions, is in a relaxed and sunny practice. Obviously with Novak and fi rst two service games but I still went mood. He only seems taken aback by Roger it’s worked out well. I don’t know 3-0 down. He played very well for the the simple passing of time since be- if having kids has made them play bet- next 30 minutes and my level dipped.” coming a father this month. ter or if they’re just really good.” Murray shakes his head defi antly “The thing that has surprised Murray smiles again, a little ruefully. when asked if he is haunted by winning me most is how quickly everything “For other players it hasn’t worked out only one out of their last dozen match- changes—from the fi rst day she was as well. But it [fatherhood] is a posi- es—in Montreal last August. born,” Murray says of his baby daugh- tive thing—and tennis not being your “I don’t look as much into that as ter Sophia. “You don’t notice it when priority can help. It lends perspective everyone else. Look at [Stan] Warwinka you’re there every day but you look when you have a bad loss or bad prac- winning his second Slam [in Paris last back at a photo on the day she was born tice. The outcome of a match is not year] against Novak. He’d lost to him 13 to one taken fi ve days later to now, a everything but I want my daughter to times in a row. I don’t think he’d ever few weeks on, and you see how much be proud of her dad when she grows up beaten [Rafael] Nadal [in 12 previous things change on a daily basis.” and sees what I did. I hope it works out meetings] when Stan won Australia The 28-year-old Murray has been a in a positive way on the court but if it in 2014. Each time you step on to the father for only three weeks as his wife doesn’t, it’s not the end of the world.” court it’s a completely new match. Kim gave birth to their daughter on There is so much steel in Murray, “The reason Novak’s beaten me a February 7. Exactly two weeks before for he plays with the fi erce heart of the lot recently is that he’s been the better that life-changing Sunday morning, boxers he admires, that his appetite for player. But if I play him tomorrow it’s a Murray had lost to the world’s domi- hard work and victory is unlikely to be bit like roulette. People think there’ve nant player, Novak Djokovic, in the fi - diminished. Great sportsmen often been fi ve reds in a row. It’s got to be nal of the Australian Open. galvanise themselves at turning points black next time—but the roulette wheel He reached a fi fth Australian fi nal de- in their lives. doesn’t know what’s happened before. spite concerns about his pregnant wife “Obviously tennis is diff erent be- and the health of her father, Nigel Sears, “For other players it hasn’t cause skill is involved—but when we who collapsed in Melbourne while Mur- worked out as well. But it play tomorrow the match in Australia ray was winning a third-round match. [fatherhood] is a positive doesn’t mean he beats me the next At the same time, he had to accept that thing—and tennis not being time. Just like after I beat him in Mon- defeat to Djokovic, with whom he grew your priority can help. It lends treal it didn’t automatically mean that I up on the junior tour, marked his 11th perspective when you have would beat him the next time.” loss in their past 12 matches. a bad loss or bad practice. Djokovic’s grip on men’s tennis Murray has still to add to his two The outcome of a match is during the last two years has been so Grand Slam titles—the 2012 US Open not everything but I want my fi rm that I ask Murray an unfair ques- and Wimbledon a year later. daughter to be proud of her tion. Could his rival overtake Federer’s Two-and-a-half years without a dad when she grows up and record of 17 Grand Slam victories? Grand Slam, amid the imperious march sees what I did. I hope it works “It’s tough. A few years ago everyone of Djokovic, who has now won 11 of out in a positive way on the thought Nadal would pass it. Obvi- the blighters, does not seem like a cri- court but if it doesn’t, it’s not ously if Novak keeps going at the rate sis. Murray is still World No. 2 and this the end of the world” he’s going now he fi nishes on about 23 week he returns to competition for the Slams. But to predict someone is going fi rst time since becoming a father. It’s diff erent when an ageing athlete to win that many? On Friday he will lead Great Britain’s hits the crossroads and, as time closes “Look at Serena. At the US Open she defence of the Davis Cup they lifted so in, the old intensity withers away. But was in the semis and it was considered unforgettably last November—when settling into a permanent relationship, a certainty she would win. It didn’t Murray played with such grit and emo- or becoming a father, alters the focus of happen. Same in Australia [where Wil- tion to win all three of his matches in the burningly ambitious tyro. liams lost to Angelique Kerber]. Win- the fi nal against Belgium. In its place, something more layered ning more helps but when you’re try- They now face Japan in Birmingham can help produce a new kind of fi re. ing to achieve something that’s never and Murray is again expected to win It might be less raging—but a deeper been done before, the pressure builds. every match he plays—including a cru- sense of control and experience can Novak has the potential to do it … but cial singles against Kei Nishikori, the produce lasting greatness. it becomes harder. Tiger Woods was World No. 6. Here, there is a sense that Murray is nailed on to pass Jack Nicklaus’s major There is regret at the thought of be- merely pausing before returning to a wins but there are no guarantees.” ing away from home for the fi rst time sapping battle with fresh purpose. Last More simply, will Murray win a few since Sophia’s birth. “I really don’t week it was 10 years exactly since he more Slams in his own career? want to miss seeing those changes,” he won his fi rst ATP title when, aged 18, “I don’t know. When I lost the Wim- says. “Even when I’m away for a day I he beat Lleyton Hewitt in San Jose. bledon 2012 fi nal I didn’t know if I’d feel bad. I feel I should be there and I It was striking that Murray won the ever win a Slam. Then when I won the want to be there as much as I can. So tournament on his own, with no back- US Open they were asking: ‘What’s when I’m leaving the house at eight in up team around him and, also, because ily but we were living with each other 11, with her I managed to get up to No. 30-shot rally as a player you don’t go: going to happen now?’ I thought: ‘It’s the morning and getting back at eight he revealed to the world for the fi rst and it was just me and him on the road 2, and challenging for Slams again. ‘Oh, that’s an unforced error.’ Djokovic taken me this long to win one I don’t at night, I feel bad.” time that he had a girlfriend. all the time. We spent breakfast, lunch “The depth we go into when we dis- makes more balls and he’s consistent. know if I’ll win another.’ And now that It will be closer to 10 by the time Does he remember any concern that and dinner together and worked with cuss the matches has been higher than So you have to be more aggressive and I’ve not won one for a couple of years I Murray gets home on the day we meet kissing Kim at courtside would start each other in-between. with other coaches. When she played take more chances,” Murray explains. don’t know if I’ll win another one.” but he has already made me laugh when the invasive scrutiny that has since “It’s very diffi cult for the coach be- against Venus and Serena Williams, A delicate balance is required be- This is not an admission of defeat— describing how nervously his brother punctuated his life? “I was 18 so I really cause he’s having to hang out with an who are very powerful, she won in dif- cause increased aggression can lead to for there is another fl ash of Murray held Sophia the fi rst time he met her. had no idea. I didn’t know what that 18-year-old and also be a father-fi gure. ferent ways—coming to the net, using diminished consistency. “Exactly. A steel when he looks up and says: “But He off ers an amusing imitation of side of things would be like,” he says. At that age I still needed to make sure I more variety, lots of spin. She has en- lot of commentators say you have to be I believe I still can. I’ve been close the Uncle Jamie’s uncertainty when enter- Murray is both nostalgic and under- had my shoes in my bag and my strings couraged me to do that and it’s some- more aggressive. Does that mean you last year. I had my best French Open. ing the strange new world of babies. standing when remembering the diffi - in my racket, and [I was] warming up thing I did when I was much younger. hit the ball harder or play closer to the At Wimbledon I was playing extremely Did Murray also worry about drop- culties of more anonymous times. and getting to sleep at the right time. She’s also committed. Amélie’s spent line or serve and volley? Does it mean well and it took Federer to play an un- ping his daughter the fi rst time he “Mark Petchey was my coach but Mark was great at all that but we just a lot of time with me since becoming a you have to stand closer to the base- believable match. He served 79% fi rst gathered her up in his arms? he wasn’t in San Jose. He came out the spent too much time together.” mother and that continuity helps.” line? At the highest level you can’t just serves which might happen once a “I was OK holding her. The only following week when I went straight to He now has a proper team around Murray is probably the deepest say: ‘Be aggressive.’ You need a proper year—twice at best. I can defi nitely still thing I found diffi cult was changing her a tournament in Memphis. Kim went him but, being Murray, it is also more thinker on the men’s tour and he and strategy. José Mourinho wouldn’t send win more Slams. I’ve just got to take because you see a small person and you home and Mark came out. I only trav- interesting than most because his head Mauresmo will talk in a way which his team out against Barcelona and just the chances when they come.” think they’re so fragile—or that their elled with Mark in those days. That was coach is a woman. transcends the usual sporting plati- say: ‘Be more aggressive.’ It’s a lot more Murray stresses that he is as hungry hands are so small that when you’re the team—me and Mark. He coached Amélie Mauresmo got the job in June tudes and stats when they try to fi nd a complex playing the best in the world. as ever and he feels ready to play at this putting their fi ngers through their top me for nine months and Mark is one of 2014. It generated scepticism at the way for him to beat Djokovic again. “Floyd Mayweather is a good exam- level for many more years. that they could maybe break. the best coaches I’ve had. time but 2015 marked his most con- He picks up on a misleading sta- ple. A lot of people say: ‘Just fi ght him “Defi nitely. Andre Agassi was one of “But when you see all the mid- “I loved working with him. But one sistent year on tour. Even Mauresmo tistic which suggest he made only 28 how Oscar De La Hoya fought him. the few guys in the last 20 years who wives—and Kim has a good friend who of our mistakes was that I didn’t have becoming a mother last August has not unforced errors in an epic fi ve-set Back him up and throw a lot of punch- played at the top of his game until he is a midwife—they’re a lot rougher and a place in London and so I would stay undermined Murray’s progress. win over Milos Raonic in the Austral- es when he’s on the ropes.’ But when was 36. But Roger is 35 this year. David they do things much more quickly. Lots with him and his family. I got on great “Amélie started with me at a tough ian semi—but that 65 unforced errors you’re in the ring it’s much more dif- Ferrer is 34 this year and Feliciano López of people have told me babies are a lot with everyone and loved the kids—he time,” Murray recalls. “I’d just dropped apparently fl ew from his racket in the fi cult to do that.” turns [35]. Roger’s in the top three in the more resilient than you think. They’re had two young girls—and I stayed up- out of the top 10. I’d had my [back] sur- three-set fi nal. It also becomes harder when, as in world, Ferrer’s in the top 10 and López not going to break.” stairs in the attic. I loved that. gery at the end of the previous year and “The rallies are much shorter against Melbourne, Murray starts slowly and is around the top 20. It all just depends Has he reached the stage when, “They really took me into their fam- it was a tough road back. But from No. Raonic. If you make a mistake after a loses the fi rst set 6-1. Murray tends to on how my body handles it.” Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, March 2, 2016 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Ko hopes ‘role model’ Tiger will bounce back Russian athletes hope to compete in Olympics

omen’s world number one Lydia Ko yesterday paid Wtribute to her “role model” despite doping ban Tiger Woods, expressing hope that the golf legend will recover from injury and rejoin the tour. ‘I didn’t participate in these scandals and don’t even understand it. Our athletics federation should Speaking before the HSBC Women’s Champions tournament in Singapore, be thinking about this ban, not sportsmen. I have to think about running, training and results’ the 18-year-old said that Woods has been a top ambassador for the sport. “No matter what Tiger is going through right now, Tiger will always be Tiger. Tiger grew the game, there’s a lot of players that are playing on tour or are starting the game because of Tiger,” said the New Zealander, who turned pro when she was 16. Ko became the youngest player of either gender to take the world number one spot last year at 17 years of age, eclipsing Woods’ record by almost four years. Ko, who said she has yet to watch Woods play live, described him as “amazing” in his prime. “He’s been a great role model, he still is... I think what he’s done to grow the game is fantastic and hopefully he’ll be able to get healthy and get back on the tour,” she added. Her comments follow speculation that Woods’ back condition, which he has undergone several surgeries for, had worsened and his career could be over. The 14-time Major champion has not played competitive golf since August last year, when he tied for 10th at the Wyndham Championship. The Ameri- can, who turned 40 in December, had microdiscectomy surgery in March 2014 to treat a herniated disc. He underwent a second procedure in September last year to deal with a disc fragment that was pinching a nerve, and six weeks later underwent another procedure to address continuing discomfort. Woods last week posted a video on Twitter that showed him hitting balls in a golf simulator.

Action from the Russian Indoor Championships Gatlin’s coach steps down held in Moscow last week. (Reuters) as US relay boss for Rio

Reuters Reuters States in the track and fi eld medal Games. At stake is its reputation as likely be a good thing. We are gearing Holzdeppe injures ankle, New York Moscow table at the London 2012 Olympics, a dominant force in world athletics up for revenge against all those who was suspended from world athletics and President Vladimir Putin’s image smeared us.” to miss World Indoors last year after a doping investigation of Russia as a global power, at a time Russia has a proud history at the Germany’s 2013 pole vault world he coach of sprinter Justin Gatlin arred from international exposed widespread cheating and when the Kremlin is locked in geo- Olympics and hosted the Winter champion Raphael Holzdeppe is out has stepped down as the head of competition, Russia is train- corruption. The World Anti-Doping political tussles with the West over Games in Sochi in 2014, an event por- of this month’s World Indoor Cham- Tthe United States relay squads just ing its athletes at a series of Agency report cited graft among in- Ukraine and Syria. trayed as a symbol of the country’s pionships with an ankle injury. months out from the Rio Olympics due to special domestic tourna- ternational offi cials and suggested the Already this year, the disgraced resurgent global standing. A sporting The 26-year-old suff ered the injury a change in USA Track and Field’s criteria. mentsB and banking on hopes a doping scandal could widen. ARAF has elected a new president powerhouse, it has produced some of in the German indoor championships Dennis Mitchell, who served a dop- ban will be lifted in time for this year’s Now Russia faces a race against to oversee sweeping reforms and the the world’s best athletes. in Leipzig on Sunday and a scan on ing ban in 1999, said he had learned he Rio Olympics. time to meet anti-doping standards Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSA- Soviet Gymnasts Larisa Latynina Monday has ruled him out for the fell outside new guidelines for coaching While rivals will pit their strength dictated by the International Associa- DA) has resumed some of its respon- and Nikolai Andrianov hold second next few weeks, including the World America’s relay teams and had decided to at the World Indoor Games in the tion of Athletics Federations (IAAF) sibilities after top managers stepped and third places respectively on the Indoors to be held in Portland, USA, step down. The change prohibits coaches United States in March, Russian ath- before the Rio Games in August, an down last year. list of all-time Olympic medal win- from March 17-20. with likely relay candidates from being the letes have had to make do with a win- ambition some say is unrealistic. Some US and European offi cials, ners. He would have been going head- relay coach. World sprint medallist Gatlin is ter season supplemented with fi ve As things stand, Russian athletes however, have said Russia has too Pole-vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva is to-head with France’s world record expected to anchor the US 4x100 metres additional Grand Prix events across will be barred from competing, the many problems to overcome before the world record holder as well as a holder Renaud Lavillenie, who cleared relay team in Rio. a country where sporting success is fi rst time Russia has missed the Ol- the Games begin on August 5. “They double Olympic gold medallist and 6.16m in 2014, and reigning world USATF’s High Performance Division Ex- seen as integral to national pride. ympics since the Soviet Union boy- must have a cultural change,” said triple world champion. outdoors champion Shawnacy Barber ecutive Committee made the modification Some athletes are employing an ap- cotted the Los Angeles Games in 1984. European Athletics chief Svein Arne Russia’s head athletics coach and of Canada. with input from the Athletes Advisory Com- proach favoured by sports psycholo- Offi cials recognise there is little Hansen in December. “I cannot really 2004 Olympic gold medallist in the “It’s not possible for Raphael mittee, USATF spokeswoman Jill Geer said. gists of compartmentalised think- substitute for high-level competition see them competing in Rio.” 800 metres, Yury Borzakovsky, said Holzdeppe to take part in the world “They have added a provision, intended to ing: focusing on their training and in the approach to the Olympics and New ARAF head Dmitry Shlyakhtin his athletes were well aware of the championships,” said Germany’s head minimise potential or perceived conflicts, performance, while leaving outside some are worried Russian athletes will said June would be the “point of no challenge they faced. “Our guys have coach Idriss Gonschinska. “He will be that prohibits an individual from being the issues such as the uncertainty about lose out in Rio after spending months return” for Russians looking to Brazil. to adjust to this diffi cult situation and out for several weeks, which we great- relay coach if he or she coaches an athlete their place at the Olympics, to others. sequestered away from their their in- In Moscow last week, 26-year-old train eff ectively,” he said. ly regret.” who has a high likelihood of being part of “I didn’t participate in these scan- ternational rivals. Nina Morozova won the women’s ARAF’s Butov said he was opti- Holzdeppe, who took bronze at the the relay pool,” Geer said. “As a result of dals and don’t even understand it,” “Of course there is a limitation 60-metre hurdles in 8.09 seconds, a mistic Russia would take part in the 2012 London Olympic Games, won that new provision, Dennis Mitchell has hurdler Konstantin Shabanov said at (on training),” said Russian Athletics time which made her the Russian na- Rio Games. The corruption scandal, the world championships in Moscow resigned his position.” the Russian Athletics Championship Federation (ARAF) General Secretary tional champion and one she hopes meanwhile, should not be allowed to in 2013 with a leap of 5.89m, then took Geer added Mitchell had been approved in Moscow. Mikhail Butov. “It would be better to will be good enough to claim a podium interfere. silver in Beijing last year. by the US Olympic Committee for the “In the fi rst case, our athletics fed- compete together with all strong ath- position in Rio. “Let this be the concern of us of- He is expected to have recovered position. The 50-year-old had been the eration should be thinking about this letes worldwide.” “We are only hoping for the best, fi cials. As for the athletes, their main in time for the European Champion- relay coach since 2014, though his selec- ban, not sportsmen. I have to think But Russia has repeatedly said it otherwise there is no point in train- work is to train and to compete,” he ships in Amsterdam from July 6-10 tion had been controversial because of his about running, training and results.” will prove itself compliant with the ing,” she said after the race. said. “These are some diffi cult and and the Rio de Janeiro Olympics from 1998 positive test for the banned hormone Russia, second behind the United IAAF requirements in time for the “These troubles will more than tough times for all of us.” August 5-21. testosterone. Aregawi faces Olympic axe TENNIS orld Indoor 1,500m champion Abeba ing Agency’s list of banned substances this year. Vinci knocked out of Malaysian Open Aregawi has been suspended from Swed- The Swedish Olympic Committee (SOC) moved Wish athletics after she tested positive for swiftly to withdraw their financial support for AFP bora Krejcikova from the Czech Republic. singing globally these days.” a banned substance, the national federation said Aregawi and she is highly unlikely to be part of the Kuala Lumpur Lisicki had defeated Magda Linette from Po- The United States play Australia in the on Monday. The decision means the Ethiopian- Rio Games team. land 6-4, 7-6(5) on Monday in a tough battle World Group fi rst-round tie starting Friday, born runner’s place in the Swedish team for the Rio “We have withdrawn the activity support we in hot and humid conditions. in what Australia captain Lleyton Hewitt Olympics in August is now in doubt. gave her with immediate eff ect and the situation op seed Roberta Vinci was knocked has said will be a tough encounter at Mel- “It is with dismay and extreme disappointment regarding her place on the Olympic team is in quar- out of the fi rst round of the Malaysian bourne’s Kooyong. we have to make this statement,” said national antine as we wait for the result of the B test,” SOC Open yesterday after losing to Tai- Courier backs ‘stagnant’ Young guns Nick Kyrgios and Bernard federation general secretary Stefan Olsson, without chief executive Peter Reinebo said. “It is with great wan’s Kai-Chen Chang 5-7, 6-2, 6-1. Davis Cup overhaul Tomic are part of the team which includes TThe 33-year-old Italian, ranked 10th in the Sam Groth and doubles specialist John Peers. confirming the banned substance. dismay we received this information. It’s awful and “We are totally opposed to all forms of cheating, we naturally strongly condemn what has happened. world and eyeing her second WTA tour title United States captain Jim Courier admits the They will be up against Courier’s roster doping and illicit substances. We have zero tolerance It is very, very serious.” of the season, succumbed to a player with a Davis Cup has been in a “stagnant” period, but of John Isner, Jack Sock and twins Bob and and this is totally unacceptable,” added Olsson who Having run for Ethiopia at the 2012 London world ranking of 153. says he is bullish the International Tennis Fed- Mike Bryan. two days ago stood by the athlete despite a storm Games, Aregawi began competing for Sweden later In an earlier fi rst-round match, second eration’s new leadership can turn it around. Courier said that while he was a passion- over her Swedish citizenship and unpaid taxes. that year after being granted citizenship. She won seed Elina Svitolina of Ukraine easily dis- New ITF chief David Haggerty said last ate supporter of the Davis Cup, if it and the Local media reported the positive check on her the world outdoor 1,500m title in 2013. patched Japan’s Miyu Kato in straight sets, month he was interested in a radical overhaul Grand Slams were publicly traded companies A sample was taken in Addis Adaba earlier this year Last week’s storm occurred after Aregawi told 6-1, 6-1. China’s Zhaoxuan Yang, seeded of the 116-year-old Davis Cup and the Fed it “would have been gobbled up by somebody and that Aregawi has asked for her B sample to be authorities she had never lived in Sweden and eighth, beat her fellow countrywoman Saisai Cup, and Courier said he was “bullish” that already”. “It hasn’t carried its weight for the tested. “We can’t understand it,” her Dutch manager therefore was not liable for tax. The 25-year-old was Zheng 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. he could do it. number of weeks that it has in the season,” Jos Hermens said. “We are trying to work out what ordered to pay 11,112 Swedish crowns ($1,299) in On Monday, Eugenie Bouchard had an easy “We were certainly stagnant for a while he said. “And that hurts me because I’m pas- has happened. It’s very strange.” back taxes. win over Hong Kong’s Zhang Ling, 6-3, 6-1 to under the previous leadership and there is a sionate about it.” A medical expert at the Swedish Anti-Doping Olsson had said at the time that Aregawi would advance to the second round. The Canadian, breath of fresh air coming,” Courier said in Haggerty has fl agged the Davis Cup being commission told the TT news agency Aregawi tested be allowed to run for Sweden and defend her title who has been showing signs of returning to comments carried in The Australian news- decided on neutral soil between four fi nal- positive for meldonium. A drug that increases endur- at this month’s World Indoor Championships in form, will meet Japan’s Karumi Nara next. paper. “There is a look forward to modernise ists. Under the current format, Davis Cup ance, meldonium was added to the World Anti-Dop- Portland, Oregon. Third seed Sabine Lisicki from Germany the Davis Cup and to make it sing in the way fi nals are played on the home soil of one of also heads to the second round, facing Bar- that the Australian Open and the majors are two fi nalists. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 2, 2016 11 SPORT

FOCUS FORMULA 1 Bernie wants Africa race, pressures Fans get rare German Grand Prix

AFP to Germany again this summer Berlin when Hockenheim hosts a Grand Prix on July 31, but Ecclestone chance to interact says the Germans have ground to ormula One magnate make up. Bernie Ecclestone says he Last year’s race at Nurbur- wants to see the sport de- gring, which is scheduled to host but in Africa and has put again in 2017, was cancelled due pressureF on the German Grand to contractual problems and Prix after it was cancelled last Ecclestone says Hockenheim, with Marquez season. which could not host the 2015 In an interview with Ham- race at short notice, has much to burg-based newspaper Han- live up to. Honda Repsol rider is in Doha for the final round of testing at the Losail Circuit delsblatt, Ecclestone says he has “We wanted Hockenheim to had conversations about taking wake up a little last year,” said By Sports Reporter Formula One to Africa and is also Ecclestone, who says the circuit Doha toying with holding a second has a contract for this year and Grand Prix in America with Aus- 2018 which is “not an especially tin, Texas, hosting the US Grand good one”. otoGP fans and motorcycle en- Prix on October 23. “They are still living 20 years thusiasts were given a rare, ex- “I would like to see a race in behind the times when I compare citing treat yesterday when Do- Africa, where we so far have nev- it to other events.” masco, the exclusive distributor er raced,” said the 85-year-old. The new season starts in Aus- Mfor Honda in Qatar, organised a meet and “The fi rst conversations have tralia on March 20 with Eccle- greet session with two-time world cham- already taken place and perhaps stone breaking new ground by pion Marc Marquez at their showroom. one more race in the US, let’s see.” holding a Grand Prix in Baku, The Honda Repsol rider was, predictably, After a one-year absence, Azerbaijan, for the fi rst time on the cynosure of attention as everyone clam- Formula One racing will return June 20. oured for a selfi e and an autograph or both. Marquez patiently signed autographs and posed for pictures, indulging the thrilled PREP fans present there. Commenting on this event, Domasco managing director Faisal Sharif said, “At Domasco we pursue to create enjoyable and Mercedes unleash memorable experiences for our customers and this special event that occurs annually captures that.’’ Rosberg in 2nd test Honda’s Sales & Marketing head Greig Roff ey said, “We are overjoyed with the huge turnout this evening for Honda local com- AFP pleted 42 laps on medium tyres. munity. Our special guests have received a Barcelona McLaren-Honda had a mixed very warm welcome from the broad masses morning as they at least recov- of fans in Qatar.’’ ered from the reliability prob- Expressing his happiness, a MotoGP fan orld champions lems suff ered at the end of last who attended the event, said: “I am thrilled Mercedes sent an- week’s test with Fernando Alon- to take part in this exciting evening. On be- other signal of their so completing 50 laps. half of my bike enthusiasts’ friends, I would continued domi- The Spanish two-time world like to thank Domasco for giving us every Wnance to the rest of the Formula champion also recorded the third year, the chance to meet the top Honda rid- One paddock as Nico Rosberg fastest time, but was over two ers.” was fastest on the fi rst morning seconds back on Rosberg’s time Marquez fi rst made his mark by becoming of the second pre-season test in on the same soft tyres to again the youngest rider in history to win a Mo- Barcelona yesterday. demonstrate the gulf between toGP race. He then went ahead and did one The German registered the the McLaren-Honda project and better when he became the world’s youngest second best time of testing so Mercedes. ever MotoGP champion in 2013 and went on far in 1min 23.022sec as Mer- Brazilian Felipe Nasr debuted to win again in 2014. cedes finally used the quicker the Sauber C35 with the Swiss The 23-year-old is in Doha for the soft tyres after nearly 700 laps team the last to unveil their new fi nal round of testing at the Losail Circuit on the first four days of testing car for the new season. before the new season kicks off on March 17 last week on the medium com- Indonesian rookie Rio Har- in Qatar. Fans of all ages queued up yesterday to get an autograph from Marc Marquez at the Honda Qatar showroom. pound. yanto’s diffi cult start at Manor Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen was continued as he completed only second, but nearly two seconds two laps without registering a Preparations in full swing for Moto2 and Moto3 behind Rosberg as the Finn com- time due to an oil leak. lthough there have been a smat- While out testing in Jerez earlier, Alex With both Danny Kent and Miguel Husqvarna in 2015. Mapfre Team Mahi- SUPPORT tering of private tests already in Marquez suff ered a broken left wrist but Oliveira having taken the step up to the ndra and Peugeot SAXOPRINT RTG have A2016, the Jerez test from March will ride at the test. Moto2 World Championship, a number already run their new bikes on track in 2-4 will be the first off icial outing for all The Moto2 field will again be filled with of young riders are now out for glory Jerez with all riders feeling positive about Moto2 and Moto3 teams. Kalex machines as 26 line up on the grid, in Moto3. Along with ten new riders in the improvements. Alfardan Automobiles From the various private tests it appears teams hoping to emulate the success of the class, Leopard Racing changes from Pace setters during private testing for as though Johann Zarco is once again Stefan Bradl, Tito Rabat, Pol Espargaro Honda machinery to KTM as they aim the lightweight class have included the man to beat, the 2015 Moto2 World and Johann Zarco. There will again be for back-to-back championships. Going Brad Binder, Romano Fenati, both now sponsors Motocross Champion showing well during private three Speed Up bikes with Simone Corsi the other direction, Drive M7 SIC Racing veterans of the class, and Jorge Navarro. testing in Valencia. Sam Lowes and taking over for Lowes in the factory Team move onto Honda bikes having Maria Herrera will also be present at the Takaaki Nakagami look set to challenge team. Corsi has also shown well in test- previously run KTM machinery. test, her participation in the 2016 World World C'ship in Qatar the Frenchman for his crown, both un- ing, topping the timing screens of the The Jerez test will also be the first off icial Championship in doubt for several der the pole position record at a recent most recent private test in Jerez and run out on track for the new Mahindra weeks but now off icially confirmed. private test in Jerez. Paginas Amarillas already improving his pace compared to MGP30 machine, joined by the Peugeot After the test, the Moto2 and Moto3 By Sports Reporter The second day, marked by HP 40 rider Alex Rins is yet another title 2015. Meanwhile, Tech 3 continue their bike of Peugeot SAXOPRINT RTG for the teams will head to Qatar for their final Doha enthusiasm, included all the favourite but has had highly limited adventure as a manufacturer, bringing first time. The new Peugeot machine is three days of testing from March 11-13 races for all the categories, start- private testing time, eager to get on the two rookies into the fold in the form of based off the Mahindra, a similar relation- before the first race of 2016 at the same ing with WMX and fi nishing with 2016 Kalex and get to work. Xavi Vierge and Isaac Viñales. ship as to the one between KTM and circuit on March 20. (MotoGP.com) otorcycles fans had a MXGP race. date this week with Alfardan Automobilies gen- the fi rst race of the eral manager Ihab All said, 2016 FIM Motocross “This championship is very im- MWorld Championship which took portant for the fans and follow- BOXING BOTTOMLINE place in Doha at the Losail Inter- ers of this sport internationally. national Circuit. The champion- We are pleased to be sponsors ship took place February 26-27 of this event in Qatar for the Rio 2016 will have pro Mayweather fi nds foes with the most important inter- fourth time in a row, and the national teams from all over the success we have seen until now world participating. contributes to the introduction boxers: AIBA boss outside ring harder to tame The event, which is the opener and spread of the sport in the of the 20-round season, had Al- Middle East. We hope to see the Reuters constitution is the only thing AFP fardan Automobiles, the offi cial crucial participation of Arab Lausanne, Switzerland blocking this at the moment.” Washington importer for the BMW Group in drivers in the coming season in Boxers qualify for the Games Qatar, as the offi cial transporter. 2017.” in a series of regional events, Qatar hosted the opening round It is worth mentioning that rofessional fi ghters will many starting later this month. loyd Mayweather has for the fourth time in a row. during the tournament, in the feature at the 2016 Rio Wu said after the constitu- no plans to return to the The round extended over two area dedicated to a group of dis- de Janeiro Olympics as tional amendment goes through, ring after hanging up days, beginning with a technical tinctive BMW models, Alfardan long as a constitutional professionals could book their his gloves undefeated control and riders’ briefi ng. Fol- Automobiles displayed the BMW Pchange goes through in June, the tickets for Rio at the fi nal world lastF September, but he is fi nd- lowing this, training for the wom- X3, BMW X4 and BMW X5 mod- president of the international Olympic qualifying tournament ing opponents as a promoter en, MX2, and MXGP took place els, as well as BMW Motorrad boxing federation AIBA said yes- in Azerbaijan in mid-June. more diffi cult to manage. until it was time for the qualifying and a number of BMW Lifestyle terday. There are doubts, however, That was the case Monday races for MX2 and MXGP. products. Last month’s decision by AIBA over whether professional world as reigning World Boxing As- to begin procedures to open the champions would want to jeop- sociation super lightweight door for pro boxers to compete ardise their careers by taking part champion Adrien Broner alongside amateurs at the Games in three-round contests that bear stormed out of a Washington means the sport could get in- little resemblance to paid bouts. news conference to advance creased exposure with potential- “What AIBA wants to do is his April 1 title bout against Floyd Mayweather Jr. (left) speaks to Ashley Theophane at a ly big-name fi ghters taking part. open the door for professionals. Britain’s Mayweather-backed press conference to announce the fight between Adrien Broner The move, though, has also Boxing is probably the only sport Ashley Theophane. and Ashely Theophane. (AFP) earned a lot of criticism as many in the Olympics not represented “(Screw) those guys. argue it would be unfair to the by pros.” They’re coming to dethrone gan an hour late came to such Olympic opportunity open thousands of amateurs who have Under Wu’s leadership, AIBA me,” Broner said. “They are a premature end. now to pro fi ghters. “I had a trained for the Games for years set up the semi-professional my enemy right now. I’m go- “I’ve said some things I re- great run. Ain’t no more for and now have to possibly make World Series Boxing in 2011 in ing to beat the (hell) out of gret when I was a young fi ght- this body to heal but rest.” way for the pros. which fi ghters earned money Ashley. Fight ain’t going four er. I’ve learned,” Mayweather Among the things The- “Professional boxers will be at competing for city-based teams. rounds. Nine minutes is too said. “To get respect you have ophane has seen is Mayweath- Rio. I don’t know how many but He also helped introduce much. I’m going to torture to give respect. If you don’t er’s growing contentment with they will be,” AIBA boss Ching- women’s boxing to the Olympics this guy.” carry yourself in the right way, his role as promoter and advi- Kuo Wu told Reuters. “But they in London four years ago. Broner, 31-2 with 23 knock- you’re going to hurt yourself sor. “He seems content now,” will have to go through the same Amateur boxing has had its outs, chattered at his English in the long run.” Theophane said. “He has mas- procedures as everyone else. share of Olympic champions rival during a staredown for Mayweather, who walked tered the script. He is 49-0. “What we have to do is just who have gone on to become top photos and took off after that away 49-0 with 26 knockouts, He has made lots of money. He amend the constitution of AIBA professionals, among them Mu- without staying for questions, made it clear a ring return is should be applauded because and we will do that at an ex- hammad Ali, Joe Frazier, George leaving Mayweather to try and not in the cards even for a rich now he’s helping other boxers traordinary congress in June. The Foreman and Vladimir Klitschko. explain how an event that be- payday, much less for the new achieve their dreams.” KTM rider Antonio Cairoli in action during the MXGP race at Losail.

Wednesday, March 2, 2016 GULF TIMES EQUESTRIAN

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Competition to heat up in show jumping Olympic berths at CHI Al Shaqab

By Sports Reporter Qatar team qualifi ed for the Doha 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro with victory at the second leg of the Furusiyya 2015 series in up for grabs at he fourth edition of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emir- the prestigious CHI ates in February last year. Be- Al Shaqab equestrian sides Sheikh Ali, the core squad competition, will see includes Faleh al-Ajami, Ahmad top-rankingT local, regional and al-Attiyah, Khaled al-Emadi, Ali international riders compete in Rumaihi, Mubarak al- Rumaihi Jumping CSI 5* and CSI 4*, Dres- and Bassem Mohammed. sage CDI 5*, and Para-Dressage Veteran Saudi rider Abdul- CHI Al Shaqab from today till Saturday in Doha. lah al-Sharbatly, one of the Arab As the only event of its kind in world’s most successful jockeys the Middle East and Asia, CHI Al in the Jumping discipline, has re- As many as eight individual places will be decided at the CSI5* event in Doha Shaqab will see more than 130 cently achieved a number of good riders battle it out for a piece of results at regional and interna- the $1.3 million in prize money. tional competitions. He will be Held under the patronage closely followed by a large crowd of His Excellency Sheikh Mo- of equestrian enthusiasts from hammed bin Hamad al-Thani, the Gulf region. Chairman of Al Shaqab board of Al Sharbatly is the 2006 Asian directors, the fi ve star jumping Games Team Gold medallist, and dressage riders will mix with the 2012 London Olympic Team the tradition of the Arab horse Bronze medallist, the 2010 Asian and the hospitality of the Mid- Games Team Gold medallist dle East, creating a unique sport and the 2010 World Equestrian setting. Games Individual Silver medal- The list of participants in the list- taking the accolade as the Jumping CSI 5* promises a heat- fi rst Arab rider in history to win ed competition between some of an equestrian medal at an inter- the world’s fi nest riders and the national championship. most popular names in eques- Saudi Rider Abdulrahman trian sport. al-Rajhi, who has qualifi ed to Confi rmed entries for the the World Cup Final in Sweden, Show Jumping category include is also participating in CHI Al the world’s highest ranked show Shaqab. He will be competing jumper, Scott Brash, along with for the gold medal against his world-ranking riders Abdullah compatriot Kamal Bouhmdan, al-sharbatly, Edwina Tops-Alex- also a strong favourite with a ander, and, Qatar’s Sheikh Ali bin long history of achievements in Khalid al-Thani. Jumping. Hayley Watson Graves, Jessica Jordanian rider Hani Bisharat von Bredow-Werndl and Patrik has also built a reputation for Kittel are among the top riders himself in Jumping, position- set to compete in the Dressage ing the Hashemite Kingdom as category. Featuring Para-Dres- a global contender in equestrian sage for the second year running, sports. He has brought two top top riders confi rmed for this dis- horses to compete in the CHI Al cipline include Pep Puch, Nicole Shaqab. Den Dulk and Rixt van der Horst. Bisharat has been part of nu- CHI Al Shaqab is one of only merous equestrian events around four international annual eques- the world including three Olym- trian competitions that show- pic Games in Athens, Beijing Qatar’s Rio-bound equestrian team, comprising Sheikh Ali bin Khalid al-Thani, Ali Yousef al-Rumaihi, Khalid al-Emadi and Bassem Hassan Mohammed will try to gain valuable case more than three equestrian and London and several world experience at the fourth edition of CHI Al Shaqab ahead of the Olympic Games in August. disciplines in one event. championships including those A front runner among Arab in Aachen, Kentucky and Las By Sports Reporter a rider will score at events up until the has the highest number of points so far, 3:30pm: CSI5* Two Phases (274.5.3) 1.45m riders is the 2014 Asian Games Vegas. He is currently camped in Doha deadline, and the rider’s place in the whilst Egyptian rider Karim Elzoghby, in show jumping Team Gold medallist, Sheikh Ali the Netherlands in preparation world rankings. With its 5 star status - second place, will be hoping to produce a 6:30pm: CSI5* Table A (238.2.1a) 1.50m bin Khalid al-Thani, who will lead for the Summer Olympic Games the highest level of competition - CHI Al strong showing on his two top horses. show jumping a fi eld of seven riders from Qatar which get underway this August, HI Al Shaqab has always been a Shaqab off ers a maximum point-scoring There can be few riders who do not Tomorrow entered in the competition. in Brazil. go-to event for the riders in the opportunity. The event has therefore at- dream of representing their country at 10: 30am: Doha Tour CSI3* Table A equestrian world. But this year’s tracted a world-class fi eld of riders at- The Olympic Games, and elite riders have (238.2.1a) 1.30m show jumping (outdoor event assumes even more sig- tempting to accumulate precious points been travelling the globe extensively in arena) nifiC cance. in the fi nal days. recent months in order to increase their 10: 30am: CPEDI3* Team para-dressage The fourth edition of the CHI Al One place will be off ered to the high- points tally. In the CSI5* Jumping cat- (indoor arena) Shaqab will be held from today till Satur- est-ranked rider from each of the follow- egory, elite riders have entered two hors- 1pm: Doha Tour CSI3* Two Phases day at the magnifi cent Al Shaqab arena, ing groups: the Middle East and Africa; es each, and plan to compete more than (274.5.3) 1.45m jumping and it provides one of the fi nal opportu- Northwest Europe; Southwest Europe; once a day to maximise their chances 3:30pm: CSI5* Table C (263) 1.45m show nities for individual riders to qualify for Central and Eastern Europe; and Central of reaching the top of the leaderboard. jumping this year’s Olympics in the disciplines of Asia. The remaining four places will be Meanwhile, in the CDI5* Dressage, riders 6:30pm: CSI5* Table A (238.2.1a) 1.50m Jumping and Dressage. given to the highest-placed riders from are restricted to competing with just one show jumping The deadline to seal a spot to Rio the overall FEI Olympic ranking. As a re- horse. Friday Games is 6th March and CHI Al Shaqab sult, it is possible for riders to qualify for The event also provides an ideal op- 8:45am: CPEDI3* Individual para-dressage is expected to provide plenty of thrills as the Olympic Games based not only on portunity for riders to give their horses 1:45pm: CDI5* Grand Prix Dressage riders go all out in a last-ditch attempt. their overall merit against the rest of the what may, in some cases, be their fi rst 4:20pm: Doha Tour CSI3* Accumulator With less than six months to go before world, but also on where they rank within fl ying experience ahead of Rio, in order to (269a) 1.30m jumping the Olympics, the competing teams have their region. determine how well they travel and cope 6:30 pm: CSI5* Table A (238.2.2a) 1.55m already been confi rmed. Qatar’s Sheikh In Jumping, riders vying for a ticket with intense competition thereafter. The jumping Ali bin Khalid al-Thani, Ali Yousef al- to Rio include Gregory Wathelet from stakes, therefore, could not be higher, as Saturday Rumaihi, Khalid al-Emadi and Bassem Belgium, Bertram Allen from Ireland the most skilled riders in the world vie for 8am: CPEDI3* Freestyle para-dressage Hassan Mohammed have already booked and Omer Karaevli from Turkey, all of supremacy at CHI Al Shaqab. 12:30pm: CDI5* Grand Prix Special, Dres- their ticket to Olympics and will be eager whom currently lead their respective sage to pick up early momentum ahead of their groups. However, there is a very narrow SCHEDULE 1pm: CSI3* Final - Table A (238.2.2a) 1.45m show jumping debut at the 2016 Olympic margin separating them, so the pres- Today: show jumping Top-ranked show jumper Scott Brash will participate in CHI Al Shaqab. Games. sure will be on them to hold on to their 10:30am: Doha Tour CSI3* Two Phases 2:30pm: CDI5* GP FS - Grand Prix Free- But there are eight individual places top positions. (274.5.3) 1.30m show jumping style to Music Dressage yet to be decided in Doha. Qualifi cation From the Middle East and Africa group, 1pm: Doha Tour CSI3* Table A (238.2.1a) 5:30pm: CSI5* Grand Prix Two Rounds is based both on the number of points Moroccan rider Abdelkebir Ouaddar 1.45m show jumping with Jump Off 1.60m Show jumping Al Shaqab volunteer programme gains traction BOTTOMLINE Friends of Al Shaqab, an in-house volunteer programme of Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation, was launched in 2012 with the aim to support local, regional and international events and activities of Al Shaqab, Qatar Foundation and other entities Doha Tour to be held over three legs in terms of workforce management to ensure that the events are provided with the right manpower resources, especially the need for volunteers. By Sports Reporter to our regional riders,” said al-Attiyah Headed by Fatin al-Sada, Al Shaqab’s head of HR and Volun- Doha yesterday. teer Programme manager, the programme is hoped to build The QEF will host the second leg from a healthy community, enriched by volunteers with diverse March 10-12, which will off er a CSI2* and nationalities, ages and professions who believe in their capac- atar Equestrian Federation a CSI4* competition. The third and fi nal ity to make a diff erence through volunteerism. (QEF) president Hamad bin event takes place at Katara where, again, Friends of Al Shaqab has provided volunteers and supported Abdulrahman al-Attiyah has there will be a CSI2* and a CSI4* compe- in the success of various major events in Al Shaqab such as said the Doha Tour, which will tition from March 24-26. “We will be set- CHI Al Shaqab, Longines Global Champions Tour, Champions of beQ held in three legs this year, could be ting up an arena at Katara, which should Champions, Horse Auctions, Garangao Festival and other Qatar extended to six legs from next year. make for an interesting viewing,” added Foundation events such as National Sport Day, Ramadan Camp, Doha Tour is the fi rst of its kind in the the QEF president. Al Bawasil Camp of Qatar Diabetes Association, etc. Due to the Arab World. For the fi rst time, this year’s The championship trophy will be remarkable success of the programme and good reputation, programme will involve three legs of the awarded to the overall winning rider who Friends of Al Shaqab has been requested by other entities as competition being staged at three diff er- has won the most points over the three well to support in their various events and activities. ent venues. It is a competition open to events. The programme has an organised, systematic and profes- riders from all over the world but it at- Yesterday, the Qatar National Bank sional system with a database of almost 3,000 volunteers with tracts a number of Qatari and Saudi com- (QNB) signed an agreement with QEF to comprehensive personal information including skills, interests petitors of diff erent skill levels. extend its support for the event. and preferences which are vital information in assigning them Till last year the Doha Tour was a na- QNB has been a long-time partner of to various functional areas depending on the requirements of tional equestrian competition. But this the QEF and sponsors its major events. each event. The volunteers profiles come from a wide range of year the prestigious CHI Al Shaqab, QNB’s representative Salem Anzan al- various nationalities, gender and age although volunteers un- which begins today, will host the opening Nuaimi, who signed the agreement with der 18 years of age should secure approval from their parents event of the Doha Tour. al-Attiyah, said: “QNB has a close rela- or guardian. The programme also supports and encourages The fi rst part of this prestigious com- tionship with the Qatar Equestrian Fed- individuals with special needs to join and be involved. petition will be at CSI3* level and will run eration and it will continue to grow in Friends of Al Shaqab is handled by the Human Resources of concurrently with the other international future. QNB will keep supporting QEF’s Al Shaqab and they are continuously inviting volunteers to competitions taking place in the spectac- events and help raise the profi le of eques- register in the programme through Al Shaqab’s off icial website. ular arena here at Al Shaqab. trian sport,” he said. Everyone is invited to become part of this volunteer pro- “We are pleased that Doha Tour has On his part, the QEF president thanked Qatar Equestrian Federation president Hamad bin Abdulrahman al-Attiyah (right) gramme and take an active role in organising and supporting become an international event. But we QNB for sponsoring the Doha Tour, and Salem Anzan al-Nuaimi, representative of Qatar National Bank (QNB), at a press events while gaining memorable experience and improving are hoping to add three more rounds from stressing that the support will help the conference to announce the sponsorship of the QNB Doha Tour Show Jumping relevant skills. next year and provide more opportunities events to reach the higher level. Championship 2016. PICTURE: Garsi Lotfi