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Thursday, January 19, 2017 TENNIS Rabia II 21, 1438 AH Birthday girl GULF TIMES Kerber unwraps perfect present SPORT Page 11

GOLF SPOTLIGHT Thai stars Thongchai, Kiradech spearhead No McIlroy but Asian challenge at fi eld still strong CB Qatar Masters for Abu Dhabi ‘Obviously, Rory is a great player and no one wanted to see him pull out’

AFP Abu Dhabi

orld No3 Dustin Johnson Kiradech and No4 Henrik Stenson Aphibarnrat will headline a quality of Thailand fi eld at the $2.7mn Abu WDhabi HSBC Championship, the open- ing leg of the Desert Swing of the Euro- pean Tour. The tournament gets under way today and will miss world No2 Rory McIlroy, who was scheduled to play before pulling out on Monday with a stress fracture in his ribs. But there are plenty of big names in fi eld, including Masters champion Danny Willett, defending champion By Sports Reporter tournament in its fi fth staging in 2002, Rickie Fowler and world No10 Alex Doha the year a 21 year old Adam Scott lifted Noren. the Mother of Pearl Trophy for a fi rst time American Johnson is the highest before claiming it again six years later. ranked player in McIlroy’s absence, but ight-time European Tour winner Thongchai was back in 2004 and has he was categorical in assessing that it Thongchai Jaidee will compete played every year since. In his 14 appear- did not make the tournament any eas- in the Commercial Bank Qa- ances, the evergreen Thai has fi nished in ier to win. Etar Masters for a 15th time next the top 40 on 13 occasions, including ties The US Open champion who is week, having last year tied India’s Jeev for ninth in 2007 and 2013. known for making quick starts to his Milkha Singh for the most appearances “I always like playing in the Com- seasons on the PGA Tour, said: “No, (14) by an Asian player. mercial Bank Qatar Masters. I have been if you look at the fi eld, it’s got a great For the third straight year, Thongchai playing there for a long time and always fi eld here. Obviously, Rory is a great Swedish star Henrik will be joined in the fi eld by young com- do pretty well.” said the former para- player and no one wanted to see him Stenson will aim to patriot Kiradech Aphibarnrat, his team- trooper, who only turned pro when he pull out, including myself.” break his Abu Dhabi jinx. mate in last year’s Olympics in Brazil and was 29. “I still think it’s going to be a great ISPS HANDA World Cup of Golf in Aus- “It’s a nice course, quite long, and I tournament. It’s going to be very tough tralia. know it well after many years of playing to win.” Each will again bid to become the fi rst there so it would be nice to get another The 7,583-yard course has favoured Thai – and fi rst Asian – to win the Com- top 10 or even challenge for the trophy.” good drivers in the past, and that is the mercial Bank Qatar Masters, which cel- After winning back-to-back Malay- cornerstone of Johnson’s game. ebrates its landmark 20th edition at Doha sian Opens in 2004 and 2005, Thongchai And the American, who won three Golf Club from 26-29 January. won European Tour titles in Indone- tournaments in 2016 and recorded Three-time European Tour winner sia and Korea in 2009 at the age of 39. top-10 fi nishes in 15 of his 23 starts, SSP Chawrasia will also be part of the However, since turning 40, he has argu- was excited about his chances despite driving it pretty well right now, so even though he owns the course record “This year, we did skiing in Utah Asian charge, while Li Haotong of China ably played the fi nest golf of his career, making his debut in the Middle East. hopefully, we’ll have a good week.” in Abu Dhabi — 10-under par 62 in with the kids. I’m not sure if that and Wang Jeunghun of Korea – the two winning titles in Europe in 2012 (Wales), “I’ve played the front nine yester- Hoping to make it diffi cult for the the third round of the inaugural tour- helped my golf too much. I prefer to youngest players in last year’s Olympic 2014 (Sweden), 2015 (Germany) and 2016 day, so I like the front nine. I feel like American is Stenson, who was voted nament in 2006 — he is yet to get his keep my body a bit straighter when Men’s Golf Competition – and Wang’s (France). Kiradech, 27, is on his way to it’s set up well for me. We’ll just have the Swedish Male Athlete of the Year hands on the Falcon Trophy. we’re playing golf than skiing. compatriot Lee Soomin will make their emulating his famed compatriot. Like to see. But I feel like the game is in on Monday for his sensational 2016, in “I’ve had my chances here and its “But I’ve aired the clubs for the last tournament debuts. Thongchai, Kiradech won his fi rst Euro- pretty good shape right now, so I’m which he won the British Open and the not a secret how much I want to win week in Orlando before I headed out. It Team Qatar amateurs Saleh al-Kaabi pean title at the Malaysian Open, in 2013. looking forward to playing here,” said Race to Dubai, and was silver medallist this tournament. But for some reason was still getting airborne. It was going and Ali al-Shahrani will again represent Two years later, ‘Asia’s John Daly’ won the 32-year-old. “I feel like it’s pretty in the Olympics. or the other, I haven’t showed up here forward, and I managed to get some the host nation and will each seek to be- both the Shenzhen International in Chi- straightforward. You’ve got to drive Stenson has won the other two fully switched on. Either there’s been good putting sessions in, as well. Given come the fi rst local to make the cut in the na – where he beat Li in a playoff – and it straight. One of the keys obviously legs of the Desert Swing — the Dubai much to do over the break, or I have that I haven’t done that much, it still European Tour event. the Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Matchplay is hitting it straight and I feel like I’m Desert Classic and Qatar Masters. And had some injury,” said Stenson. felt pretty good.” Thongchai, 47, fi rst competed in the in Scotland.

BOTTOMLINE Asian champs Jeonbuk Hyundai disqualifi ed Reuters over United Arab Emirates team Manual for the AFC Club Com- Seoul Al Ain. petitions 2017-2020. The Asian Football Confed- “As such, Jeonbuk... was eration said the Entry Control deemed not to have met the eigning Asian club Body (ECB), a judicial inde- sporting criteria to participate champions Jeonbuk pendent body, has disqualifi ed in the AFC Champions League Motors of South Ko- Jeonbuk from the 2017 Asian 2017.” In May, prosecutors Rrea will be unable to Champions League, the conti- charged two referees in South defend their title over their nent’s premier club competi- Korea’s top league with accept- involvement in a 2013 bribery tion. ing bribes totalling 5mn won scandal, the continent’s soccer “... Jeonbuk Hyundai Mo- ($4,300) from a Jeonbuk Mo- governing body said yesterday. tors is ineligible to participate tors club scout, with three pay- Jeonbuk were docked nine in AFC competitions for the ments of 1mn won each made to points and fi ned $91,000 by the 2017 season due to its indirect one offi cial and two to the other. K League’s disciplinary com- involvement in activities aimed The scout was sentenced to a mittee in September for pay- at arranging or infl uencing the six-month suspended jail term ments a club scout made to ref- outcome of matches during the for bribery by the Busan Dis- erees in 2013. 2013 and 2014 K-League sea- trict Court. The club, who fi nished sec- sons,” the AFC said in a state- Korea’s Jeju United FC will ond in last season’s K League ment. take Jeonbuk’s place in Group Classic, were crowned cham- “Such indirect involvement H while Ulsan Hyundai will re- pions of Asia in November after was found to be in contraven- place Jeju in the playoff s for the sealing a 3-2 aggregate victory tion of Article 11.8 of the Entry 2017 AFC Champions League. Jeonbuk Hyundai players celebrate after winning the AFC Champions League last year, but have been disqualified from this year’s tournament. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, January 19, 2017 GOLF

PREVIEW SPOTLIGHT Scott primed for Els praises Tiger for tilt at fourth raising the stakes AFP Els added. Singapore Golf has seen the emergence Singapore title of exciting young talent such as Justin Thomas, 23, and Hideki The smooth-swinging 36-year-old possesses the accuracy off the tee and short iger Woods’ return can Matsuyama, 24, during Woods’ only mean good things absence and they are challeng- game necessary to tame the Sentosa Golf Club’s fiendishly diff icult Serapong Course for golf which reaped ing the sport’s top echelons. the rewards of his popu- Thomas is the current world larity,T former world number one number eight and Matsuyama is Ernie Els said yesterday. number six. Woods, a 14-time major win- World number fi ve, American ner, is returning after a long in- Jordan Spieth, is 23 and held the jury layoff and launches his 2017 top spot for a total of 26 weeks campaign at Torrey Pines in between 2015 and 2016. California next week. Younger players also won the Adam Scott of Australia in action during the Pro–Am Els, a four-time major winner praise of world number seven event ahead of the Singapore Open starting today. himself, said the current crop of Adam Scott, who said technol- players had a lot to thank Woods ogy was helping them mature for. their game. “Certainly based on the US “These young guys come tour, we wouldn’t be playing for out and manage their game in a the money we are playing for very smart way. Certainly Jor- (now) if it wasn’t for him,” Els dan (Spieth) and Justin Thomas told reporters on the eve of the seem to do it right now,” he said. of the SMBC Singapore Open at “That is a big help for young the Sentosa Golf Club. guys if they play with a wise old “It can only be good if he head on their shoulders and all plays well when he comes back that fi repower.” because there’s going to be more The $1mn Singapore Open, spectators around the world co-sanctioned by the Asian getting fi red up about the game,” Tour and Japan Golf Tour Or- he said. ganisation, tees off today. “Some of the youngsters are Competitors include world playing great golf, so it would be number 15 Sergio Garcia of great to see if Tiger can get in the Spain and defending champion mix at some of these big events Younghan Song from South Ko- and create even more of a buzz,” rea.

Reuters for me, I seem to manage to play well simple formula and let his golf do the in Southeast Asia was an easy decision Singapore here. I stand on the tee and my ball ends rest. and this week’s tournament would pro- up on the fairway more often than not,” “You arrive with a confi dence in the vide a perfect platform for the challenges Scott, Singapore Open champion in back of your mind that you can do it, can that lay ahead. dam Scott is the highest-ranked 2005, 2006 and 2010, told reporters yes- overcome the challenges but try not to “I have a strong connection to Sin- player at this week’s Singapore terday. think about things too much,” he added. gapore over the last 10 or 12 years, it’s a Open and the Australian world “It’s a fairly generous course in spots “That’s a key to golf, over-thinking tournament I enjoy on a great course and number seven will be confi dent but you still have to be precise. It does could ruin all the good vibes I have here all these things contribute to making my Aof starting 2017 with a victory at a course have big greens but if you hit it a long so I will just try and play the same way I decision on where to play,” he said. Ernie Els of South Africa attends a press conference ahead of Singa- and tournament where he has tasted suc- way from the hole then you are going to always have and not put extra pressure on “It’s a nice way to start the year... it’s pore Open yesterday. cess three times before. struggle. myself to win or get into contention, just close to home and I get to spend a little The smooth-swinging 36-year-old “It fi ts my eye and fortunately I have play my game and not get in my own way. more time in Australia before I head back possesses the accuracy off the tee and been able to take advantage of that a few “You want to do that everywhere but to the United States in another month or FOCUS short game necessary to tame the Sentosa times over the years.” sometimes it’s easier to do that on a so. Golf Club’s fi endishly diffi cult Serapong The 2013 US Masters champion added course where you have had success and “Those things add up in the decision- Course with an unerring profi ciency that that while returning to a happy hunting hit so many good shots. It all falls into making process and it’s important for me even he fi nds diffi cult to explain. ground often provided a major psycho- place.” to play around the globe, although my Japan club “The course is just one of those things logical boost, it was best to adhere to a Scott also said that starting his season focus is on the United States.” eyes changing AMENDMENT ‘sexist’ policy Bjorn gets extra wildcard pick for Ryder Cup team AFP — restrictions that do not apply Tokyo to male members. Reuters crushing 17-11 margin at Hazeltine Na- “I’m confi dent that we’re going to have form.” Players will also now have to play “We haven’t received any London tional last year, prompting the European the 12 best European players representing a minimum of four European Tour events complaints from female mem- Tour to change its selection criteria for us in France,” Bjorn, who was named Eu- outside the Major Championships and Japanese country club bers about the rules so we were the 2018 edition in Paris. rope’s captain in December, said. World Golf Championships next season set to host the 2020 Ol- surprised” by Koike’s criticism, he European Tour amended its Accordingly, Bjorn will have four wild “From my own experience when you instead of fi ve to keep their Tour mem- ympic golf competition he added. Golf’s international selection criteria for the 2018 card picks instead of the three given to make all your points in November and bership. There will also be no Ryder Cup said yesterday it would body had already visited the club Ryder Cup yesterday, handing last year’s captain Darren Clarke. December the year before, it can be quite qualifying points available from tour- considerA changing a policy not before it was chosen as the 2020 captain Thomas Bjorn an extra Tournaments in the latter half of the daunting to play in the Ryder Cup when naments played in the same weeks as to admit women as full members venue, but Imaizumi said he was wildcardT pick and tweaking the qualify- season will also be given a greater points you haven’t played particularly well for the European Tour’s new Rolex Series, after Tokyo’s female governor unsure if it was familiar with the ing system so the team contains more in- weighting to ensure the team contains three or four months coming into it. a group of eight events with enhanced slammed the rule. policy. form players. the players who are in the best form be- “I don’t think you can, at any time in prize money that begins with the BMW Kasumigaseki Country Club The club has hosted major Europe lost to the United States by a fore the Ryder Cup begins. sports, take away from guys that are in PGA at Wentworth at the end of May. in Saitama, north of Tokyo, came tournaments and “fully meets under fi re last week as Yuriko requirements for the Olympic- Koike said she felt “very un- level golf competitions,” the To- BOTTOMLINE comfortable that women cannot kyo 2020 organising committee become full members in the 21st said in a statement yesterday. century”. But the committee added that “It should be a venue open to it “will continue studying the everyone,” the capital’s top offi - club owner’s policy on the mem- cial told reporters on Friday. bership eligibility and responses This week, Britain’s Tele- to the public discussion”. Fift y One East sets new milestone graph newspaper cited unnamed Last year, historic Scottish golf ifty One East, Qatar’s most nology Partner Ricoh and Ticket- mercial Bank Qatar Masters, the for the third year running. During tators. Fifty One East, Ricoh and sources as saying that the Inter- course Muirfi eld lost its status as prestigious shopping des- ing Partner FNAC. The Commer- most prominent event in Qatar, is the event, the renowned brand is FNAC are key players in the retail national Olympic Committee a British Open venue after voting tination, is celebrating cial Bank Qatar Masters 2017 is a world class championship and installing its top of the range prod- and distribution of cultural and had serious concerns, and was not to admit female members. its 20th year of success- regarded as Qatar’s annual must- Fifty One East’s association with ucts to provide the tournament electronic goods in this market. As in contact with the International Local Olympic organising Fful partnership with Commercial attend sporting and social event. it is a perfect fi t. The tournament with its impressive printing solu- a Qatari event, our long-standing Golf Federation (IGF) over the is- committee head Yoshiro Mori Bank Qatar Masters. Qatar’s fl ag- For its 20th edition, all eyes will has grown year on year to become tions. FNAC, located in Lagoona Qatari partners are what help this sue. has expressed concerns about the ship golf event, the Commercial be on Doha as the biggest names the most anticipated sporting Mall, will be present in the Public event thrive and stand out from Yesterday, the club’s gen- Tokyo-area club, saying players Bank Qatar Masters, sees Fifty in the sport vie for the Mother of event in Qatar that brings together Village throughout the tourna- the rest. The Commercial Bank eral manager, Hiroshi Imaizumi, would have a two to three hour One East return as the Offi cial Pearl Trophy on one of the most the entire community and pro- ment and will be off ering fans Qatar Masters is not only an inter- said there would be a discussion daily commute from the athletes’ Retailer of the four-day European challenging courses on The Tour. motes local talent.” and visitors a wide array of tech- national event, it’s one of Qatar’s about changing the longstand- village, Japanese media reported. Tour event, which will be held at Bader al-Darwish, Chairman He added, “Fifty One East con- nological and cultural products to biggest community events, giving ing policy if either international Summertime temperatures in Doha Golf Club from 26-29 Janu- and Managing Director of Dar- sistently strives to support activi- appeal to all. The French retailer the opportunity for offi cial spon- body requested it. the area, which can soar as high ary. wish Holding, commented: “We ties that have a positive impact on will also be running competitions sors to build brand awareness, “I think we should keep up as 40 degrees Celsius (104 de- Fifty One East has been sup- are proud to have Fifty One East the environment, society and Qa- and providing many exclusive and give back to the local community with the times,” Imaizumi told grees Fahrenheit), have also been porting the Qatar Masters since associated with such a promi- tar as a nation.” attractive off ers. and build relationships with VIP AFP. cited as a potential problem. the inaugural edition in 1998 and nent and esteemed sporting event Ricoh’s involvement with golf “It is our pleasure to have the hospitality guests,” commented The club has 220 women on its Plans for the Tokyo Games will continue to partner with the in Qatar for the past 20 years, extends to several tournaments continued support of Fifty One Joseph Abraham, CEO of tourna- roster but they are not allowed to have been marred by problems, tournament as the Offi cial Retailer adding sophistication and style around the world including the East towards making the tourna- ment title sponsor Commercial become full members and they including a plagiarism scandal along with its other brands, Tech- to the tournament. The Com- Commercial Bank Qatar Masters ment experience unique for spec- Bank. cannot play on certain Sundays and huge cost overruns. Gulf Times Thursday, January 19, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS FIFA’S VAN BASTEN REVEALS RADICAL VISION Berlin: Time penalties instead introduce a “shoot-out” where of yellow cards, no off -side a player has eight seconds to rule and more substitutions: beat the goalkeeper — to re- Ayew gives Ghana legendary ex-striker Marco van place extra time and traditional Basten, FIFA’s technical director, penalty kicks. has a radical vision of football’s “Each team would have five future. “We must keep looking attempts. The referee whistles, for ways to improve the game, then the player runs at the goal- to make it more honest, more keeper from 25 metres out,” dynamic, more interesting, so he said. “The goalkeeper can’t winning start, Egypt that what we off er is attractive leave his area and if he parries, enough,” the 52-year-old Dutch- it’s over. It would be spectacular man told German magazine for the spectators and more Sport Bild. “There are lots of interesting for a player. In a variations which need to be penalty shoot-out, it is over for tested in the coming years.” the taker in a second.” Van Basten, who became Former AC Milan, Ajax and draw on comeback FIFA’s technical director last Netherlands goal machine van October, has a string of revo- Basten is head of FIFA’s techni- lutionary suggestions, some cal areas, ranging from football Ghana are in control of Group D and are one of only three teams to have won of which he hopes could be in technology innovation to place for the expanded 48-team refereeing. However, any of the AFP to wait a little longer for their fi rst World Cup in 2026 — and some far-reaching changes he wants Port-Gentil, Gabon goal and win at the competition in of which would be hugely would need to be ratified by the almost four decades. controversial. executive committee of world “In 39 years we have not been He wants to see football copy football’s governing body. If he unners-up in 2015, Gha- there and in the fi rst half we had rugby union, where only the gets his way, he would dump na started their latest an element of stage fright,” ad- captain can directly address the off -side rule. Africa Cup of Nations mitted the Cranes’ Serbian coach the referee and a yellow card “Football currently resembles bid with victory over Milutin Sredojevic. means a player is temporar- handball where nine players, UgandaR thanks to Andre Ayew’s Uganda will next take on Egypt, ily sent off . “A yellow card (in plus the goalkeeper, pack the penalty on Tuesday, while Egypt who made their own comeback at football) against an opposing penalty area and (the defence) drew 0-0 with Mali on their long- the Cup of Nations after a seven- player doesn’t currently give is like a wall,” he said. “They awaited return to the tournament. year absence in a 0-0 stalemate the attacking team much,” said abolished the off -side rule in A terrible playing surface in with Mali. van Basten. field hockey and there were no Port-Gentil contributed to mak- The state of the playing surface “One idea is to replace the problems.” ing it a disappointing day of foot- and the humidity in the equatorial yellow card with a time pen- If that is revolutionary, van ball, without a goal from open conditions were factors in making alty of five or 10 minutes. That Basten is also concerned at how play, that completed the fi rst it a poor game, most notable for would frighten teams. It is hard some teams have become ex- round of fi xtures in the group a substitute appearance by Egypt to play 10 against 11, let alone perts at slowing the game down stage of this year’s competition in goalkeeper Essam El Hadary that with eight or nine. We’re also in the dying stages when they Gabon. allowed him to become the oldest thinking about allowing more are narrowly ahead. “We’re dis- Ghana are now in control of player ever to appear at the Cup of than three substitutions during cussing how to make the time Group D and are one of only three Nations. games. Last month I met (Man- more eff ective in the last 10 teams to have won a match so far The 44-year-old came off the chester City coach) Pep Guar- minutes,” he said, adding that along with Senegal and DR Congo. bench in the fi rst half to replace diola, who asked, ‘Why aren’t he wants to see the number of West Ham United star Ayew the injured Ahmed El Shennawy six substitutions possible?’” competitive matches reduced converted from the spot just af- and beat the old mark set by com- Van Basten also wants to to protect the game’s top stars. ter the half-hour mark in the patriot Hossam Hassan, who was day’s fi rst game after Isaac Isinde 39 when he played at the 2006 had fouled Asamoah Gyan inside Cup of Nations. the area. Ghana then withstood Egypt’s star man Mohamed Ugandan pressure in the second Salah failed to fi re and Marwan half to win 1-0 and end their poor Mohsen had the best chance with recent record against the Cranes a header that was turned over. that had seen them fail to win in Egypt had not been seen at a three encounters in qualifying for Cup of Nations since winning a the 2015 Cup of Nations and 2018 record seventh title, and third in a World Cup. row, in 2010. “We can play better. In the fi rst “We would be much happier half we dominated the game but in of course if we had won but this the second half we knew the result will not really change too much was the most important thing and what we need to do in our coming we played to win,” said Ghana’s games,” said Egypt’s Argentine Israeli coach Avram Grant. coach Hector Cuper, who admit- The Black Stars, who lost on ted concern as to the fi tness of El penalties to the Ivory Coast in Shennawy ahead of medical tests. the 2015 fi nal, are looking to win It will feel like an opportunity the trophy for the fi rst since 1982. missed for Mali, who had initially Their hopes will not be helped if been the better team in what may they lose left-back Abdul Rahman as well have been a home game for Baba of Schalke, who was stretch- them. Crowds have so far been ered off in the fi rst half with an sparse at this Cup of Nations, but apparent hamstring injury. Grant the large Malian community in later described the player’s pros- Port-Gentil — an oil-rich seaport pects of recovering as “50-50”. perched on Gabon’s western tip — Uganda were making their fi rst turned out to give their side col- appearance at the Cup of Nations ourful and vociferous backing and Legendary ex-striker Marco van Basten was appointed FIFA Ghana’s Andre Ayew (centre) vies for the ball with Uganda’s Tony Mawejje (right) and Denis Iguma since 1978, when they lost to Gha- made up most of the attendance technical director in September. during the Africa Cup of Nations Group D match in Port-Gentil, Gabon on Tuesday. (AFP) na in the fi nal, and they will have of 12,600.

ROUND-UP SPOTLIGHT Xabi Alonso to retire in June: Report Cameroon have not AFP Berlin asked for ban on panish World Cup winner and double European champion Xabi Alonso is set to retire at the end of the season when Liverpool’s Matip his Bayern Munich contract expires, a reportS said. Leaders Bayern kick off the sec- ond half of the Bundesliga season at Freiburg Reuters tomorrow in their bid for a fi fth straight Ger- Liberville, Gabon man league title with the 35-year-old Alonso poised to end his playing career in June. It would mean the German giants could lose ameroon have not asked FIFA to stop de- signifi cant experience for next season with fender JOEL MATIP playing for Liver- club captain and ex-Germany skipper Philipp pool during the African Nations Cup but Lahm also reportedly considering retiring in they have not given the Premier League June to take over as Bayern’s team manager. clubC the green light to fi eld the player either, According to German magazine Sport Bild, Cameroonian offi cials said yesterday. Alonso has already told club bosses he does They are unlikely to give clearance because that not want to sign a contract extension. Having would cause an outcry in Cameroon where eight joined Bayern for the 2014/15 season, Alonso players turned down call ups for the fi nals in Ga- is bidding to fi nish with a third straight Ger- bon, African football sources told Reuters. man league title with Munich currently three The Cameroon Football Federation (FECA- points clear in the table. FOOT) has made no offi cial comment on the is- Alonso has won 16 titles for clubs and sue, while Liverpool are consulting their lawyers country, including the 2010 World Cup and before deciding whether to play him. the 2008 and 2012 European championships Football’s world governing body FIFA told the with Spain, making 114 international appear- Merseyside club to make up their own minds on ances. He retired from international duty whether Matip could play, saying on Monday it in August 2014. He has won the Champions had directed Liverpool to “the applicable provi- league twice with two diff erent clubs. sions” of the regulations. Matip was left out of He started out at Real Sociedad and joined Xabi Alonso has won 16 titles for clubs and country, including the 2010 World Cup and the the squad for Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League draw Liverpool in 2004 after being named Span- 2008 and 2012 European championships with Spain, making 114 international appearances. at Manchester United and last night’s FA Cup “Liverpool have subsequently repeatedly ish player of the year in 2003. He was part third-round replay away to fourth-tier Plymouth sought, as a matter of urgency, clarity from FIFA of the Liverpool side which famously won gest earlier this week that he was retiring not to retire. There is a strong possibility that Argyle because world governing body FIFA had in this regard,” the club said. the 2005 Champions League title in a pen- from the game at 65. The Dutchman, who was I will retire, but it’s not fi nal.” not confi rmed he was eligible. “It is Liverpool’s view that the player should be alty shoot-out, coming back from 3-0 down sacked by Manchester United last year after Van Gaal revealed that he had received an West Bromwich Albion took the same precau- available for club football during the period of the against AC Milan in Istanbul. After fi ve years an uninspiring stint at Old Traff ord, had told off er from La Liga crisis club Valencia. “It was tion with fullback Allan Nyom for Saturday’s 4-0 competition and (we)will continue to work for a and 143 English Premier League appearances popular daily tabloid De Telegraaf: “I don’t about a month ago, but I said no. Next year, defeat at Tottenham Hotspur. However, Ajax Am- speedy and unambiguous resolution.” with Liverpool, Alonso joined Real Madrid in believe I’ll return to work.” it might have been diff erent. That depends on sterdam used keeper Andre Onana — one of the Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said he 2009. He again won the Champions League in But less than a day later van Gaal rowed how I feel.” eight who decided not to play for Cameroon at would seek advice from the club’s lawyers before 2014 when current Bayern coach Carlo An- back on that, telling Spanish radio overnight Clarifying his comments published in the tournament — on Sunday in a 3-1 win at PEC using Matip. celotti steered Real to a 4-1 win over Atletico Tuesday-Wednesday that nothing was fi nal Tuesday’s De Telegraaf, van Gaal — who says Zwolle in the Dutch championship. “As you can imagine, we are in a lot of talks. Madrid before Alonso transferred to Germa- and his future “depends on off ers” at the end he has received dozens of lucrative off ers Cameroonian offi cials, speaking to Reuters on We’ve done transfers quicker than this.It’s al- ny for the 2014/15 season. of what he has called a sabbatical. since his United departure last May — added: condition of anonymity, said it was up to FIFA to ready long term but now it’s getting really tense “I am not retiring,” van Gaal, whose deco- “I only said that perhaps I was going to retire. decide if any action should be taken but Cam- on our side,” he told British media. ME RETIRE? NOT SO FAST, rated coaching career included two spells at But I don’t know, it’s still not the moment eroon had “moved on” from the matter. Matip “We’ve tried everything but at the end I have to SAYS VAN GAAL Barcelona and with the Dutch national side, to say. “That’s why I took a sabbatical for a was called up for the fi nals despite having not make the decision. Of course I have to ask (Liver- Louis van Gaal says he is not defi nitely done told Cadena Ser radio. “I took a sabbatical year, and then I would decide. It depends also played for the Indomitable Lions since last year’s pool’s lawyers) but the decision is for me to make. with football just yet, after appearing to sug- year and then maybe I will decide whether or on what off ers I get.” World Cup in Brazil. I could put him in the lineup.” Gulf Times 4 Thursday, January 19, 2017 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT AGCFF Emergency Committee holds fi rst meeting

By Sports Reporter The meeting discussed the ratifi cation Doha of the AGCFF Statutes and regulations of the various committees. One of the key points discussed in the meeting he Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation was the proposed date of the upcoming (AGCFF) Emergency Committee held 23rd Gulf Cup to be held during the its fi rst meeting on Tuesday at the Qatar period of 22nd December, 2017 until Football Association’s (QFA) headquar- 5th January, 2018 in Qatar tersT in Al Bidda Tower. The meeting was chaired by Sheikh Hamad bin be announced at a later stage once the matter is Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani, President of the QFA discussed with AGCFF member associations. and the AGCFF, and was attended by Eng. To ensure the success of the Gulf Cup and par- Marwan Ahmad bin Ghalita, President of the ticipation of all AGCFF member associations, it UAE Football Association and Vice-President of has been approved to grant Kuwait an extended the AGCFF. deadline regarding its participation in the com- The other attendees were Dr Hameed al- petition until the lifting of the suspension im- Sheibani, Chairman of Competitions Committee posed by FIFA. The keenness of the AGCFF on the and member of the Emergency Committee, and participation of the Kuwait national team in the Jassim al-Rumaihi, Secretary General of AGCFF. competition stems from the major role that Ku- The meeting discussed the ratifi cation of the wait has played in the sports scene in the region, AGCFF Statutes and regulations of the various and its direct positive impact on football develop- committees. One of the key points discussed in ment in the Gulf. the meeting was the proposed date of the upcom- Kuwait is one of the strongest football nations ing 23rd Gulf Cup to be held during the period of in the region and has won the most Cup titles, The meeting was chaired by Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani, President of the QFA and the AGCFF, and was attended by Eng. Marwan 22nd December, 2017 until 5th January, 2018 in and its presence enriches the level of competition Ahmad bin Ghalita, President of the UAE Football Association and Vice-President of the AGCFF. Qatar. The confi rmed date of the competition will amongst the teams in the Gulf.

FA CUP ROUND-UP Costa back in favour Allardyce gets off the aft er making peace with coach Conte

AFP ish media said. London It remains unclear whether City, who signed Toure from Bar- mark, Lincoln, Sutton celona in 2010, will off er him a iego Costa could be new deal. Toure has regained his back in the Chelsea place in the heart of City’s mid- starting line-up against fi eld over the past two months Hull on Sunday after he after a row between the club and madeD up with the Premier League his agent threatened to end his leaders’ manager Antonio Conte, time at the club. spring surprises British media reported yesterday. Toure was frozen out by man- The 28-year-old striker — ager Pep Guardiola after his out- whose 14 goals this season has spoken representative Dimitri spurred Chelsea to a seven-point Seluk claimed the midfi elder had Lincoln sent second tier Ipswich crashing out with a surprise 1-0 victory lead at the top of the table — was been humiliated by his omission pictured at the club’s training from City’s Champions League AFP ground hugging fi tness coach Ju- squad. That situation was re- London lio Tous, with whom apparently solved with an apology from he had a row last week over the Toure in November. level of his fi tness and amid re- hristian Benteke spared Sam Al- ports of a big-money off er from MAN UNITED ‘FIRST’ TO AP- lardyce’s blushes as the Crystal China. The Spanish internation- POINT COUNTER-TERROR CHIEF Palace striker came off the bench al also trained with the rest of the Manchester United have ap- to inspire a 2-1 win over Bolton, squad having trained on his own pointed a counter-terrorism whileC Lincoln and Sutton pulled off shock at the start of the week. manager and believe they are victories in Tuesday’s FA Cup third round Both the volatile Brazil-born the fi rst Premier League club to replays. star and Conte claimed he had a do so, it emerged yesterday.The Palace manager Allardyce had gone fi ve back injury after he was omitted English football giants, who suf- matches without a win since replacing the from the squad for last Satur- fered two embarrassing secu- sacked Alan Pardew just before Christ- day’s 3-0 win over champions rity blunders in recent months, mas. He was in danger of an embarrass- Leicester. However, Costa was appointed an unnamed former ing Cup exit when the struggling Premier also said to have had his head member of the Manchester po- League team fell behind to James Henry’s turned by a bid from Chinese lice and made the announcement 48th minute goal at Selhurst Park. club Tianjin Quanjian, who were at a fans’ forum recently. But Allardyce sent on Benteke and the reportedly willing to off er him Old Traff ord is now subject to switch paid immediate dividends as the £30mn a year. some of the most stringent se- former Liverpool striker headed Palace’s curity measures on match days 68th minute equaliser. Benteke com- YAYA TOURE REJECTED HUGE with spectators searched at the pleted Palace’s revival with a fi erce fi n- CHINA OFFERS: REPORTS turnstiles and cars also under- ish from Andros Townsend’s cross in the Manchester City midfi elder Yaya going checks when they want to 77th minute to set up a home tie with Toure has rejected off ers from enter the car park. Manchester City in the fourth round. Chinese Super League clubs It comes after last May’s Pre- “Wins grow confi dence. There’s no that would have paid the Ivorian mier League match with Bourne- doubt about that. How much confi dence around £430,000 a week, reports mouth saw spectators evacuated we get from this will show on Saturday,” said on Tuesday. from Old Traff ord when a sus- Allardyce said. Toure is out of contract at the pect package was discovered in At Sincil Bank, National Conference end of the season and has been a toilet. The package proved to leaders Lincoln sent second tier Ipswich approached by clubs from China be harmless and had been placed crashing out with a surprise 1-0 win. who have been splashing on a there — and then forgotten about In their fi rst game since his death last host of star signings in recent — by a security fi rm during a week, Lincoln paid a memorable tribute months. The 33-year-old is said training exercise. The match had to their former player and manager Gra- to have been the subject of inter- to be played at a later date. ham Taylor. Danny Cowley’s fi fth tier side est from China last year. In another breach two auda- are into the fourth round of the FA Cup He snubbed those off ers and cious United fans on a tour of for the fi rst time since 1975-76, when they gave the same response when Old Traff ord last November hid were still managed by Taylor. he was contacted again once the in the loos hoping to be able then Nathan Arnold got the winner from winter transfer window opened to gain access to their game with Adam Marriott’s pass to book a fourth this month because he would Arsenal. heir hopes were dashed round tie at home to Championship high- prefer to continue playing in as they were discovered and fl iers Brighton. Lincoln players Adam Marriott and Alan Power celebrate after their win over Ipswich Town at the FA Cup Third Round. (Reuters) England, the BBC and other Brit- handed over to police. “A non-league team into the fourth round of the FA Cup? It’s what dreams with a 10th minute header, but the hosts before Bright Samuel grabbed the winner fourth round opponents are second tier are made of and we’ve got to enjoy it,” had defender Paul Robinson sent off fi ve deep into the extra-time. Blackpool travel Bristol City, who beat Fleetwood 1-0 in Arnold said. Sutton, currently 15th in minutes later. Sutton, in the third round to second tier strugglers Blackburn in the their replay at Highbury Stadium thanks the fi fth tier, lived up to their reputation for the fi rst time since 1994, made the fourth round. Burnley piled on the misery to Jamie Paterson’s 17th minute goal. as FA Cup giant-killers with a shock 3-1 most of their numerical superiority in a for struggling Sunderland with a 2-0 win win at third tier AFC Wimbledon. Sutton dramatic fi nish as Roarie Deacon equal- at Turf Moor. ENGLISH FA CUP RESULTS famously stunned Coventry, then play- ised in the 75th minute. Sunderland boss David Moyes, whose (aet denotes after extra time): ing in the top-fl ight and just two years Maxime Biamou tapped in the crucial side are second bottom of the table, is Third round replays removed from winning the competition, second goal in the 90th minute before more concerned with Premier League AFC Wimbledon 1 (Elliott 10) Sutton 3 (Dea- in the third round in 1989. Dan Fitchett capped Sutton’s thrilling fi - survival and he paid the price for leaving con 75, Biamou 90, Fitchett 90+6) Beating Wimbledon can’t quite equal nale with the third moments later. In the star striker Jermain Defoe on the bench. Barnsley 1 (MacDonald 49) Blackpool 2 (Mel- that feat but winning at their south-west night’s third upset, fourth tier Blackpool, Burnley went ahead in the 44th minute lor 30, Samuel 120) aet London neighbours was still an impres- FA Cup winners in 1953, enjoyed a 2-1 win when Wales forward Sam Vokes struck Burnley 2 (Vokes 44, Gray 83) Sunderland 0 sive achievement that booked a lucrative at Championship side Barnsley. with a clinical header. Crystal Palace 2 (Benteke 68, 77) Bolton 1 home fourth round tie against Champi- Kelvin Mellor put Blackpool ahead in Andre Gray came off the bench to seal (Henry 48) onship promotion chasers Leeds. the 30th minute and Angus MacDonald Burnley’s win when he slotted in to the Fleetwood 0 Bristol City 1 (Paterson 17) Tom Elliott put Wimbledon in front equalised four minutes after half-time far corner in the 83rd minute. Burnley’s Lincoln 1 (Arnold 90+1) Ipswich 0 Chelsea’s volatile striker Diego Costa. CANDREVA FIRES WASTEFUL INTER INTO ITALIAN CUP QUARTERS Milan: Antonio Candreva came off the bench start having failed to impress since a 29.5mn slipped past Da Costa at his far post. Palacio forced Da Costa into action following a a 73rd minute leveller. to score an extra-time winner as wasteful Inter euros summer move from FC Santos, forced But failure to tighten up at the back gave corner three minutes later. Icardi spurned the chance for the winner min- Milan secured their Italian Cup quarter-final Bologna ‘keeper Angelo Da Costa down low to Bologna a sniff of goal and when Federico Di A long-range Eder strike had Da Costa on his utes later when he bundled Eder’s chipped cross spot with a thrilling 3-2 win over Bologna on block at his near post on 23 minutes as Inter Francesco found Dzemaili with a nice cutback, toes as it skimmed wide just before the hour past the upright with the goal at his mercy, the Tuesday night. struggled to settle. his eff ort deflected off Geoff rey Kondogbia to and then two quickfire strikes from Palacio and hosts’ last real chance before extra-time. Inter, the Super Coppa Champions, took a But Murillo lifted the mood considerably wrong-foot stand-in Inter ‘keeper Juan Carrizo Mario forced Da Costa to parry. But the Argentinian striker, who leads the 2-1 lead into the interval at the San Siro, where when he launched himself into the air to meet two minutes before the interval. Pioli replaced a tiring Barbosa with Candreva, Serie A scoring charts with 15 goals, made the shine was taken off Jeison Murillo’s superb Roberto Gagliardini’s corner with an impressive Inter resumed in positive fashion, but counted and Palacio with Mauro Icardi on 71 minutes. amends with a deflected cross that Candreva opener and Rodrigo Palacio’s well-worked goal overhead kick that left Da Costa with no chance. the cost for a series of glaring misses when God- Although their arrival eventually paid divi- collected on the edge of the box on 98 minutes by Blerim Dzemaili’s timely 43rd minute strike When Joao Mario ran in from the right minutes fred Donsah headed a 73rd minute equaliser. dends, Inter were pegged back in spectacular to fire past Da Costa. Inter will now meet the for the visitors. later he found Palacio with a great pass in be- Joao Mario headed wide of the upright from fashion when Donsah ran in late and rose high winner from the Roma v Sampdoria tie, to be Gabriel ‘Gabigol’ Barbosa, making his first hind the Bologna defence that the Argentinian Eder’s cross five minutes after the restart then to send an unstoppable header past Carrizo for played tonight. Gulf Times Thursday, January 19, 2017 5 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Time has come for City to make a Premier League statement Spurs are at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday and Pep Guardiola needs the City team, who overcame Arsenal to turn up, not the one humbled 4-0 at Everton

By Paul Wilson The Guardian

ess than a fortnight ago, the day after Manchester City’s 5-0 demolition of West Ham United away from home in the FA Cup, the Sun produced one of the Lmore inspired back pages of the season in hon- our of the performance. “MC Hammer!” the main headline screamed, accompanied by a pic- ture of David Silva complete with speech bubble reading: “You can’t touch this.” It all seemed completely in order. Pep Guardiola’s side had just made the most emphatic of statements to restore some of the belief that went missing in the new year fi xtures, when defeat at Anfi eld was followed by the vari- Pepe Guardiola’s players have rarely hit the ous controversies surrounding the narrow win heights on their own turf. against Burnley. A manager who had been sourly defensive in a in the squad – City came from a goal behind to television interview after the latter was now all beat Arsenal in December – but they were never smiles and sunny confi dence, promising his side close to pulling themselves back into the game at would be all the better for the luxury of a full Goodison and by the end they looked as though week to prepare for their next game at Everton. they could not wait to get off the pitch. As you may have heard, that plan did not go Guardiola was asked the usual question about as well as might have been expected. Everton whether title hopes had disappeared and for the were pretty good, thoroughly deserving of their fi rst time he mumbled that they might have. 4-0 win, but City were woeful again, failing in It was an unnecessary point to make anyway, at least three major departments and ending up he seemed to feel. Champion teams do not fall barely recognisable as the side who trounced to four-goal defeats in such a shambolic man- West Ham. First, they failed to take advantage ner, certainly not to opponents outside the top in the period in the fi rst half when they were six with little else to play for other than seventh on top, missing two or three decent chances to position. open the scoring. That can happen to anyone And so the story moves on to City’s next top- but City need to work out why Sergio Agüero six encounter, which happens to be this Satur- is not getting on the end of more of their best day at home to Tottenham Hotspur, who hap- chances. He is the best fi nisher at the club by a pen to be on a six-match winning run. Lots of Raheem Sterling (left) and John Stones (centre) and David Silva walk off following Manchester City’s 4-0 defeat at Everton last Sunday. mile and the sight of Silva or Raheem Sterling top-six teams seem to have put together long squandering presentable opportunities only re- sequences of wins this season (even Manchester else to make sense of City’s season. On the one Spurs can defend. They can keep a clean sheet have wind in their sails for the rest of the season, inforces the fact. United managed it until being held by Liverpool hand a side who can beat Barcelona must be against a side as strong as Chelsea and they can just as Leicester did last year, and a sixth Pre- Second, wet paper bags have off ered more re- at the weekend) but City’s own six-match win- doing something right, yet there is always the hang on to leads once they have gone in front. mier League defeat would leave City a lot to do sistance than the City backline in recent weeks. ning sequence in the league – right at the start sneaking suspicion Barcelona are the one team They will be no pushover at the Etihad, though just to fi nish in the top four. Scintillating as the When Romelu Lukaku opened the scoring it was of the season in case you are having diffi culty Guardiola ought to know how to beat, 4-0 hid- at this stage no one has a clue which version of 5-0 win at West Ham was, it was against a side Everton’s fi rst attempt on target and it went in, recalling it – was ended by Spurs with a work- ing at the Camp Nou notwithstanding. It is City they will be up against. Will it be the side with a few problems and it was only the FA Cup. a pattern that has become established in previ- manlike 2-0 victory at White Hart Lane at the teams such as Leicester and Everton, Middles- picked off so professionally by Chelsea, or the The time has come for City to make a similar ous games, not least when the same player did beginning of October. brough and Southampton that Guardiola has one who kept their composure when going a statement in the league – they can no longer af- the same thing to City at the Etihad. It is not all It is tempting to suggest City have not been lost ground against this season. goal down to Arsenal? The one thing that can be ford to keep handing the initiative to their op- Claudio Bravo’s fault, although a compilation the same since, though that would barely cover Spurs have had their wobbles too but Mau- said is the Etihad has not been quite the fortress ponents. This is crunch time for Guardiola too. of the goalkeeper’s greatest saves this season their wild fl uctuations in form and effi ciency. ricio Pochettino has been sounding more and City fans would wish in recent seasons; it is not He has already been through more mood swings would be on the short side, but when City make They have certainly not managed the same con- more bullish about the league since going out an arena that seems to inhibit title rivals or top- than Basil Fawlty and simply cannot allow Po- a mistake in defence it often leads to them being sistency. The best run they have put together is of the Champions League, and with good rea- six opponents. chettino to use Saturday’s game to further his opened up completely. Unchallenged near the three successive wins in December, one of which son. Spurs were the side who ended Chelsea’s Leicester and Liverpool enjoyed themselves claim to be the smartest young coach around. penalty spot, Lukaku could not miss. was against Arsenal, though that mini-recovery attempt at a record sequence of wins, after all, at City’s expense last season, Chelsea were de- It was always agreed this was going to be an Third, City heads tend to drop when they go was in response to their dreadful performance in and since then they have been on a run of their cisive winners this time, and apart from the 3-1 engrossing Premier League season, with half behind. That did not happen immediately after losing 4-2 at Leicester City, not to mention sev- own. Their six successive victories have been victory over Barcelona, Guardiola’s players have a dozen exceptional managers battling for the Lukaku’s goal, though it did when Kevin Miral- eral of their players losing their heads in defeat put together by scoring 19 goals and conceding rarely hit the heights on their own turf. top-four places. Yet even for one of the most las added a second at the start of the second half. by Chelsea the previous week. three. The last stat is possibly more important This could be the weekend to do it. If Spurs successful in history, no one said it would be It is not quite true there is no character or fi ght Guardiola must be struggling like everyone than the fi rst. secure a seventh victory they will most likely easy.

FOCUS CLAMPDOWN Rakitic central to Foreign players wear out China welcome Barca plans: Enrique AFP China’s national team is THE CRACKDOWN media this week the clampdown had Shanghai currently ranked a lowly 81st in Facing slowing economic growth, Chi- scuppered his team’s plans to buy Chel- AFP the world, just behind Saint Kitts na’s government had already been try- sea’s Spanish striker Diego Costa and a Barcelona and Nevis with its population of ing to stem capital fl ight and what it de- host of other Europe-based stars. hina is cracking down on the use around 50,000 people compared scribes as reckless spending and, in that of pricey foreign players by its with China’s 1.3bn context, the stunning transfer price tags MIXED REACTIONS arcelona boss Luis En- domestic league teams just as were practically inviting a crackdown. The Chinese public and fans appear to be rique tried to ease spec- sides are gearing up for the com- ball — and in some cases please Xi — top On January 6, the sports ministry broadly supportive of the new curbs, with ulation yesterday that Cing season. Here’s how it happened: teams sought to outdo each other with warned it would take action against hopes that more money will fl ow into de- midfi elder Ivan Rakitic foreign player signings, especially in the teams that shell out “irrational” sums. veloping the skill level of Chinese players. couldB be on his way to the Pre- past few years. Last month Chelsea’s This week the Chinese Football Asso- China’s national team is currently ranked GETTING THE BALL ROLLING mier League after falling down The Chinese domestic league had been Brazilian midfi elder Oscar confi rmed a ciation went a step further, cutting the a lowly 81st in the world, just behind the pecking order at the Camp steadily growing by the time President Xi record-breaking move to Shanghai SIPG number of foreign players that top-fl ight Saint Kitts and Nevis with its population Nou. The 28-year-old Croatian Jinping took offi ce in 2012 and increasing worth a reported 60mn euros — the fi fth teams could fi eld from four to no more of around 50,000 people compared with international was a crucial fi gure attention was paid to past comments he time in a year the Asian football transfer than three per match for the coming 2017 China’s 1.3bn. as Barca won the treble in En- had made declaring his vision of China record was broken. season, which starts in March. Sports industry insiders, meanwhile, rique’s debut season and a Span- becoming a football superpower. Brazilians Hulk and Alex Teixeira, Ar- have said the astronomical sums had be- ish league and cup double last The focus on his remarks is widely gentina’s Carlos Tevez and others have STEMMING THE FLOW come divorced from business sense and year. However, he has started just cited as encouraging lavish spending on also been lured to China for eye-watering Since the sports ministry’s edict, only needed to be reined in. once in four games in 2017 with foreign talent by the big businesses that sums. Tevez, for example, is headed to one major foreign signing has taken But some fans have complained the summer signing Andre Gomes own Chinese Super League teams as well Shanghai Shenhua for a reported 38mn place: Tianjin TEDA snagged Chelsea’s offi cial heavy-handedness will prevent featuring more prominently. as ramped-up investment in grassroots euros per season, which would make the Nigerian midfi elder John Obi Mikel for domestic footballers learning from top The former Sevilla captain has development. 32-year-old the highest-earning foot- about 8.5mn euros, according to trans- foreign talent and forcing fans to endure been strongly linked with a move baller in the world — even more than fermarketweb.com. boring play as they await the emergence to Manchester City after previ- FOREIGN INVASION compatriot Lionel Messi and Portugal Shu Yuhui, the chairman of Super of the hoped-for Chinese football “su- ously admitting he would love Barca travel to San Sebas- Hoping to fan interest in Chinese foot- star Cristiano Ronaldo. League side Tianjin Quanjian, told state perpower”. the opportunity to work with tian tonight looking to break an City boss Pep Guardiola at some eight-game winless streak away point in his career. to Sociedad, stretching back to “Ivan is a player who has been 2007. “We have seen all sorts of and will be important for the games in San Sebastian, but I China announces modest budget amid club extravagance team and the club,” Enrique said prefer not to talk about the past,” ahead of tonight’s trip to Real said Enrique. Beijing: China’s football association is set to almost han that it plans to spend 670mn yuan (about $98 mn), club Chongqing Dangdai Lifan, the German team said. Sociedad in their Copa del Rey The Barca boss had described double its spending in 2017 to improve the standards an increase of 45% over last year, in 2017 to support Sixth-placed Dortmund, who face Benfica in the last quarter-fi nal fi rst-leg tie. his side’s 1-1 draw on their last of the game but even the $98mn fund will look pittance the game across the country. Out of that fund, about 16 of the Champions League next month, are at Werder Rakitic claimed last week that visit as “almost a miracle” in be- compared to what the country’s top clubs are splurging $27mn will be spent on China’s national teams at all Bremen on Saturday when the Bundesliga resumes af- his respect was such that he ing thoroughly outplayed in one on overseas players. In the latest high-profile transfer, levels while some $18mn will go to youth training, local ter the winter break. Ramos, who turns 31 on Sunday, is would “jump off a bridge” if told of the poorest performances of Shanghai SIPG signed Brazilian Oscar from English club media said. The projected revenue for 2017 is 780mn unlikely to be in the squad after the club’s media direc- to by Enrique. However, nego- his three-year reign. Chelsea in a deal said to make him the highest-paid yuan (about $114mn). As part of a 2020 plan, China tor said that a transfer “has been agreed in principle” tiations over a new deal for the “We are looking for changes player in the world. Reports have suggested Shanghai have targeted reaching the last four of the 2019 Asian with Chongqing, with only the details to be finalised. midfi elder have stalled as Barca from that game. We need to paid 60mn euros (about $64mn) to lure the 25-year-old Cup, to be held in the United Arab Emirates. The na- The Chinese club are reportedly ready to pay 12mn prioritise renewals for Lionel be able to overcome their high to the Chinese super league club. His salary is reported tional team is currently 81st in the FIFA world rankings euros ($12.8mn) and off er a contract until 2020 to Messi and Andres Iniesta. pressing, be effi cient on the ball to be over $600,000 a week. China has, however, and reached the quarter-finals of the 2015 edition of the Ramos, who Kicker say will be loaned by his new “Rakitic is an example on and and create more chances.” moved to tighten rules over the number of overseas tournament in Australia. employers to Spanish league side Granada for the rest off the fi eld,” added Enrique. “I Gerard Pique, Iniesta and players in domestic games, amid concerns that the of the season. Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel says am not the one that has to evalu- Neymar all look set to return clubs have been over-spending on foreign talent with DORTMUND’S RAMOS SET TO JOIN CHINA’S with first-choice striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ate new contracts. I just want all after being rested for Saturday’s a rapid growth in the huge fees being paid for high- CHONGQING currently on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Gabon, the players that are available to 5-0 thrashing of Las Palmas profile imports. Borussia Dortmund’s Colombia striker Adrian Ramos is he does not want to see Ramos go, but has no plans to make the most of the minutes as Enrique has named a full- The CFA said at a conference in central China’s Wu- set to quit the Bundesliga to join Chinese Super League replace him. they are given.” strength squad. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, January 19, 2017 SPORT

NBA NFL Giving Landry a new contract Mavs edge Bulls, Spurs should be Dolphins’ and Raptors score wins top priority By Omar Kelly ‘They play really well. I’m glad we won this game, but we need to get better’ Sun Sentinel ometimes it shouldn’t always be about AFP the money spent, but the message sent. Los Angeles That should be the Miami Dolphins’ thought process when it comes to re- wardingS one of the hardest workers on the allas forward Wesley Mat- team, the tone-setter for the Dolphins, and the thews drained the go- face the franchise. ahead three-pointer with Jarvis Landry, who just put together his sec- 11.8 seconds remaining on ond-consecutive Pro Bowl campaign courtesy TuesdayD as the Mavericks spoiled of a 94-catch, 1,136-yard season, needs a new Chicago guard Dwyane Wade’s 35th contract. birthday with a 99-98 NBA victory And the former LSU standout shouldn’t over the Bulls. step foot inside the team’s facility until he gets Wade missed at the buzzer and one. the Bulls fell to the Mavericks for the The next time Landry visits the Dolphins’ second time this season — after ab- Davie facility it should be to sign his new con- sorbing a 25-point defeat last month tract, which should pay him like he’s a top-10 in Dallas. NFL receiver. Harrison Barnes scored 20 points, Numerous teams have re-upped their top Seth Curry had 18 and JJ Barea added receivers a year before their contract expires, 12 for the Mavericks, who notched and that’s the approach the Dolphins need to their third straight win. take with Landry, who is slated to earn a little Matthews and Deron Williams over $900,000 in the fi nal season of a four- both fi nished with 11 points. Dirk year, $3.5mn rookie deal he signed as a 2014 Nowitzki, steadily returning to full second-round pick. strength after right Achilles tendon “Business is business” is the term franchises trouble, contributed 10 points and use when they shake down proven veterans 10 rebounds for the Mavs, who built who they feel should take a pay cuts. Well, a 13-point lead in the third quarter players need to take the same approach when it then withstood a Bulls charge that comes to ensuring they’re paid accordingly for saw Chicago take a 98-96 lead on their production. Jimmy Butler’s jump shot with 22.8 If a team doesn’t respect a player enough to seconds left. compensate him fairly for his contributions, Butler led the Bulls with 24 points, they shouldn’t participate in the team’s super- 12 assists and nine rebounds. vised weight lifting and unnecessary fi eld work But the Mavs responded to his during the off season. go-ahead basket with a pick and roll NFL rules prevent draft picks and teams that sent Williams driving for the from renegotiating their deals until the start basket, only to fi nd Matthews for of their fourth season, so Landry couldn’t do what proved to be the game-winner. anything about the fact he was drastically un- Once the Mavs were ahead again, derpaid until this March. Matthews was determined not to Before doling out money to free agents, the give Butler a chance to beat them. Dolphins should take care of Landry because “Obviously, everybody knew the locker room is watching. where the ball was going to go,” said “To have sustainability, we want to take care Matthews, whose suff ocating de- our own. We want to care of our locker room,” fense forced Butler to get the ball to Mike Tannenbaum, the Dolphins’ vice presi- Wade, who missed a jump shot as dent of football operations said last week. time expired. “Adam (Gase) always likes to roll his eyes, “The shot didn’t go in,” Wade but I always say, ‘Our plan is fi rmly etched in said. “They made plays, we made pencil.’ Because things are going to change,” plays. They made a little more down Tannenbaum continued. the stretch.” “We’re going to acquire players. There are In San Antonio, Kawhi Leonard going to be unexpected opportunities. ... What paced the Spurs with 34 points in a does the draft look like? What does free agency 122-114 victory over the Minnesota look like? But with that said, we’re going to try Timberwolves. to lean heavily towards keeping our own and LaMarcus Aldridge added 29 building our program here.” points for San Antonio, who shook Dirk Nowitzki (R) of the Dallas Mavericks knocks the ball away from Rajon Rondo of the Chicago Bulls in Chicago. (Getty Images/AFP) That means making sure Landry is taken off a shaky start to improve to 32-9, care of, which will likely require a commitment second in the Western Conference tors to a 119-109 victory over the Nets Antonio in 2014. In his fi fth start for double to upset the Rockets 109- “Tonight we did an amazing job,” of more than $24mn in guaranteed money, behind the Golden State Warriors. in Brooklyn. Lowry, whose 1,487 min- the Raptors he connected on 15 of 22 103. Harden added 12 rebounds and Dragic said. which is the only money that counts when it Leonard’s rebound and race down utes played this season are the most in shots from the fi eld. 10 assists for his 13th triple-double “The Rockets are one of the best comes to NFL contracts. the court for a dunk with 7:36 to play the Eastern Conference, didn’t play DeMar DeRozan, named the East- of the season. teams in the NBA. They play really Coming up with a fair price for Landry won’t highlighted a 20-2 scoring run for for the fi rst time this season. ern Conference player of the week But he also had six turnovers as well. I’m glad we won this game, but be easy. San Antonio that saw the Spurs turn “Kyle provides a lot of scoring for on Monday, led the Raptors with 36 the Rockets, third in the West, suc- we need to get better.” Paying Landry, an elite slot receiver, like he’s a 90-83 defi cit into a 103-92 lead. us,” Joseph said. “I knew that slot points and 11 rebounds. cumbed to a Heat team whose 12-30 a top-fi ve receiver is irresponsible considering would be missing today. So I took it He surpassed 20 points for the record is second-worst in the league. RESULTS he’s not a game-changer like Cincinnati’s AJ Joseph lifts Raptors upon myself to try to be more ag- 13th straight game and notched his Heat point guard Goran Dragic Raptors 119 Nets 109 Green, Atlanta’s Julio Jones, Denver’s Demary- Cory Joseph was the unexpected gressive, try to be aggressive and 20th 30-point game of the season. scored 21 points with eight rebounds Heat 109 Rockets 103 ius Thomas or Pittsburgh’s Antonio Brown. star for Toronto, starting in place of take what the defense gives me.” The Heat sprung a surprise in and eight assists as Miami grabbed Mavericks 99 Bulls 98 Landry doesn’t demand double coverage on a resting Kyle Lowry and scoring a Joseph surpassed his previous Miami, withstanding Houston star the win with a 20-3 fourth-quarter Spurs 122 Timberwolves 114 every snap, and he’s only produced 13 off ensive career-high 33 points to lead the Rap- career high of 20 points — for San James Harden’s 40-point triple scoring run. Nuggets 127 Lakers 121 touchdowns in his three seasons.

SPOTLIGHT Zenner will do off season medical research again

By Dave Birkett The work it takes to get results, with 88 carries for 334 yards. Detroit Free Press you have to – just like everything He averaged 10.9 yards on his 18 else, it’s work.” catches. Last year, Zenner spent most “This season, I think, was re- ach Zenner hasn’t de- of the spring as a student vol- ally good to get a lot of the expe- cided whether he’ll stick unteer at Henry Ford Hospital, rience that I got,” Zenner said. to his original plan and go studying how fructose and salt “If you look at the opportuni- to medical school when his impact hypertension levels in ties that I was given, it doesn’t ZNFL playing days are done. lab rats. He said his work from get much better than that in the But no matter what career he that study will be published in NFL, as far as having an oppor- pursues after football, the De- a medical journal in the coming tunity to show what you can do. troit Lions running back called months. So, very appreciative of those “Doc” by his teammates said he This year, Zenner has signed opportunities. I’m looking for- wants to do something in the on to do another project through ward to next year.” medical profession. the Veterans Aff airs Medical Abdullah (foot) and Riddick That’s why Zenner, who de- Center in Detroit. Zenner said (wrist) are expected back healthy ferred enrolment in medical this study, which does not yet in 2017, and Lions general man- school two years ago in order to have a start date, involves doing ager Bob Quinn has acknowl- pursue his football dreams with ultrasounds of rat arteries with edged he wants to upgrade the the Lions, will spend his second Dr Noreen Rossi. running game this off season. But straight off season taking part in “I think it’s important to (do Zenner, one of the team’s best a research project at a Detroit these kind of projects), not only pass-protecting backs and a core hospital. for the career aspect of it _ kind special teams player, still should “I love the healthcare fi eld,” of building the resume – but have an opportunity to earn an Zenner said as he cleaned out his also, mentally, for the brain,” expanded role next season. locker at the Lions’ Allen Park Zenner said. “It’s a totally diff er- “The NFL is – people come practice facility last week. “I’m ent type of mental exercise than and go. You’ve got to keep work- really interested in that, and preparing for a defense. You can ing; you have to earn your spot no matter what profession you make similarities between the every time,” Zenner said. “So want to go into, these research two in just the fact that foot- although those were good op- experiences and publications are ball isn’t just a running straight, portunities that I think I took invaluable. ramming your head against brick advantage of as best I could, I’m It really speaks a lot to your wall over and over. (There are) a juggle two of his passions like he ner established himself as a de- back but took over as the starter 67 and 69 yards rushing in losses still going to need to keep taking resume to have a publication lot of mental aspects to football, did when he was a biology major pendable NFL running back this late in the year, after injuries to to the Dallas Cowboys and Green advantage of the opportunities or lab experiences, shows the as well, but it’s just totally diff er- at South Dakota State. “Put it season, after cracked ribs and Ameer Abdullah and Theo Rid- Bay Packers to close the regular in the future. Nothing’s going to scientifi c process. You’ve been ent from that.” this way: There’s no way I would a collapsed lung limited him to dick thinned the backfi eld and season, then led the Lions with be handed to me or given to me. through it. There’s a problem, While Zenner’s main focus is be able to do this in-season,” just six games and 17 carries as a Dwayne Washington struggled six catches for 54 yards in a play- That’s the way the NFL is and how do you attack the problem? football, he said the NFL’s off - Zenner said. rookie. He opened the season as through inconsistent play. off loss to the Seattle Seahawks. that’s one of the reasons why I Communicating your results. season calendar allows him to On the football fi eld, Zen- the Lions’ fourth-string running Zenner set career highs with For the season, he fi nished like it so much.” Gulf Times Thursday, January 19, 2017 7 SPORT

NHL SPOTLIGHT Devils rally for 4-3 win over Wild St. Louis Blues win By Andrew Gross not only on this particular The Record (Hackensack, N.J.) road trip but their season- long attempt to establish any kind of team consistency. “It’s been a huge disap- his one was impor- pointment for us thus far tant. This one was that we’ve had some great impressive. games, some great periods, streak comes to This one may have some great stretches and then Tjust shown the Devils, playing we come out and have had a a deeper, faster, more skilled poor eff ort,” said defenseman team, can put together a play- Ben Lovejoy, whose inability off push. to clear the puck on the pen- For, facing the Western alty kill led to the Wild’s fi rst Conference-leading Wild, goal. “Before fl ying home and who carried a 17-1-1 streak sleeping in our beds and see an end at home into the game, to end a four- our families, it’s always a test: game road trip and falling Come out and fi nish the road into a two-goal hole, the trip as a success or do what ‘We played a pretty good game and, again, just some mistakes that bite us’ Devils twice rallied from defi - we’ve done a lot and take a cits, scored three goals in the step back.” third period and won, 4-3, on The Wild quickly took over, Tuesday night at Xcel Energy narrowing the game from a Center. 200-foot aff air to a 125-foot Prior to the Devils’ third- expressway in their favor as period heroics, the Wild (28- they dominated puck posses- 10-5) had been 19-1-2 when sion. leading after two periods. Yet the Devils still might So the Devils (19-18-9) have managed to get out of completed what Taylor Hall the period without any dam- had called a road trip that age thanks to some impressive could “defi ne” their season saves from Schneider. Except 3-0-1. that Devante Smith-Pelly Beau Bennett scored the took one of those inexcusable, winner at 17:43 of the third thoughtless penalties that so period to complete the come- often determine games. back, taking a feed from Blake Wild defenseman Jared Coleman and ripping a wrist Spurgeon took a light wrist shot past Devan Dubnyk (22 shot from the right side that saves) from the slot. Schneider gloved at 17:28. Yet, But while the third pe- after the whistle, Smith-Pelly riod stood out, the reason the gave Spurgeon a shove from Devils even got to the fi nal 20 behind, sending him sprawl- minutes with a chance was ing into the end boards and their own goalie, Cory Sch- drawing a two-minute rough- neider, who made 32 saves and ing minor for Smith-Pelly. stopped 14 of 15 shots in the Spurgeon, at the left post, fi rst period when the Devils knocked down the rebound simply could not keep up with of Nino Niederreiter’s initial the Wild. shot and swatted the puck past The Devils erased a two- Schneider for a power-play goal defi cit, tying the game on goal to make it 1-0 at 17:58. Adam Henrique’s rising shot That became a 2-0 defi cit at from the left circle at 5:23 of 9:24 of the second period as the third period. Erik Haula, Jason Zucker beat Schneider swatting in a backhander from off the rush with a backhander just above the crease, regained from the right circle. the lead for the Wild at 9:08. Yet the Devils remained in Yet, just 22 seconds later, it. Rookie Pavel Zacha drew Ottawa Senators center Jean-Gabriel Pageau (No 44) celebrates after scoring a goal against St. Louis Blues at Scottrade Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Kyle Palmieri tied it again on a hooking penalty on Mik- a shot that went in and out of ko Koivu and scored on the By Tom Timmermann There was a puck the goalie thought he him unattended in the circle to goalie Mike Paul Stastny redirected from in front of the net so quickly it was ini- power play to cut the Wild’s St. Louis Post-Dispatch had frozen, a puck the defense couldn’t Condon’s left and his one-time wrister the net past Ottawa goalie Mike Condon. tially called no goal. lead to 2-1 at 13:19 of the sec- fi nd in the crease and a turnover after tied the game. It was Stastny’s 11th goal of the season and Facing the Wild was clearly ond period, his fi rst goal in 18 the team failed maybe four times to get The success was too much for the Blues. fourth in his past six games. a litmus test for the Devils, games. ll of a sudden, home is where the the puck out of their own zone and some The Blues had several chances to clear the The Blues had plenty of zone time to heartache is for the Blues. plain bad luck. It was the eighth straight puck out of their own end and couldn’t, or start the second period and couldn’t For the fi rst part of the season, game at Scottrade that the Blues had al- wouldn’t, do it. At times, the decision to score, and then the tide shifted. With Scottrade Center was a depend- lowed three or more goals. Fortunately for keep the puck in was voluntary. Eventu- Stastny in the box for slashing, Kyle Tur- Struggling Islanders fi re head coach Capuano Aable place for the Blues to pick up two the Blues, road games far outweigh home ally, Jaden Schwartz fell down, Ottawa’s ris took a shot that was blocked by Robert The New York Islanders fired coach Jack Capuano on Tuesday points, but now, it seems like alien ter- games the rest of the way. Mark Stonen got the puck and beat Hut- Bortuzzo. That wasn’t a good thing, how- in the midst of a poor season for the club. ritory. The Blues lost for the fourth time Carter Hutton got his third straight start ton to make it 4-3. The tie game had lasted ever, because the puck came to a wide- The Islanders are 17-17-8 and in last place in the Eastern in fi ve games on their home ice – that in goal and stopped 18 of 23 shots. Before all of one minute. A goal by Mike Hoff - open Hoff man standing on the opposite Conference with 42 points. Assistant general manager Doug doesn’t count the Winter Classic win at the game, Blues coach Ken Hitchcock man with 6:07 to play gave Ottawa some side and he had an open net to shoot into Weight was named interim head coach. Busch Stadium – and did it with some- said winning was the big thing now and breathing room and an empty-netter with to put the Senators ahead. Eighty-fi ve “The New York Islanders would like to thank Jack for his thing less than error-free hockey in a 6-4 they would stick with Hutton as long as 1:13 left sealed it. The ubiquitous Patrik seconds later, Ottawa scored again. Ryan tireless work throughout his seven seasons with the organiza- loss to Ottawa on Tuesday night. they were winning, which means it’s pos- Berglund scored with 47 seconds left. It Dzinggle took a shot that was stopped by tion as head coach,” general manager Garth Snow said in a The loss snapped the Blues’ two-game sible Jake Allen could be back in goal to- was his third goal in two games and his Hutton. The puck came to rest under Hut- statement. win streak, which had somehow been day when the Blues face Washington, the 10th in 15 games. The start of the game ton’s skate, but he never covered it. Bobby “His leadership guided the team to the playoff s in three of the achieved on the road, where the Blues had league’s best team, at Scottrade Center. was just like old times for the Blues, as Ryan skated in and several seconds later past four years, which included two straight 100-point sea- won just fi ve of 17 games prior to con- The Blues, who had never trailed in they gave up the fi rst goal for the seventh poked it in to make it 3-1. sons. He is a great coach and an even better person. We wish secutive wins in San Jose and Anaheim. their two-game win streak, never led on straight time at Scottrade Center. him nothing but the best moving forward.” Back home, where the Blues had lost just Tuesday. The Blues started the third down This time, the goal came less than four RESULTS Capuano, 50, went 227-191-64 with the Islanders. He ranks fi ve times in 25 games prior to Tuesday, it 3-2 but tied the game 1:35 in on a goal by minutes in. when Hutton stopped a shot Leafs 4 Sabres 3 second in victories behind Hall of Famer Al Arbour (740 wins). wasn’t as pretty. Alexander Steen. He came out of the box from along the goal line by Tom Pyatt and Stars 7 Rangers 6 He guided the Islanders to the postseason on three occasions. “It’s just a tough game because I think after he and Ottawa’s Derick Brassard the rebound sat in the crease and Pageau Blue Jackets 4 Hurricanes 1 “It’s an honor to have served this historic franchise and its pas- when we look back on it and we wake up had served matching slashing penal- got to it before either Hutton or Joel Ed- Senators 6 Blues 4 sionate fans,” Capuano said in a statement. tomorrow, we’re going to feel like we had ties. The Blues were on a power play af- mundson could. Devils 4 Wild 3 “I’d like to thank Garth and our ownership group for the op- it,” said defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk, ter Jean-Gabriel Pageau had been called The Blues evened the score just before Flames 5 Panthers 2 portunity to be the head coach of the Islanders. I’d also like to who had a goal and an assist. “We played for interference, and when both Steen the halfway point when, four seconds Blackhawks 6 Avalanche 4 recognize our coaching staff , training staff and players for all a pretty good game and, again, just some and Brassard came out of the box, no one after a power play had ended, Jay Bouw- Ducks 2 Lightning 1 (overtime) of their hard work.” mistakes that bite us.” picked up Steen. Kevin Shattenkirk found meester took a shot from the point that Canucks 1 Predators 0

BASEBALL Bosio’s new challenge: Sculpt a deep bullpen

By Mark Gonzales ty of postseason experience but were complacent. Chicago Tribune plagued by injuries last season. “It’s just more using my time wisely Second, returnees Hector Rondon and making sure I’m ready to go for the and Pedro Strop have appeared in 385 season when the time is right.” erry Weinstein remembers Chris games over the last three seasons, but Bosio also will be tasked with man- Bosio as “an emotional, adrenal- they struggled in September after re- aging starting depth as the Cubs have ized, competitive guy” at Sacra- turning from injuries. four returning pitchers in the rotation mento City College in 1982. Third, Carl Edwards Jr. and Justin who made at least 29 starts. J“He has organized himself very well Grimm return, but the Cubs remain “There’s survival depth,” President since then, and he has turned into one cautious regarding a bigger role for Theo Epstein said. “That’s where your of the better pitching coaches in base- Edwards as Davis, Uehara and Rondon 20th to 25th pitcher comes in. Then ball,” said Weinstein, Bosio’s former all have extensive closer experience. there’s depth of guys you want in big coach, who is managing Team Israel in Grimm, who has pitched in 203 games games, to pitch in big spots. I think the World Baseball Classic. over the last three seasons, under- we’re particularly deep with those “When he started, it probably was stands he must approach this spring kind of guys. That’s nice and where you more of an emotional thing. But it more carefully than in the past. want to get. (But) you never get there in has become more orderly. (Plus) he “Usually I’m fi ring and ready to go,” all facets, like in the pen.” really understands the mechanics of Grimm said. “I’ll use some of my time The Cubs’ pitching in the play- the game and the psyche of individual wisely this year and have more dur- off s impressed Weinstein as the staff pitchers on the staff .” ing the season instead of throwing 97 performed as Bosio once did – with As pitching coach of a Cubs team (mph) the fi rst day of spring training.” toughness, aggressiveness and resil- returning from its second straight Grimm learned the hard way when ience. Now it’s a matter of Bosio and lengthy postseason, Bosio will help he missed the fi rst month of 2015 be- Co. using the most of their 6 weeks of sculpt an eight-man bullpen. cause of a sore right forearm after he spring training developing a healthy, “Spring training is a chance to fi gure made a career-high 73 appearances in dependable and deep bullpen. a lot of things out,” Bosio said. “We’re 2014. “That was the one thing we did more looking forward to seeing what we “That’s something I struggle with,” than anything, make sure the emotion have. We have some guys we picked up, Grimm said of his eagerness. “I’ve al- works well for you as a young player,” some minor-league guys. (Now) we’ll ways worked super hard, and I’m ready Weinstein said of his work with col- let the competition begin.” to go from day one because I don’t like lege players during Bosio’s time. “He’s Bosio’s list of chores starts with get- to think my job is ever safe. And no- not young anymore. None of us are. ting to know veteran newcomers Wade body on this team should ever think But he has matured into a tremendous Davis and Koji Uehara, who have plen- that way. Then you’re going to get teacher.” Chicago Cubs’ pitching coach Chris Bosio. Gulf Times 8 Thursday, January 19, 2017 SPORT

CYCLING WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP New look Ogier out for fi ve in a row BMC’s Porte storms AFP nine straight world titles, in Paris 2005 just as he embarked on his decade of domination of the circuit with Citroen. he world rally cham- Wilson is confi dent his pionship starts today team have what it takes with in Monaco with Se- Ogier and his co-driver Julien bastien Ogier out to Ingrassia on board as well as clear to claim Tour Tland a fi fth title in a row, but Estonian Ott Tanak, 29 and fi rst with new team Ford. Ogi- who impressed last season in er has pocketed the last four placing eighth overall after editions with Volkswagen, but second places in Poland and the German fi rm withdrew Wales. ahead of the new season as “To say we’re excited is an it prepares a new car and fo- understatement. We believe cuses on new technology de- that we have produced an Down Under lead velopment. exceptional car, and we are VW had dominated their in the best possible position four seasons, not just owing ahead of this exciting new ‘It would be great just to finish off the race with plain sailing, but I don’t expect that’ to Ogier’s eff orts but those of era,” said Wilson before the team-mates Jari-Matti Latva- team headed out to Monaco. la and Andreas Mikkelsen, “Recce fi nished, now busy Reuters who between them bagged 42 to make fi nal preparations Adelaide wins in 51 races. After switch- and then shakedown in few ing to M-Sport Ford World hours!” Tanak, whose co- Rally Team Ogier’s prepara- driver is Martin Jarveoja, ichie Porte raced away tions suff ered briefl y when he tweeted on Wednesday. from his rivals on the crashed a test car on January Toyota, returning after 17 fi nal climb to open a 10 in the French Alps. years, Citroen, back after a decisive 20-second lead “There will be lots of new one-year sabbatical — and afterR the second stage of the Tour things this season and I can’t Hyundai, team runners-up Down Under yesterday, the Aus- wait for it to start,” said Ogier last season, will look to push tralian putting himself on course as he champs at the bit to get Ogier, 33, all the way in a sea- for a fi rst victory in the event. going with a stable founded son which sees the introduc- The BMC team leader has fi n- by former driver Malcolm tion of rule changes to boost ished second twice in the six- Wilson. power and aggression, in- stage race around South Aus- “We’ve not had a lot of cluding raised engine horse- tralia but with previous editions seat time with the Ford Fiesta power from 300 to 380 and normally won by a handful of WRC, but we’ll give it our best ramped up aerodynamics. seconds, Porte’s advantage will to be ready. We’re aware of the Minimum car weight has also be diffi cult to reel in over the four challenges, and I can see how been cut by 25 kilograms. remaining days. hungry Malcolm and his team Toyota are pinning their “It’s incredible to wear the are for success,” Ogier, 38 race hopes on Finns Jari-Matti jersey in the biggest race in wins and 56 podiums, told the Latvala — 16 wins to date and Australia,” the 31-year-old Tas- team website. four years a VW Ogier team- manian all-rounder said after “It’s a new season in every mate — and Juho Hanninen. racing clear of his rivals on the sense of the word — a new era, The fi rst of 13 races span- 1.6km Paracombe climb. a new car and a new team,” he ning four continents over 11 “I’d love to win it. There are added to wrc.com gruelling months on a balance a few hard days to come, but I It was Wilson who tried in of gravel and asphalt terrains. enjoyed today and the work the vain to recruit Sebastien Loeb, Australia will bring the cur- BMC guys did for me was the most successful driver in tain down on November 17 to just absolutely incredible,” he the history of the sport with 19. added. “Of course, there is (pres- sure) — even a bad time to get a puncture or something like that. It’s defi nitely not over. But it’s just nice to win a stage like this and start the season off in a good way.” Porte, who suff ered a broken shoulder blade when he crashed at the Rio Olympics last August, beat Spaniard Gorka Izaguirre (Movistar) by 16 seconds, with Colombian climber Esteban Chaves (Orica-Scott) in third Australian cyclist Richie Porte from Team BMC reacts after crossing the finish line after winning the second stage of the Tour Down Under from place on the same time. Stirling to Paracombe yesterday. (AFP) The time bonus for crossing the line fi rst extended his lead by The Tour Down Under is Data) 0:19 tar) at 00:20 dal) 00:29 four seconds over Izaguirre, six the fi rst event on the 2017 UCI 6. Diego Ulissi (ITA/Team UAE 3. Esteban Chaves (COL/Orica- King of the Mountain over Chaves, and the two-time WorldTour calendar and it con- Abu Dhabi) 0:19 Scott) 00:22 1. Richie Porte (AUS/BMC Rac- Paris-Nice champion should cludes in Adelaide on Sunday. 7. Ruben Guerreiro (POR/Trek- 4. Jay McCarthy (AUS/Bora- ing) 16pts have little trouble defending his Segafredo) 0:19 Hansgrohe) 00:24 2. Esteban Chaves (COL/Orica- jersey in Thursday’s Glenelg-to- RESULTS 8. Michael Storer (AUS/UniSA- 5. Nathan Haas (AUS/Dimension Scott) 12pts Victor Harbor third stage. Stage Two Australia) 0:19 Data) 00:27 3. Laurens De Vreese (BEL/As- “It would be great just to fi n- 1. Richie Porte (AUS/BMC Rac- 9. Michael Woods (CAN/Cannon- 6. Diego Ulissi (ITA/Team UAE tana Pro) 10pts ish off the race with plain sailing, ing) 3hr 46:06min dale-Drapac) 0:19 Abu Dhabi) 00:29 but I don’t expect that,” Porte 2. Gorka Izaguirre (ESP/Movis- 10. Luis Leon Sanchez Gil (ESP/ 7. Nathan Earle (AUS/UniSA- Sprint added. tar) at 0:16 Astana Pro) 0:19 Australia) 00:29 1. Richie Porte (AUS/BMC Rac- “There are 130 other guys in 3. Esteban Chaves (COL/Orica- 8. Rohan Dennis (AUS/BMC Rac- ing) 15pts the peloton who want to make Scott) 0:16 General Classification ing Team) 00:29 2. Caleb Ewan (AUS/Orica-Scott) French’s driver Sebastien Ogier and his co-pilot Julien Ingrassia things as diffi cult as possible but 4. Rohan Dennis (AUS/BMC Rac- 1. Richie Porte (AUS/BMC Rac- 9. Luis Leon Sanchez Gil (ESP/ 15pts steer their Ford Fiesta WRC in Gap, southeastern France, during that’s where we have the team to ing) 0:19 ing) 7:10:14 Astana Pro) 00:29 3. Gorka Izaguirre (ESP/Movis- the shakedown of the 85th Monte-Carlo Rally, the opening control things.” 5. Nathan Haas (AUS/Dimension 2. Gorka Izaguirre (ESP/Movis- 10. Rafael Valls (ESP/Lotto Sou- tar) 14pts. stage of the WRC world rally championship. (AFP)

SPOTLIGHT 16 from Qatar to take part in Al Mouj marathon

Agencies race in 2012. perience and ambition of Oman Doha Growing each year, the 2017 Sail to take our event to the next edition has seen a 100% increase level. in participants from last year. “They have been instrumen- unners from across the 2017 participants will challenge tal in helping us attract runners region will be strapping themselves against the best time from across the region and the on their trainers as they for the marathon course set at success of the partnership is re- prepare to take on one 02:49:00. fl ected by the fact that we have ofR the fastest growing and beau- Commenting on the events exceeded last year’s numbers by tiful races in the Middle East, fantastic growth, Ahmed al- 650.” the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon in Malki, chairman of the renowned For Salma al-Hashmi, chief Oman on January 27. Muscat Road Runners and joint marketing offi cer at Oman Sail, The event, which boasts a 10k, founder of the race, said Oman getting involved in the race was half marathon and full distance is the perfect destination for a natural step: “This race has marathon is organised by the any runner: “This country is an the power to inspire people from Muscat Road Runners in col- untouched paradise for running across the region, so assisting laboration with Al Mouj Muscat tourism and part of me wants to the Muscat Road Runners to and Oman Sail. keep the many secrets to myself grow the event is completely in It will start and fi nish for the and those I run with! We have line with our ambition to boost fi rst time at the stunning Al every type of terrain in Oman; the contribution of sports tour- Mouj Muscat, a thriving water- fl at, mountains and desert com- ism to the national economy. front community spread along a bined with splendid trails and “With the support of title stunning six-km stretch of coast superb weather. sponsor Al Mouj Muscat, com- in the city. “This is an incredibly safe, bined with energy and passion With a record 1,300 entries peaceful country with a relaxed of the Road Runners, we have a including 86 from the UAE, 16 energy and running here takes unique opportunity to showcase from Qatar, 27 from Saudi Arabia any feelings of sadness away and this fantastic event to the world and six from Kuwait - double the allows you to connect with an and highlight the beauty of our 2016 fi eld, are set to run the 2017 inner peace. I can’t wait to wel- country, with all it has to off er”. edition. The event is already on come runners from across the The sixth annual Al Mouj track for its most successful year Middle East and further afi eld Muscat Marathon is organised yet and well on its way to joining once again to share the delights by Oman Sail and supported by the top league of international of this city.” Muscat Road Runners. marathons. When asked about the devel- A number of pioneering or- Now in its sixth year, the race opment of the race since 2012 he ganisations also joined forces has grown dramatically since its said, “This year is a milestone in to maximise the potential of the fi rst running in 2012. The mara- the history of this race because event including Oman Air, BP thon has seen 862% increase in we are benefi ting for the fi rst Oman, Muscat Festival, Horizon participants since the inaugural time from the organisational ex- Fitness, Tanuf and Strabag. Participants during a training session for 2017 Al Mouj Muscat Marathon. Gulf Times Thursday, January 19, 2017 9 SPORT

CRICKET SPOTLIGHT Bangladesh suff er India aim to wrap Mushfi qur blow, NZ up England series eye rankings rise in second tie Recent domestic matches in Cuttack suggest second ODI will be a run-fest

IANS Cuttack

fter guiding India to a thrill- ing three-wicket win against England in his maiden One- day International (ODI) as full-timeA skipper, Virat Kohli will be aiming to clinch the three-match se- ries by grabbing the second ODI too here today. Kohli and wicketkeeper-batsman Kedar Jadhav smashed brilliant cen- turies to forge a 200-run fi fth-wicket stand and helped the hosts chase down the stiff 351-run target with 11 balls to spare in the fi rst match in Pune on Sunday. Going by the last Ranji Trophy match between Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir on the same strip at the Barabati Stadium, where Haryana scored 502 in their fi rst innings, the Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim ducks a bouncer on Day Five of the first Test India-England tie promises to be an- against New Zealand in Wellington on Monday. (AFP) other run-fest. The toss could also be a crucial fac- AFP umpires needed to get tough. tor in deciding the outcome of the Christchurch, New Zealand “It is not just because the batsman match, given the dew factor at this was carted off to hospital. It has been time of the year and both the captains concerning me for some time,” Lees will be looking to bat second. angladesh captain Mushfi qur told the New Zealand Herald. Though India got over the line in the Rahim is unlikely to play in “The umpires are a wee bit lenient. fi rst ODI despite 63 for 4 at one stage, the second Test against New The guy at square leg has to be more thanks to Kohli and Jadhav’s heroics, Zealand in Christchurch to- switched on. It is sort of getting out of the men in blue will be hoping to get morrow,B denting the tourists’ hopes of control.” a good start from their opening duo of avoiding defeat in the two-Test series. Cairns, who suff ered a fractured Shikhar Dhawan and Lokesh Rahul. New Zealand will overtake Pakistan skull when felled by Pakistan quick Comeback man Yuvraj Singh and and move to fi fth in the world Test team bowler Wasim Akram in 1985, said former skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni rankings should they complete a 2-0 short-pitched deliveries were part of a will also need to step up and give Kohli Test sweep following their dramatic bowler’s armoury. company in the middle-order while victory earlier this week in Welling- “When you think about... the Jadhav and all-rounder Hardik Pandya ton’s fi rst Test. number of deaths caused by this deliv- are already in good nick. Mushfi qur was concussed after be- ery, Hughes’ tragic ending is the only In the bowling department, India India’s Mahendra Singh Dhoni inspects the pitch during a training session at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack yesterday. (AFP) ing hit on the head by a short-pitched one I’ve ever heard of,” he told Fairfax will be hoping for an improved per- delivery and rushed to hospital on Media. formance from premier off -spinner Monday, but Bangladesh offi cials said “Do you hear people wanting to Ravichandran Ashwin, who went Wednesday it was a hairline thumb ban the use of cars, motorbikes, bikes wicketless and leaked 63 runs from his fracture that would keep him sidelined. because of fatalities? No you don’t. 8 overs in the match. “His fi nger injury is worse,” team But lessons must be learnt from these Pacers Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bum- physiotherapist Dean Conway told re- tragedies, and this is why they’ve got rah and Pandya have done a decent job porters. “The hairline crack that has tougher on the design of the helmet.” while left-arm spinner Ravindra Jade- been found is new. He will need to give While Bangladesh posted several ja was also amongst the wicket-takers more time for this injury.” batting records in the fi rst Test, includ- in the fi rst game. There was no confi rmation that ing the unwelcome title of scoring the On the other hand, all the English Mushfi qur would sit out, but he has highest fi rst innings total of 595 in a batsmen managed to get starts in the been advised by doctors not to rush losing eff ort, they have had little suc- fi rst game, with opener Jason Roy (73), back after being hit on the back of the cess in their fi rst overseas tour in more Joe Root (78) and Ben Stokes (62) get- helmet by a Tim Southee bouncer. than two years. ting to half centuries. Conway said that the Bangladesh Captain Kane Williamson guided the Barring Root, who took 95 deliver- skipper “may need three to four weeks side home in Wellington with an unde- ies, all the others scored at run-a-ball to return.” feated 104. or took lesser deliveries for their scores His injury, which came with memo- His 15th century put him one behind and the No.3 batsman will now need to ries still fresh of Australian Phil Hugh- Ross Taylor who in turn is one behind live up to the intensity of the format. es being killed in Sydney just over two the New Zealand record of 17 held by Their bowling department has once years ago, has again put the spotlight the late Martin Crowe. again been at the receiving end of on the use of the short-pitched deliv- Coach Mike Hesson said the race be- Kohli’s batting prowess, and as pacer ery as a fast-bowling tactic. tween Williamson and Taylor to over- Jake Ball suggested, England will be take Crowe can only be good for New aiming to pitch more short stuff to the BOUNCER FEARS Zealand. Indian captain. Opinion is divided with two former “I hope they not only go past While England bowlers will be tar- New Zealand internationals, Warren (Crowe’s) record but they keep going geting at seeing the back of Kohli, Lees and Lance Cairns, joining the de- toe-for-toe for a while.” he said. dark horses like Jadhav still can take England cricket captain Eoin Morgan (second from right) holds a football during a training session at the Barabati stadium bate yesterday on opposite sides. New Zealand swept Bangladesh 3-0 the game away from their grasp if they in Cuttack yesterday. (AFP) Former wicketkeeper Lees said the in both the preceding one-day and continue to focus on individuals and use of the bouncer had gone too far and Twenty20 series. not the top six Indian batsmen. SQUADS Pandya, Amit Mishra, Bhuvneshwar Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, After Cuttack, both the teams will India: Virat Kohli (captain), Mahendra Kumar, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Sam Billings, Jos Buttler (wk), Liam be heading to Kolkata for the fi nal ODI, Singh Dhoni (wk), Shikhar Dhawan, Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Lokesh Rahul, Dawson, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, which will be played at the Eden Gar- Yuvraj Singh, Kedar Jadhav, Man- Umesh Yadav Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Former England women’s captain dens on January 22. ish Pandey, Ajinkya Rahane, Hardik England: Eoin Morgan (Captain), Stokes, David Willey, Chris Woakes Heyhoe-Flint dies

ATHLETICS English women’s cricketing great Rachael Heyhoe-Flint who captained them to victory in the 1973 World Cup has died aged 77, the MCC announced yesterday. Heyhoe-Flint, who played for England in 22 Tests and 23 One Day Internationals from her debut in 1960 to her retirement in 1982, captained the side for a 12-year period from 1966-78. Heyhoe-Flint, who scored three Bekele sets 02:01:30 marathon career target Test centuries most famously a marathon 8 1/2 hour series-saving 179 at The Oval in 1976 against Australia, was a pathfinder in many ways for English Reuters women’s cricket. She was the first woman to captain the team in a Test at Dubai Lord’s in the same 1976 series against the Australians and the first female to be elected onto the MCC’s full committee in 2004. She also became the first woman cricketer to be inducted into the sport’s Hall of Fame in 2010 and riple Olympic track champion such was her renown that back in 1973 she became the first female sports Kenenisa Bekele, the sec- presenter on British television when ITV hired her. She became a director of ond-fastest marathon runner English football side Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1997 and in 2011 became in history, said yesterday he a member of the British Parliament’s Upper Chamber the House of Lord’s at Tcan shave around 90 seconds off the the invitation of then Prime Minister David Cameron. current world record over the classic 26.2 mile distance before he retires. Ethiopian Bekele, widely regarded Handscomb to make ODI debut as the greatest distance runner of all against Pakistan time and world record holder over 10,000 and 5,000 metres, is making an Middle-order batsman Peter Handscomb will make his limited overs debut attempt at the world record tomorrow for Australia against Pakistan in the third one-day international in Perth at the Dubai Marathon. today. Handscomb replaces the injured Mitchell Marsh after a highly suc- He ran two hours, three minutes cessful introduction to Test cricket in which the 25-year-old scored two and three seconds when winning Ber- centuries and two fifties in his first four appearances in the recent series lin last September, six seconds out- an injury forced him to pull out mid- need to change his training programme. the 200,000 dollar fi rst place prize against South Africa and Pakistan. “He’s done really well, he’s been outstand- side Dennis Kimetto’s world record of race. “The way you prepare yourself is money. ing. So good reward for a good summer,” Australian coach Darren Lehmann 2:02:57 set on the same course in 2014. “I am fully confi dent. My prepa- very diff erent. You need nutrition Bekele, who is also due to run the told reporters yesterday. “Obviously we want four quality batters going at The 34-year-old, who said he is ration is going well. I am healthy groups and facilities have to be per- London Marathon in April, the Ethio- the top so he’ll get his chance there. He played a one-day style innings for us eyeing “just the world record” this enough,” he said on the sidelines of a fect,” he said, adding that he had not pian told reporters he would put his in the Sydney Test, so he’s got all the shots and he’s quite innovative.” Fast week, told reporters he believes he can press conference ahead of tomorrow’s changed his preparations since Berlin. hand up for selection for the Tokyo bowler Billy Stanlake comes in for Mitchell Starc, who is being rested. Chris run “around 2:01:30” before retiring. race. He said he expects a better time Dubai is off ering a bonus 250,000 Olympics in 2020 if he was fi t. Lynn, who missed Sunday’s loss because of a neck injury, will be out for the The last time Bekele competed in than in Berlin. dollars to any runner who can break Bekele was left out of the Ethiopian remainder of the five-match series which is tied at 1-1, Lehman said. the Dubai Marathon was in 2015 when To run 2:01:30 Bekele said he would the world record this week on top of team for last year’s Rio Games. Gulf Times 10 Thursday, January 19, 2017 SPORT

FOCUS QOC president honours scholarship students

QNA Arqagi, who graduated from Carnegie it aims at attracting graduates of local Doha Mellon University Qatar (business high schools and the students enrolled administration) and works as a third in local and international universities. sport co-ordinator at the Sport af- The QOC is proud of its scholarship atar Olympic Committee fairs department, Nasser Mohammed programme graduates who have joined president HE Sheikh Joaan Hassan al-Sae, who graduated from QOC.” bin Hamad al-Thani hon- University of Reading (business ad- In light of Qatar National Vision oured a number of schol- ministration) and now works as a third 2030, the QOC launched the Schol- arshipQ graduates, who received high administrative aff airs researcher at the arship Programme in August 2008 to degrees after completing their high QOC human resources department, develop local human resources. The education study at diff erent universi- and Amina Hassan Ishaq al-Ishaq, QOC is also keen on investing in the ties inside and outside Qatar under the who graduated from Qatar University energies of young people as a human auspices of the QOC. (accountancy). capital by providing them with the The honouring ceremony was held Hassan Hassam al-Hababi, director best educational and employment op- on the sidelines of the QOC’s General of QOC’s Human Resources Depart- tions. Assembly meeting. ment said, “The QOC Scholarship The honourees are Johara Saleh Programme is one our important pro- Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Ahmed al-Gamae, who graduated grammes as it aims at developing the president HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad from Qatar University (fi nance) and is local human resources in light of Qatar al-Thani (left) honours a scholarship now working as a third fi nancial aff airs National Vision 2030. graduate at a ceremony held on researcher at QOC’s fi nancial aff airs “The QOC is keen on providing sup- the sidelines of the QOC’s General department, Nada Mohammed Wafa port to the Scholarship programme as Assembly meeting.

MOTORSPORT Qatar Olympic Academy launches Executive Master’s Programme in Sports Law

Qatar Olympic Academy (QOA) at Qatar University, IOC and ANOC. will launch on Sunday an executive In addition, the programme will update master’s programme in sports law the legal services in the sports field Qatar Superstock, in co-operation with a number of nationally and internationally since international entities such as the the attendees work in the field as legal International Olympic Committee personnel in Gulf Olympic committees, (IOC), Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), sports federations, clubs or work as Association of National Olympic lawyers and have expressed interest in Committees (ANOC), and Qatar the programme. Out of more than 40 Olympic Committee (QOC). applicants to the executive master’s Touring Car c’ships The programme aims to spread programme, 14 were selected from awareness on sports law inter- Qatar and the GCC. nationally and nationally, which Saif Mohammed al-Naemi, executive helps students gain knowledge on director at QOA, expressed his satis- international sports laws and how to faction with the programme, which, deal with regulations correctly and he said, is the first in the region, and professionally. will serve diff erent sports sectors and open this weekend The programme will work on sup- cover all legal issues. He said that the porting the legal expertise and devel- programme has caught the interest By Sports Reporter oping legal entities in national and of top sports organisations and enti- Doha international sports institutions. The ties such as ANOC, OCA and CAS who lecturers are a number of experts in off ered their co-operation to help the field of sports law, most of which the programme succeed. He said the pening round of the Qatar are certified members in the Court of presence of OCA director general Hu- Superstock 600 Champion- Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in addition sain al-Musallam at the programme ship (QSTK 600) and Qatar to lecturers from the College of Law highlights its importance. Touring Car Championship (QTCC)O will kick off this weekend — January 20-21 — at Losail Interna- tional Circuit. SPOTLIGHT Qatar Superstock 600 consists of 12 races over 6 rounds and all the riders will compete using a one-make bike that will be used for the rest of the season. The entry fee to take part in PIBAQ opens 22nd the championship includes the use of the bike during the championship and the professional assistance to keep the bikes ready for racing conditions. (From left) Qatar Touring Car Championship drivers Mansour al-Hajri and Abdulla al-Khelaifi, Losail Circuit Sports Club edition with a bang Talking at a press conference at the general manager Khalid al-Remaihi, Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation president Abdulrahman al-Mannai, and Qatar Losail circuit yesterday, Qatar Motor Superstock 600 riders Mashel al-Naimi, Saeed al-Sulaiti and Nasser al-Malki, at a press conference yesterday. and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) By Sports Reporter The Aspirants Division will see com- president Abdulrahman al-Mannai cuit Sports Club and Qatar Motor and among other drivers, get people in- very important for them, for the peo- Doha petition between Inter-Tech Jireh, Sea- said, “I would like to thanks everybody Motorcycle Federation, and we are volved, so it becomes something that ple who work to deliver on these pro- son Restaurant, 3 Stars & a Sun, Monte involved in these championships — sure to recruit the best numbers we will suit all their needs. We really grammes and championships, and at Vista, Philippine Tailoring, Pampanga media, sponsors and in principle all can. Whether it is with technical sup- thank them for that,” al-Remaihi said. the end of the day for our sponsors, t least 29 teams will partici- Village Bacolor and DW Ballers. the participants in both the champi- port or fi nancial support, we try to do “All the talented Qatari motorbike who give us all their support required pate in the 22nd edition of In the Group A of Rising Division are onships that play a big role in making both and attract as many as riders as racers, they do a fantastic job. In the of- to deliver for the Qatari youth.” Pinoy Basketball of Qatar Stealers, Pinoy Warrior, Season Res- this happen and delivering on these possible. fi cial tests that we did a few weeks ago, it Free practice sessions for QSTK and (PIBAQ), the premiere Fili- taurant, Mangyan Tribe, Nissan, Pili- championships.” Also present at the press conference was so exciting, we cannot wait for the QTCC are scheduled to run tomorrow, pinoA basketball league, with opening pinas Express, One Zamboanga, and He added: “Thanks to the media, were Losail Circuit Sports Club gener- races. All the bikes, the equipment, the between 10am and 4:25pm. ceremonies held over the weekend at Al M-Builders. Group B consists of Zoom, who send out our message here in Qa- al manager Khalid al-Remaihi, QSTK support is going to be same for all. So On Saturday, there will be two races Gharafa Multipurpose Training Gym. Spartan, Doha Desert Reload, Elite tar and also abroad, to engage more 600 riders Saeed al-Sulaiti, Mashel there will be excitement in the compe- for each championship, with QSTK Ooredoo Cup 2017 22nd Men’s Bas- Basketball, RAMS, Pinoy Slammers, Al participants to join us and thanks to al-Naimi and Nasser al-Malki, and tition and we are so happy to be able to race 1 at 11:30 and race 2 at 2:10pm, ketball League will off er thousands of Heen and Pampanga Dragon. Al Kass Channel for their positive QTCC drivers Mansour al-Hajri and deliver on something like that. while QTCC race 1 will be at 12:45pm fans bigger excitement than previous PIBAQ also honoured the teams don- response to agree to broadcast this Abdulla al-Khelaifi . “We wish you (the participants) all and race 2 at 3:45pm. editions as the teams slug it out in action ning the most attractive uniforms with championship. “Mansour and Abdulla, QTCC the best, and hopefully with continued For all the fans and spectators, the all the way to the championship rounds. GAC Motors taking the honours for the “We are very proud of these cham- drivers, they took it upon themselves media coverage, they will fi nd their grandstand will be free and also the Competing in this season are six Senior Open, Season’s Restaurant for pionships designed by the Losail Cir- to study the regulations, promote it places to shine in Qatar sport. That is Paddock will be open both the days. teams in the Senior Open Division, sev- the Aspirants Division and One Zam- en teams in the Aspirants Division and boanga for the Rising Division. 16 teams in the Rising Division divided Present on the occasion were An- BASKETBALL into two groups for better pairing and tonio Valdez Cruz, from the Protocol equal chances of play. and Board Aff air department of Oore- Fans will focus on matches that will doo Headquarters One, United Filipino feature stars, veteran players in the Organization in Qatar chairman Res- Senior Open division, who have already sie Fos, Filipino Community Center left their mark in the league. Many of owner-operator Becky Tiwan and 51 Another thrashing for Al Sadd them are former players of popular East- Maybelline/ L’Oreal brands area commercial leagues back home, in- manager Joyce Dyan A Cruz. By Sports Reporter from turnovers and an equal cluding the ones run by Philippine Bas- The 22nd Men’s Basketball League Doha number of fast-break points. ketball Association. 2017 has been brought by Qatar Bas- At one point late in the The Aspirants and the Rising Divi- ketball Federation in cooperation with match, they held a 36-point sions, however, can’t be counted out the Philippine Embassy in Qatar and here seems to be no lead (77-41) as Al Sadd ca- too, with players drawing attention United Filipino Organization in Qatar. respite for Al Sadd pitulated completely. among fans in the previous editions. Ooredoo serves as the main spon- as they crashed to Donald Sykes was the high- Junalvn, Ooredoo, GAC Motors, sor while Philippine Airlines, Alicafe, another demoralis- est scorer for Al Sadd with 22, Lucky Seven LS7, AA Tailoring-Vintage Diana Jewellery, Filipino Community Ting defeat in the Qatar Men’s while Jeff rey West had 13 and and Khalifa Boyz are the teams that will Center and Shutter Bugz Photography League, this time to Al Arabi. Mohamed Ouiri 12. play in the Senior Open category. Club are co-sponsors. Following their 110-59 In the second match of the thrashing by Al Rayyan last day, Qatar SC beat Al Ahli week, Al Sadd were walloped 68-62 in a close game yes- 80-51 by Al Arabi seriously terday. denting their chances of fi n- Qatar SC’s Quinton Med- ishing in the top four of the drick Doggett was the top- tournament. scorer in the match with 26 Souleye Ndour top-scored points, while teammates with 29 points for Al Arabi, James Edward Justice Jr. and while Osaro Adako, Momar Bader Mohamed Ba-Sulaim- Talla and Adamu Saaka had an added 16 and 10 points 18, 17 and 16, respectively. respectively to the team’s Al Arabi gave Al Sadd no cause. chance, romping to a 26-10 With 25 points, Ndoye El- lead after the fi rst quarter and hadj Seydou led the scoring then building on the advan- duties for Al Ahli, who led for tage as the match progressed. a total of 35 minutes 33 sec- By the time the third quar- onds in the match, but could ter ended, Al Arabi had al- not convert it into a victory. ready put the outcome of the Branko Ereminov was the match beyond doubt by tak- only other Al Ahli player to ing a 24-point lead (58-34). get into double fi gures with Al Arabi’s Omar Mohammed Akhil (second from left) goes for a basket during the Qatar Basketball Ooredoo representative Antonio Valdez Cruz led the off icial ball tossing to formal- Al Arabi scored 20 points 13 points. League match against Al Sadd at Al Gharafa Sports Club yesterday. PICTURE: Othman Iraqi ly mark the start of the tournament. PICTURE: Ronnie Castro Gulf Times Thursday, January 19, 2017 11 TENNIS

FOCUS Bouchard wins ugly, then looks to the future Reuters since, her ranking has, and she arrived back into the top 20. I don’t know when, Melbourne for her fourth Melbourne Park cam- though.” paign as number 47 in the world. Bouchard added that she has now re- That did nothing to dent her popu- discovered her motivation, with a run to t was not always pretty, but larity on an almost full Hisense Arena the semi-fi nals of this month’s Sydney Eugenie Bouchard took another yesterday, where she had the clear sup- International boosting her confi dence. step on the path she hopes will take port of a majority of the crowd with “I feel like I’m playing well and I her back to the top of the game with regular cries of “Allez Bouchard” punc- could have chances,” she said of her Ia 7-6(5), 6-2 victory over Peng Shuai to tuating the afternoon air. early-season form, adding that she had reach the third round of the Australian Reaching the third round this year is learned important lessons over the past Open yesterday. already an improvement on 2016, when few years. “I have learned a lot about The Canadian crowd favourite had a she was dispatched in the second round the ups and downs of tennis, that that is minor wobble midway through the fi rst by Agnieszka Radwanska. That early exit how life goes sometimes. I have learned set before securing a convincing victory in Melbourne was the start of a forget- how to better handle the pressure.” over her Chinese opponent, clearing table season which ended with Bouchard The experienced Peng, a two-times the way for a contest against Pauline winning only one match following a fi rst- Grand Slam doubles champion and a Parmentier or Coco Vandeweghe. round loss at the US Open in August. former US Open singles semi-fi nalist, “In the fi rst set I was pretty nerv- Bouchard, though, is no longer in the was always going to be a diffi cult test. ous and I felt like my legs were wood. I business of looking back. But Bouchard rose to the challenge, wasn’t moving well, I was reaching for “I’m not thinking about the past coming through plenty of gruelling, the ball,” the 22-year-old told report- anymore,” said Bouchard, who reached physical rallies in the fi rst set with her ers. “But it happens to all players and at the Wimbledon fi nal in 2014. “I’m tired athleticism to the fore in a close-fought least I was able to win ugly in the fi rst of talking about it, I’m tired of think- tiebreaker. set and then raise my level in the sec- ing about it. For me it’s just about right The Canadian scored a crucial sec- ond. The most important thing is to now and looking forward and trying to ond-set break in game four and kept the battle even when it’s not going great for be a better player than I was at my best pressure as Peng began to fade, winning you, and that’s what I did.” a couple of years ago. with a powerful forehand on her fourth Bouchard’s run to the Melbourne “Because everyone improves every match point. She will next play either Park semi-fi nals as a teenager in 2014 year. I don’t want to be like how I was France’s Pauline Parmentier or Ameri- laid the groundwork for a season where in 2014 I need to be better than that. can Coco Vandeweghe, with a potential she hit the heights of the world top fi ve. There’s no point in looking back, in try- fourth-round clash world number one Although her telegenic looks have ing to bring the past back, for me it’s Angelique Kerber, whom she beat in ensured her profi le has rarely dipped only the future. The fi rst goal is to get Rome last year, awaiting her. MANY MANY HAPPY RETURNS... Good Evans! Rising Birthday girl Briton shocks Cilic Kerber unwraps perfect present ‘To have this pressure is a privilege. It’s completely new for me, but I’m doing well. I’m just trying to enjoy it. I am getting older... I think I will have a great day today’

Reuters then let out a huge roar as he came off court. Melbourne “It was a relief obviously,” he said. “Obviously getting across the line against him. In the (best of) five sets... is a big thing for me to sort ritain’s Dan Evans claimed the high- of last. It was great to win. Just great to win.” est-ranked scalp of his career when he Cilic, who won his sole Grand Slam crown Bstunned world number seven Marin at Flushing Meadows in 2014, mixed 55 win- Cilic at the Australian Open yesterday. ners with 69 unforced errors and was able to Evans, 26, came from behind to beat the convert just three of 19 break points during Croatian former US Open champion 3-6, 7-5, the match. 6-3, 6-3 and reach the third round, equalling The Croatian had looked firmly in charge his best Grand Slam performance. It was only in the first set, though, when Evans also Evans’ second win against top-10 opposition, had to deal with an insect flying into his after he defeated eighth-ranked Dominic eye. Gradually, however, Evans started to Thiem this month in Sydney en route to his neutralise the 28-year-old’s big weapons and first tour-level final. the energy Cilic used up in his gruelling five- Evans, whose first-round victory over set victory over Jerzy Janowicz in Monday’s Facundo Bagnis was his maiden win at the opening round and the cool conditions Australian Open, will next play Australia’s became factors. Bernard Tomic. “I mean, he’s obviously seventh in the His win, one of the biggest upsets so far world,” Evans added. “I knew I could win at the Australian Open, extends a strong (but) he was giving me a good hiding at the showing by British players after five reached start. Yeah, just hang in there. Obviously it the second round, the best performance in got quite cold out there. He struggled to hit 30 years. Evans, ranked 51, only broke into through me. Yeah, got the win.” the top 100 last year but he reached the third Evans scored his first ever win over a top- round at both Wimbledon and the US Open 10 player as recently as last week, beating in what became a watershed season. Austria’s Dominic Thiem en route to the Syd- Ranked in the 700s only a couple of years ney final. “Last week was (in best of) three ago, Evans was grinning from ear-to-ear after (sets)... against Thiem,” said Evans. “Five sets securing the biggest win of his career on his is the ultimate test, I think. It was really good. third match point. I think I played as well as I can play today. I The 26-year-old, wearing mismatched kit was really pleased with how I played espe- after his clothing sponsorship deal expired, cially towards the end of the match.”

AFP and admitted to too many silly netted a backhand. pinpoint shots from the baseline. Berdych pulls out of Davis Cup tie Melbourne mistakes. “I was doing I think a lot Ranked 89, Witthoeft was The set turned into a slug-fest of mistakes in the important mo- pushed around the baseline by the and Kerber succumbed to the pres- AFP who might go and I will announce the team ments. But at the end, I’m happy left-hander but some unusually sure in the tiebreak, fi ring blanks on Prague next week,” Navratil said. orld number one that I won the match,” she said. wild shots from Kerber handed her her serve which allowed Witthoeft to Led by Berdych and Stepanek, the Angelique Kerber “It was not so easy. The conditions break opportunities, one of which win six points in row and take the set. Czechs won the Davis Cup in 2012 and gave herself the perfect were a little bit diffi cult today. And I she grabbed to level the match. Kerber was rattled and lost her omas Berdych became the latest 2013 and reached the semi-finals in 2014, birthday gift yesterday was a bit too defensive.” It was an aberration as the birth- opening service game of the third player to pull out of Czech Republic’s scoring an impressive 11-tie winning streak Wby reaching the Australian Open Kerber stunned Serena Williams day girl immediately broke back, set to love, but she quickly re- Tfirst-round Davis Cup tie in Australia on the way. Berdych was once an exception third round, but she had to work in the fi nal last year and also went before turning up the heat to score grouped as the crowd got behind her on March 3-5, he announced after making it among top players as he rarely skipped the hard against fellow German Carina on to win the US Open, dethron- another break and then holding to break back. through to the third round of the Austral- team competition, but he has appeared in a Witthoeft. ing the American as the world’s top serve to take the set. A tired Witthoeft had no response ian Open yesterday. The 31-year-old world single tie since 2014. The defending champion, who ranked player. Bidding to be the fi rst woman and her previously stern resistance number 10 beat Ryan Harrison to set up a turned 29, battled through 6-2, 6-7 She is not only defending a major to defend her Australian title since crumbled into surrender. third-round clash with Roger Federer and (3/7), 6-2 and will next face Czech title for the fi rst time but also playing Victoria Azarenka in 2013, Kerber “I’m trying... to play more ag- said he needed some rest and wanted to Kristyna Pliskova, the twin sister of her maiden Grand Slam as top seed, had an indiff erent lead-up to Mel- gressive. But today I was doing a few focus on his ATP season. fi fth seed Karolina Pliskova. admitting she is still getting used to bourne with early exits in Brisbane more mistakes,” said Kerber. “I was Czech Davis Cup captain Jaroslav The prospects looked bleak for dealing with the extra pressure. and Sydney this month. not fi nding my rhythm from the fi rst Navratil has already had to discount world the unseeded Witthoeft, who has “To have this pressure is a privi- She has slowly been improving ball. At the end I won, and this is all number 86 Adam Pavlasek over a wrist in- twice lost to Kerber at Wimbledon lege. It’s completely new for me, but as he works her way deeper into that counts for me.” jury and 118th-ranked Lukas Rosol, coming including an embarrassing 6-0, 6-0 I’m doing well. I’m just trying to en- the Australian Open and towards Kerber would head for a “nice back from an Achilles tendon injury. ‘double bagel’ in 2015. joy it,” she said on court, before the a potential quarter-fi nal against dinner” with her team but not be- World number 53 Jiri Vesely is expected Witthoeft has never beaten a top Rod Laver Arena crowd sang “Hap- Garbine Muguruza, with Williams fore trying to fi nd her game on the to lead the Czech team, paired with 102nd- 10 opponent but she showed far py Birthday”. “I am getting older... I seeded to meet her in the fi nal. practice court, she said. ranked veteran Radek Stepanek. Navratil is more fi ght than at the All England think I will have a great day today,” She came out fi ring in the sec- “It’s again, like tournament likely to also call up 154th-ranked Jan Satral Club, with Kerber taken to three Kerber added. ond set, ambushing Witthoeft for rhythm and I will just practice and 238th-ranked Zdenek Kolar for their sets for the second match in a row. The top seed came out of the gates an early 2-0 lead. But she lost focus once... just maybe 45 minutes or 60 Davis Cup debut. The top seed said she struggled at full pelt, breaking the 21-year-old and her countrywoman made the minutes. Just have the rhythm back, “This is reality. I am still talking to players with the sun in her eyes at times in the fi rst game when her opponent most of it, breaking back with some and that’s it,” she added. Thursday, January 19, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

AUSTRALIAN OPEN Kyrgios booed off court in new Murray, Federer on ‘tanking’ row cruise mode; Cilic out ad boy Nick Kyrgios was booed off court and accused of giving up ‘I know what he’s got. I don’t need to tell you where he’s beaten me. Then again Bas he crashed out of the Australian Open second round in a stormy five-set I’ve played him here, played him on many occasions, as well, when it went my way’ defeat to Andreas Seppi yesterday. In a madcap match, 14th seed Kyrgios looked in command with a two-set lead AFP before a familiar meltdown in the third Melbourne set changed the complexion of the con- test. The 89th-ranked Seppi, who saved a match point, advanced to a third-round op seed Andy Murray sped match with Belgium’s Steve Darcis with into the Australian Open third a 1-6, 6-7 (1/7), 6-4, 6-2, 10-8 win in three round yesterday but bad boy hours, nine minutes. Nick Kyrgios was booed and Kyrgios was booed off the court by Taccused of not trying as he crashed to some of the fans, while tennis great John a stormy defeat. McEnroe hit out at the brash youngster. Roger Federer progressed despite “What I don’t understand, what I can’t ac- unexpected resistance and women’s cept, is when he stops trying. It’s a black world number one Angelique Kerber eye for the sport,” McEnroe said during celebrated her 29th birthday with a television match commentary. hard-fought win. Kyrgios said of McEnroe’s criticism: Murray painfully rolled an ankle “My body was sore. I was hurting. I mean, and needed treatment in the third set John McEnroe. Good on him. Great career. against Russian qualifi er Andrey Ru- Good on him.” Kyrgios was also dismiss- blev, but he shook off the problem to ive of the booing, saying: “Yes, obviously win 6-3, 6-0, 6-2. While the world it’s not the greatest thing to hear... 10-8 in number one cruised, Kyrgios stood ac- the fifth, getting booed off , definitely not cused of tanking, or giving up, during the best feeling.” his 1-6, 6-7 (1/7), 6-4, 6-2, 10-8 loss While there was mixed feelings over to Andreas Seppi. Krygios’ stormy exit, Seppi was savour- Kyrgios, who is returning from a ban ing a memorable victory after losing in for “lack of best eff orts” in a match in five sets to the Australian on the same Shanghai, played lethargically and court at the 2015 Australian Open. casually, especially in the fi fth set. “Maybe it was meant to be. It was a “Obviously it’s not the greatest tough match and I didn’t start well. I could thing to hear,” he said of the booing. “I not get the rhythm but I started to play didn’t have the best preparation com- better,” he said. “Last time I was two sets ing into the Australian Open. Pretty up and lost and I tried to do the same this banged up, my body. I don’t even know time. I kept on fighting and did very well in what the score was in the end. Was it the important moments at the end.” 10-8? 10-8 in the fi fth, getting booed Swiss ace Roger Federer celebrates after Kyrgios is making his return from a off , defi nitely not the best feeling.” beating Noah Rubin of the US to make the ban for “lack of best eff orts” commonly Tennis legend John McEnroe said third round of Australian Open yesterday. known as tanking, during a match in Kyrgios’s lack of eff ort was a “black (Below) Britain’s Andy Murray grimaces Shanghai, and has been seeing a psy- eye for the sport”. Kyrgios explained after a tumble during his 6-3, 6-0, 6-2 win chologist. But yet again, Kyrgios’ brittle that “my body was sore. I was hurting. over Russia’s Andrey Rublev. (Reuters) temperament snapped during the third I mean, John McEnroe. Good on him. set as Seppi came storming back after Great career. Good on him.” looking out for the count. Asked how he could have been bet- and was runner-up to Novak Djokovic Asked how he collapsed so spec- ter prepared, Kyrgios, who hurt his in 2008, beat Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic tacularly, Kyrgios told reporters: “Poor knee playing basketball, said: “I don’t 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 to go through. management, I guess. I think I didn’t know, maybe just not play as much Stan Wawrinka, the 2014 winner, have the best preparation. It’s on me. I basketball. Actually take my pre-sea- recovered from his tetchy fi ve-setter did a couple things in the off -season that son seriously.” with Martin Klizan to beat Steve John- I’m probably not going to do next time. Earlier, Federer was made to work son 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. My body’s not in good enough shape. by 200th-ranked Noah Rubin for a 7-5, In the women’s draw, 36-year-old You live and you learn.” 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) win that set up a third- Venus Williams continued her smooth Kyrgios was given a warning for an round assignment against his old rival progress when she beat qualifi er Ste- audible obscenity by chair umpire Carlos Tomas Berdych. fanie Voegele 6-3, 6-2 to set up a Ramos before he bounced his racquet “I know what he’s got. I don’t need to meeting with China’s Duan Yingy- angrily into the court after a break of tell you where he’s beaten me,” Federer ing. Williams, the oldest player in the service. Ramos docked him a point penalty said of Berdych. “Then again I’ve played women’s draw, pulled out of the dou- as Seppi served out for the third set to turn him here, played him on many occa- bles competition with her sister Sere- the tide against the volatile Australian. sions, as well, when it went my way.” na as a precaution to rest a sore elbow. The 32-year-old Italian maintained his Federer wasn’t the only leading Russia’s Svetlana Kuznetsova composure and seized the advantage as player challenged in the second round thrashed Australian wildcard Jaimee Kyrgios suddenly switched off . Instead as Kerber, the women’s defending Fourlis 6-2, 6-1 to set up a third- of regathering his composure, Kyrgios champion, dropped a set against world round clash with 31-year-old Serb Je- rushed through his service games giving number 89 Carina Witthoeft. Kerber lena Jankovic. And Britain’s Dan Evans away cheap points. Unflappable Seppi won 6-2, 6-7 (3/7), 6-2 before being claimed the highest-ranked scalp of quickly levelled the match and took it into treated to a rendition of “Happy Birth- his career when he stunned former US a fifth set after earlier looking headed for a day” by the Rod Laver Arena crowd. Open champion Marin Cilic, the world straight-sets exit. Kyrgios rallied and held “I was doing I think a lot of mistakes number seven. three break points at 4-3, only for Seppi to in the important moments. But at the save them all and level as the home crowd end, I’m happy that I won the match,” exhorted every point from the Australian. said the world number one. Results (x denotes seeding) Kyrgios held a match point at 8-7 but In the men’s draw, Japanese fi fth Men’s singles (Round 2): Malek Jaziri Seppi saved with a magnificent deep seed Kei Nishikori marched into the (TUN) bt Alexander Bublik (KAZ) 6-2, 6-7 (4/7), 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 7-6 (9/7), 9-7; Women’s singles (Round 2): An- Julia Goerges (GER) 6-3, 6-4; Svetlana forehand winner before the Australian third round alongside former fi nalist 6-3, 7-5; Lukas Lacko (SVK) bt Dudi Sela Viktor Troicki (SRB x29) bt Paolo gelique Kerber (GER x1) bt Carina Kuznetsova (RUS x8) bt Jaimee Fourlis double-faulted on break point to give Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, with both win- (ISR) 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4; Kei Nishikori Lorenzi (ITA) 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (7/3), 3-6, 6-3; Witthoeft (GER) 6-2, 6-7 (3/7), 6-2; (AUS) 6-2, 6-1; Eugenie Bouchard (CAN) Seppi his winning chance. Seppi brought ning in straight sets. (JPN x5) bt Jeremy Chardy (FRA) 6-3, Steve Darcis (BEL) bt Diego Schwartz- Kristyna Pliskova (CZE) bt Irina Begu bt Peng Shuai (CHN) 7-6 (7/5), 6-2; up two match points at 9-8 and won with Nishikori was extended to fi ve sets 6-4, 6-3; Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA x12) man (ARG) 6-3, 6-3, 2-6, 6-4; Jack Sock (ROM x27) 6-4, 7-6 (10/8); Alison Riske Coco Vandeweghe (USA) bt Pauline an ace, dumping Kyrgios out of his home in his fi rst-round win over Andrey bt Dusan Lajovic (SRB) 6-2, 6-2, 6-3; (USA x23) bt Karen Khachanov (RUS) (USA) bt Zhang Shuai (CHN x20) 7-6 Parmentier (FRA) 6-4, 7-6 (7/5); Sorana Grand Slam after two rounds. Kuznetsov, but he found the going a Tomas Berdych (CZE x10) bt Ryan 6-3, 6-4, 6-4; Andreas Seppi (ITA) bt (9/7), 4-6, 6-1; Duan Yingying (CHN) bt Cirstea (ROM) bt Carla Suarez (ESP “It’s obviously disappointing. But it little easier in his 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 victory Harrison (USA) 6-3, 7-6 (8/6), 6-2; Roger Nick Kyrgios (AUS) 1-6, 6-7 (1/7), 6-4, Varvara Lepchenko (USA) 6-1, 3-6, 10-8; x10) 7-6 (7/1), 6-3; Anastasija Sevastova was ultimately a pretty fun match. He’s a against Jeremy Chardy. Federer (SUI x17) bt Noah Rubin (USA) 6-2, 10-8; Daniel Evans (GBR) bt Marin Venus Williams (USA x13) bt Stefanie (LAT x32) bt Kristína Kucova (SVK) great guy and he deserved it, so... I’m not Nishikori, who believes he is due 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (7/3); Stan Wawrinka (SUI Cilic (CRO x7) 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-3; Andy Voegele (SUI) 6-3, 6-2; Elina Svitolina 6-3, 6-4; Garbine Muguruza (ESP x7) going to beat myself up about it,” said a fi rst major win this year, next plays x4) bt Steve Johnson (USA) 6-3, 6-4, Murray (GBR x1) bt Andrey Rublev (UKR x11) bt Julia Boserup (USA) 6-4, bt Samantha Crawford (USA) 7-5, 6-4; Kyrgios. “I’m disappointed. I’m okay. Like, Lukas Lacko, with Berdych or Federer 6-4; Sam Querrey (USA x31) bt Alex De (RUS) 6-3, 6-0, 6-2; Bernard Tomic (AUS 6-1; Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS Ashleigh Barty (AUS) bt Shelby Rogers I’m all right. You know, the world keeps waiting in the fourth round. Minaur (AUS) 7-6 (7/5), 6-0, 6-1; Mischa x27) bt Victor Estrella Burgos (DOM) x24) bt Natalia Vikhlyantseva (RUS) (USA) 7-5, 6-1; Mona Barthel (GER) bt spinning. I lost one match.” France’s Tsonga, who is seeded 12th Zverev (GER) bt John Isner (USA x19) 7-5, 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 7-6 (7/5) 6-2, 6-2; Jelena Jankovic (SRB) bt Monica Puig (PUR x29) 6-4, 6-4 Around 400 athletes set to compete in Doha Triathlon By Sports Reporter Trinity Talent, Fraser Suites, Man- disciplines or team relays. Race with the addition of Doha Triath- Doha nai Corp, Rayyan Water, FitQ and participants and spectators will lon to their race calendar. We are Mena Film Group will all also be have access to the MIA parking thankful to all parties involved for contributing to make the inaugu- facilities by accessing the port making this event possible as it lympic triathletes ral event a success for all. adjacent to MIA. represents the pinnacle of what Lawrence Fanous of Triathlon is a sport that com- Dr Mohamed al-Kuwari, Presi- we enjoy—a social sports event at Great Britain, Malaysian bines swimming, cycling and dent of the QCF which governs tri- an iconic venue.” ORikigoru Shinozuka and running and is seeing increased athlon in Qatar, said: “We feel very Marouf Mahmoud, Founder of Abdulla Attiyah of Bahrain are popularity in Qatar. positive about Doha Triathlon and local sports marketing agency among some of the big names Doha Triathlon event organisers the potential to develop triathlon Tasama, which is managing spon- who would be competing in and sponsors promise a unique in the region. For both Qataris and sorships, marketing and PR for the Doha Triathlon 2017 along- experience for participants and expatriate athletes, the sports of the event, promised a memorable side 400 athletes, promising a spectators alike, encouraging cycling and triathlon are becom- experience for athletes and spec- lively and entertaining race for the adults and children to show up ing increasingly popular in Qatar tators alike. spectators. and cheer on the athletes at the and we are keen to keep building “Triathlon is an amazing sport The race will take place at the race, which will start at 6:30am on this momentum. to practice and watch. The transi- iconic Museum of Islamic Art and and run till 11am. “The weather in Qatar is ideal tions between swimming, cycling Doha Corniche tomorrow. For Olympic distance partici- for outdoor sport at this time of and running are always challeng- The Doha Triathlon, in associa- pants, the 1.5km Swim section will the year and the addition of an ing and provide for a technical tion with Qatar Tourism Authority, take part in the MIA water bay, iconic race to our calendar ex- and often very entertaining show is the result of a joint collabora- while the 40km Bike section will pands opportunities for athletes for spectators and fans. tion between the Qatar Cycling go through the Corniche, which and the general public looking for “The support of our partners Federation, TriClub Doha and will be closed on one side to allow sports activities to participate in.” and sponsors has been incredible Tasama Sports Development. for a safe race. Hatem el Safty, President of and I anticipate a very fun day The event promises entertain- The 10km Run section will TriClub Doha, expects the event to for everyone coming to watch. ment by Red Bull and an expo take part in the MIA Park. Sprint be a huge success, one which will It’s a beautiful venue and a great area featuring Carbon Wheels distance athletes will cover half put Qatar on the triathlon map way to start our weekend here in Bike Shop, Oola Sportswear, Royal these respective distances with for both GCC and international Doha. I encourage one and all to Air Maroc, Royal Riviera Hotel and both distances being open to professional triathletes. come and cheer for the athletes in Sehtak Awalan. Support sponsors individual races covering all three “Our club members are ecstatic this challenging race.”