NHL | Page 8 CRICKET | Page 11 Kings’ Brown Moeen Ali spins To Advertise here takes puck Call: 444 11 300, 444 66 621 England to in face, then crushing win delivers pain over S Africa

Thursday, December 31, 2015 FOOTBALL Rabia I 20, 1437 AH Ronaldo double GULF TIMES as Real Madrid sink Sociedad SPORT Page 2 FOOTBALL SPOTLIGHT ESPN proposes ‘I was there’ moment debate among for fans as PSG end FIFA hopefuls

Reuters Miami

2015 on victorious note S sports television network ESPN has invited the fi ve candidates in FIFA’s presi- French giants score 1-0 win over Inter Milan thanks to a first half-strike from Jean-Kevin Augustin dential election to participate inU a debate on the future of the crisis- hit governing body for world soccer. By Joe Koraith the match. Zlatan passed to Verrati who “ESPN has invited all fi ve candi- Doha Goal-scorer Jean-Kevin Augustin saw the run of teenager Jean-Kevin Au- dates vying for the FIFA presidency of PSG controls the ball during the gustin and lobbed the ball into his path to participate in a debate,” a network friendly against Inter Milan in Doha for the striker to fi nd the back of the net spokesman told Reuters via e-mail he football was always going to yesterday. in the 44th minute. yesterday. be a footnote. This was about The star attraction Ibrahimovic had “Our goal is to provide a forum for the spectators getting to see a good match linking well with French an open, transparent discussion about their football stars in action. Footballer of the Year, Blaise Matuidi the future governance of the sport in ThisT was about two world football pow- and both of them had chances in the advance of the election that will deter- erhouses showcasing their skills for the match. The Swedish striker got a mixed mine who occupies the most powerful people in Qatar. And the 11,628 fans response from the crowd gathered in- position in global football.” who turned up at the Al Sadd Stadium side the stadium. He was the subject The candidates are Frenchman Jer- to witness the friendly match between of both booing and clapping every ome Champagne, Jordanian Prince Ali Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan time he touched the ball. The booing, bin al-Hussein, Swiss Gianni Infanti- will have gone home a happier bunch. in true football fashion, was from the no, Tokyo Sexwale of South Africa and For the record, PSG won the match Inter fans. Zlatan had played with Inter Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khali- 1-0 thanks to a fi rst-half goal from for three years from 2006 to 2009 and fah of Bahrain. Jean-Kevin Augustin. This result then left for Barcelona. He came back to The vote for the next president is meant that PSG were overall winners of play for arch-rivals AC Milan in 2010, due to take place on Feb 26 at a special the two-match friendly series between something that the Inter fans clearly congress in Zurich. these two teams. The fi rst leg, which haven’t forgiven him for. Another foot- Sepp Blatter, president since 1998, was played in Marrakesh last Decem- note to the match. has been banned from football for ber, too had ended with a similar score The match was played at a slow eight years by FIFA’s Ethics Commit- line. pace, picking up tempo only in parts. tee and the organisation is currently PSG defi nitely walk away with the Just like in any friendly encounter, the being led by acting chief Issa Hayatou bragging rights but in friendly matches players were keen to avoid any injuries. of Cameroon. the score doesn’t really matter. It’s like PSG, the dominant team on paper, were Champagne told the website ‘Sport- the show – Whose Line Is It Anyway, controlling the tempo on the pitch too. ing Intelligence’ the ESPN debate where the points don’t matter. What Inter were content attacking on the would be held in London on Jan 29. mattered, for the teams, is that they counter. If Inter had got a goal in, the Former FIFA deputy general secre- were able to test their mettle against pace of the match would have picked tary Champagne also told Reuters he another big European team. PSG have up. But that didn’t happen. PSG had the had agreed to participate and had long a crucial Champions League tie against clearer chances in the match and could been in favour of such a discussion. Chelsea coming up while Inter were have won by a bigger margin. Inter were No televised debate has ever been looking to sharpen for the second half able to get a bit more threatening in the held in a FIFA presidential election. of their Serie A season where they are second half but didn’t really trouble the British broadcasters BBC and Sky looking to win the title. Even if they PSG keeper Kevin Trapp (in the fi rst made a similar proposal before May’s don’t win the title, a top-3 fi nish would half and Nicholas Douchez in the sec- vote but Blatter, who won that election help them qualify for the Champions ond). Neither team will be too worried against Prince Ali, turned down the in- League next season, something which about the scoreboard though. vitation. coach Roberto Mancini believes his As for the packed house at the Al Reuters contacted the spokesmen team should be playing every season. Sadd stadium, this was an evening that for Jordanian FA president Prince Ali, And Mancini was keen to give this will be etched in their memories for a UEFA general secretary Infantino, crucial match experience to as many long time to come. From the time, the Asian Football Confederation presi- players as he could. Which is why he players walked onto the pitch (through dent Sheikh Salman and South African ended up making as many as 10 sub- an arch of fi reworks and confetti), the politician and businessman Sexwale stitutions. PSG on the other hand fans were constantly enjoying them- but none responded for immediate made only fi ve. But PSG coach Laurent selves. Some true-blood PSG fans were comment. Blanc too wanted his fringe players to also cheering their team with chants In the United States, prosecutors get a chance. Which is why, despite and waving the fl ag. All in all, it was a have indicted 27 current or former soc- the majority of the fans having turned great experience for those present in cer offi cials, including eight ex-FIFA up to watch Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the the stadium. Executive Committee members and star striker was substituted in the 65th Just before the start of the match, the the current heads of both the North minute. Also taken off at that time was song Right Here, Right Now by Fatboy and South American federations, over another big-name footballer Marco Slim was being blasted over the stadi- allegations they ran bribery schemes Verrati. These were the two people who um speakers. And this was defi nitely a connected to the sale of TV rights for were the providers for the only goal of ‘I was there’ moment for the spectators. football competitions.

Players are led onto the field before the match. A young PSG fan. Zlatan Ibrahimovic lets rip. PICTURES: Jayan Orma, Noushad T and AFP Gulf Times 2 Thursday, December 31, 2015 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA SPOTLIGHT ‘Little Watford’ happy to be under Ronaldo double the radar: Deeney

Reuters The only reason we’re not get- London ting more credit is because of how well Leicester (City) have done. It’s one of those things. saves Benitez, atford have not We’re happy to be under the ra- get enough credit dar. We’ll just do what we do.” for their impres- Deeney has formed a formida- sive Premier League ble strike partnership with Odi- Wcampaign so far but the club do on Ighalo, with the pair netting not mind being away from the 20 of the 28 league goals Quique spotlight, captain Troy Deeney Sanchez Flores’s charges have has said. scored so far. takes Madrid top Watford, who are eighth in the Ighalo has caught the eye and table after 19 games, saw their there is reported interest from Ronaldo recovered from a terrible start after blasting his first penalty of the day fi ve-game unbeaten run brought elsewhere, but Deeney insists the to an end in Monday’s last-gasp 26-year-old will stay at Vicarage 2-1 league loss to fourth-placed Road as it would not make fi nan- over the bar to put Madrid in front from another spot-kick just before half-time Tottenham Hotspur. cial sense to lose him. “We’re still classed as ‘little “He ain’t going in January. If Watford’. I fi nd it quite cute that no one wanted any of our players people think we really are ‘little we’d be crap,” Deeney said. Watford’. But we cause people “So, come and want him as problems,” Deeney told British much as you want but I know media. Gino (Pozzo, Watford owner) and “The only point of reference is it just wouldn’t make sense. Why our own standards and we’ve just would he sell a striker and want got to keep doing that. to stay in the league? “We can still make this an un- “The value of selling Odion for, believable season. We’ll keep go- what would he be worth? 20 mil- ing. It’s Manchester City next so lion pounds, 25 million pounds? we’ll defi nitely be up for that to Or staying up and getting 200 bring in the new year and if we million pounds? Simple business play like we did today we’ll cause maths, he’s not going to sell him. anyone problems. “Odion doesn’t come in say- “We’ve held our own and ing: ‘I want to leave.’ He’ll just shook up the league a little bit. keep doing what he’s doing.”

PRAISE Ronaldo inspires in tough times, says Real’s Benitez

Reuters missing the penalty, he assumed Madrid the responsibility again and put the team on his back to get the go-ahead goal.” Real Madrid’s Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (L) celebrates after scoring against Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid yesterday. eal Madrid boss Ra- Madrid’s return to the top fael Benitez hailed the could be short-lived with Barce- AFP Rumours over Benitez’s future The Argentine ‘keeper tipped over in spectacular style four minutes after leadership shown by lona and Atletico Madrid in ac- Madrid refuse to go away aft er a Pepe’s looping header before showing the break when Bruma curled home his Cristiano Ronaldo as he tion later on Wednesday. great refl exes to deny Ronaldo and Karim fi rst league goal for the club into the top scoredR twice despite also missing And there was little sign of disappointing fi rst six months in charge at the Bernabeu with the Benzema from close range. corner. a penalty as Madrid moved top of reconcilement between the ristiano Ronaldo scored twice former Liverpool boss even claiming Sociedad’s luck seemed completely out The Portuguese winger then had a huge La Liga with a 3-1 win over Real home fans and the under fi re Be- and missed a penalty as Real Ma- there is a media conspiracy against in the fi rst-half, though, as they lost top- chance to put Sociedad in front moments Sociedad yesterday. nitez as he was whistled before drid eased the pressure on under him on Tuesday. scorer Imanol Agirretxe and playmaker later, but a heavy touch allowed Navas Ronaldo failed to even hit the kick-off , whilst his decisions to fi re coach Rafael Benitez by mov- Sergio Canales to injury and saw referee to once again scamper from his goal to target for the fi rst time in his Ma- substitute James Rodriguez and ingC to the top of La Liga with a 3-1 win “The team reacted brilliantly (to the Jose Luis Gonzalez award Madrid two make a crucial save. Benitez’s popularity drid career from a penalty as he Karim Benzema were met with over Real Sociedad. equaliser). controversial penalties. with the home fans wasn’t helped by his blasted over early on. derision in the second-half. Ronaldo recovered from a terrible start “I congratulate the players for their The fi rst spot-kick was given for an ap- decision to replace James Rodriguez with Yet, he made amends when Benitez responded to press re- after blasting his fi rst penalty of the day attitude from start to fi nish. We worked parent push by Yuri Beriche on Benzema Mateo Kovacic on the hour mark and later the hosts were controversially ports on Tuesday that he remains over the bar to put Madrid in front from hard, reacted well and got the three at the back post. Benzema for Vazquez. awarded a second spot-kick to one bad result away from the another spot-kick just before half-time. points.” Yet, for the first time in his Madrid Yet, despite all their troubles, Ronaldo open the scoring and then struck sack by claiming there is a media Bruma levelled for an injury-hit So- Rumours over Benitez’s future refuse career, Ronaldo failed to even hit the remains ever reliable source of goals and his 25th goal of the season when campaign against him. ciedad minutes after the break, but Ron- to go away after a disappointing fi rst six target from the spot as he blasted wildly he delivered once more with a sweetly Sociedad had Madrid on the However, Benitez admitted aldo delivered when his side needed a goal months in charge at the Bernabeu with over. struck volley from Marcelo’s corner for ropes following Bruma’s stun- he wasn’t looking further ahead once more to restore the lead 23 minutes the former Liverpool boss even claiming The World Player of the Year made his 25th goal of the season. ning equaliser. than Sunday’s tricky trip to his from time before Lucas Vasquez added a there is a media conspiracy against him amends three minutes before half-time Benitez’s men had to withstand some “I have congratulated him and former club Valencia. late third. on Tuesday. when he converted his second penalty af- late Sociedad pressure as Ruben Pardo’s the whole team because they “I concentrate on the next “Apart from 10 minutes when they were However, Madrid had hit 22 goals in ter Yuri was again penalised for blocking defl ected eff ort trickled just wide. were united in a situation that game. Until now that was Real in command, we controlled the game and their previous three games at home and Gareth Bale’s cross with an outstretched However, Vazquez ensured all three demanded they show character (Sociedad) and the next will be had a lot of chances, which, if we had taken were only denied another fl ying start by a hand. Despite the adversity they faced, points when he coolly controlled and fi n- and personality,” said Benitez. Valencia,” he added. them, would have made the second-half hat-trick of brilliant saves from Geroni- Sociedad kept the ball off Madrid for ished Bale’s fi ne cross to make it 3-1 three “That is why I am praising “I try to be prepared and do as more comfortable,” said Benitez. mo Rulli. long spells and hauled themselves level minutes from time. Cristiano again because, despite well as I can.”

OBITUARY Srnicek: woodcutter’s son who became a geordie By Louise Taylor of the Gallowgate End in recent decades. portant member of Keegan’s famous “Entertain- Somehow this son of an Ostrava wood- The Guardian Signed by Jim Smith for £350,000 from Banik ers” squad which came within touching distance cutter who had grown up under communist Ostrava in 1991, Srnicek made 152 appearances of winning the title in 1995-96. rule and began his working life with a stint for Newcastle across two spells on Tyneside and By then he had settled in the Newcastle sub- in the Czech army had become an adopted represented the Czech Republic 49 times, with urb of Gosforth and was regularly spotted play- geordie. Czech Republic Euro 2000 the highlight of his international ca- ing football with his young daughter in the local Newcastle fans loved the way he spontane- reer. Given his Newcastle debut by Ossie Ardiles, park. An already warm relationship with his new ously applauded them and his willingness to take international struggled at Srnicek initially struggled to cope with English public was cemented when, during a lap of hon- risks with the ball at his feet as he encouraged his football - crosses particularly - and the language our following a famous 7-1 thrashing of Leicester team-mates to build from the back. first with English language and it was not long before he surrendered his City, he pulled up his goalkeeping jersey to reveal He briefl y returned to Banik Ostrava in 1998 and the game but grew to place to Tommy Wright. Few could have imag- a T-shirt emblazoned with “Pavel is a geordie”. and stintswith, in no particular order, Shef- ined that he would eventually replace the Rob- “Pavel was the fi ttest bloke I ever knew and more fi eld Wednesday, West Ham, Portsmouth, and become an all-time fans’ ledo brothers as Newcastle’s longest-serving importantly one of the nicest men,” his former Brescia, Cosenza and Beira Mar followed. Then, foreign player. team-mate Rob Lee told the Newcastle Evening in 2006 Glenn Roeder brought him back to New- favourite at St James’ Park “At school under the communist regime we Chronicle . “It was a joy to spend time with him. castle for a season as cover for Shay Given and only learnt Russian, so speaking to the geordies He kept himself to himself, he was happily married, Steve Harper. The three were fi rm friends with here was a sombre soundtrack to New- for the fi rst time was very hard for me to under- didn’t really drink, didn’t really smoke, he was one Harper adamant he would never have made the castle United’s home defeat against while out running. As he lay in a coma in an Os- stand,” he explained during one of many frequent of the hardest trainers. I never saw him angry really. professional grade without the Czech’s unstint- Everton on Boxing Day. The repeated trava hospital, his family played him recordings recent trips to Newcastle. “But they were so He was just such a genuinely nice guy. The geordies ing support and mentoring. choruses of “Pavel is a geordie” from a of that Tyneside choir singing his name in the friendly.” loved him and he loved them. The shock on Tyneside is intensifi ed by the packedT St James’ Park served as a grim reminder increasingly forlorn hope of evoking a response. Things looked up when Kevin Keegan replaced “From the minute I arrived in the north-east, fact that only a week before his collapse, Srnicek of Pavel Srnicek’s plight. Sadly Srnicek never woke up. He was only 47 Ardiles and he became an integral part of the side all the fans ever sang was ‘Pavel is a geordie’. He was in Newcastle promoting a new autobiogra- Shortly before Christmas the former Newcas- when he died on Tuesday and the awful news that swashbuckled its way back into England’s is very much one of their own. He loved being phy co-written with his friend, the writer Will tle and Czech Republic goalkeeper, most recently prompted a wave of heartfelt tributes to one of top division. Competing with fi rst Mike Hooper in Newcastle. He loved the area and he loved the Scott. It could only ever have one title: “Pavel is a coach at Sparta Prague, suff ered a cardiac arrest the most popular players to have played in front and then Shaka Hislop, Srnicek remained an im- people.” a Geordie”. Gulf Times Thursday, December 31, 2015 3 FOOTBALL

EPL United players fi ghting Leicester frustrate for own futures: Smalling

Manchester: Manchester United defender Chris Small- ing has dismissed sugges- tions that the squad was title rivals Man City not supporting under-fire manager Louis van Gaal and said the players are fighting Leicester held firm for a point that took them level with Arsenal at the top of the table for their own futures as well. Despite an improved per- AFP formance against struggling London champions Chelsea, United are winless in eight games and are placed sixth in the anchester City were frus- Premier League. Criticism trated again on the road for United’s poor results has as Leicester bounced back been largely aimed at Van from defeat at Liverpool Gaal, but Smalling believes Mwith a 0-0 draw that maintained their no one should feel safe. surprise Premier League title challenge. “If anything we are all play- Leicester had to withstand a barrage ing for our own futures as of fi rst-half pressure from their visi- well,” the England interna- tors but they held fi rm for the point that tional told British media. “To took them level with Arsenal at the top say we’re not playing for the of the table. The Foxes grew in confi - manager is silly. Every week dence after half-time and could have we want to go out there and snatched another major scalp in their show everyone what a good extraordinary season. team we are and on our day Manchester City are without a win in we can beat anyone.” six Premier League away games but boss Smalling is one of the Manuel Pellegrini will take heart from players whose performances a dominant performance before half- have improved during Van time. Leicester abandoned their normal Gaal’s tenure, and he insists 4-4-2 system and started with Gokhan that the manager’s demean- Inler as an extra midfi elder alongside our remains unchanged. “He N’Golo Kante and the returning Danny has been himself from day Drinkwater, who was back from a ham- one that we met him to how string injury. he is now,” the 26-year-old Shinji Okazaki and Andy King were defender, who is viewed as a the men to make way while City brought future United captain by the back Sergio Aguero in place of Wilfried Dutch manager, said. Bony. The visitors made all of the early The Red Devils have been running and exploited their hosts re- heavily criticised for their peatedly down the fl anks. rigid possession-based play, Pellegrini’s men wasted several de- but were more positive cent crossing opportunities before during the draw against the Leicester almost struck a blow against Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy Blues. Smalling, however, the run of play. Inler was fouled 25 yards shoots at goal past defender insisted the manager was not from goal and Christian Fuchs’ free- Nicolas Otamendi of Manchester going to change. kick was headed over by Robert Huth. City during the EPL match on “He is not going to change But Manchester City were the more Wednesday. (Reuters) and that is why he has had likely scorers and the should have made a lot of success throughout the breakthrough when Raheem Ster- the years,” the defender ling burst down the right and squared said, referring to Van Gaal’s for Kevin De Bruyne. He hit a fi rm illustrious career with some shot but it was pushed away solidly by of Europe’s most prestigious Kasper Schmeichel in the home goal. clubs. “I can’t ever see him Leicester had been pinned back in changing because he’s got a their own half with striker Jamie Vardy track record.” isolated for lengthy spells. But Riyad United went into the Mahrez, his goalscoring partner in Chelsea game amid intense crime, nearly made the most of a slip speculation over Van Gaal’s by Nicolas Otamendi and tried a curling future, with some fans even shot from an angle that dipped just over. wearing Jose Mourinho Manchester City came again, how- Then Fernandinho gifted possession Ranieri’s men grew in confi dence. ing save to keep out a thunderous shot almost two months out but lasted just scarves. The sacked Chelsea ever, and Schmeichel came to the rescue to Jamie Vardy, who exchanged passes But they almost fell behind when from Fuchs following a short corner by nine minutes before limping off with manager has been linked once more when he pushed away a de- with Drinkwater on the edge of the box Otamendi met a corner from De Bru- the Foxes. more calf trouble. “It is the same calf with the Old Traff ord hotseat. cent shot from Sterling. The pair were before blasting over. Aguero should yne with a fi rm header that forced Sch- but a diff erent part,” Pellegrini said. Dutch media reported engaged in a personal battle and Sch- have given the visitors the lead a minute meichel into another good save. With KOMPANY FACES ANOTHER “We will see how long Vincent will be national team manager meichel succeeded again on 32 minutes into the second half when he arrived at momentum behind them, Leicester MONTH OUT out, but I don’t think it will be less than Danny Blind believes Van when he pushed a left-footed eff ort by the near post to meet a De Bruyne cross. sent on Leonardo Ulloa for Inler as they Meanwhile, Manchester City captain three to four weeks. I am not a doctor, Gaal, who had led the Neth- Sterling over the bar. But Leicester, who had squandered went on the attack. Vincent Kompany will be out for up to a but with a muscle injury, it will be very erlands to the 2014 World After withstanding waves of pres- possession cheaply, were reprieved It almost paid off instantly as Ul- month through injury in the latest set- diffi cult for him to be back in less than Cup semi-finals, would be sure, Leicester should twice have led in when the Argentine sent a cheeky chip loa’s decoy run allowed Vardy to collect back for the Belgian and his side’s push four weeks. an excellent appointment as the 40th minute. First Fuchs’ cross from over the crossbar. Albrighton sent a Drinkwater’s pass, but he shot straight for the Premier League title. “But without him, we must continue their football association’s the left eluded Marc Albrighton at the shot into the side netting from a tough at Joe Hart in the Manchester City goal. Defender Kompany returned for Sat- to defend as did (at Leicester). We did technical director. far post by inches. angle after a smart pass by Mahrez as Late on Hart had to make a good, fl y- urday’s clash with Sunderland after more than Leicester to win the game.”

TRANSFER NEWS Villa looking to sign Chelsea’s Remy, says Garde

Reuters more than looking at who will be our threat. You month is going to be very, very important. We London cannot rule us out. We have a chance and we have got our captain coming back into our side Loic Remy joined Chelsea in a £10.5m want to fi ght for it.” Arsenal are next in action at and that is really important. We need that bit of move from QPR last year. home to struggling Newcastle on Saturday. experience.” ston Villa will aim to sign Chelsea’s out-of-favour striker Loic Remy when EVERTON’S MARTINEZ REFUSES NORWICH WILL BE AMBITIOUS BUT NOT the January transfer window opens, TO RULE OUT NAISMITH EXIT RECKLESS IN JANUARY: MCNALLY manager Remi Garde said yesterday, Everton striker Steven Naismith might leave the Norwich City will be ambitious in the January asA he bids to secure the West Midlands club’s club when the January transfer window opens transfer window but will not spend their trans- Premier League status for next season. in search of fi rst-team playing time, manager fer kitty recklessly on players they feel are over- Villa, who are last on the table with just eight Roberto Martinez said ahead of Sunday’s Pre- priced, Chief Executive David McNally has said. points from 19 games and 11 points behind safe- mier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur. The Canaries fi nd themselves in the thick ty, will hope Remy can solve their problems in The Scotland international has found it dif- of the relegation dogfi ght, having lost seven of attack, having netted just 15 goals so far in the fi cult to break into the fi rst team, having made their last 12 Premier League games, which has league. “Loic is a guy I know well, he would be just fi ve league starts, and faces stiff competi- seen them plunge down the table to 15th. an interesting player for the team. I can’t tell tion from in-form Romelu Lukaku, who has “I think there will be lots of eyebrow-raising you (our chances of signing him),” Garde told scored 11 goals in his last 10 appearances in all deals done in January when fans in general will reporters yesterday when asked if he is inter- competitions. perhaps be surprised at the sums being paid ested in the 28-year-old. “We all know a club showed interest in Nai- for players but that just underlines what is at “He is part of some players I am trying to at- smith in the last window, I understand those stake,” McNally told British media. tract to Aston Villa, for sure. Loic is quite a spe- rumours are there, but there is nothing to com- “We have always made it clear we will spend cial one, he knows the country, the league. I also ment at the moment,” Martinez told reporters what we can aff ord and we have a budget we will have some targets that would be this level may- yesterday. stick to. That has always been the case here. We be without knowing the country and the league. “During January we will know exactly how will use our bank facilities as much as we can “The situation is not the best one you could we need to move forward. Like anything, as and I can promise we will be ambitious, as much dream of to speak with players. But what I have a footballer, the windows present a situation as we can, but we won’t be reckless.” done already doesn’t show me that nobody where you want to think about what’s next. McNally also made it clear that manager Alex wants to join this football club.” “It’s exactly the same as a football club and Neil does not need to offl oad players to attract Monday’s 2-0 loss to Norwich City meant squad. We need to make sure our players can get fresh blood. “If anybody is close to Alex’s team that Villa stretched their winless run to 18 themselves back in the team. It’s important we and he intends to use them then I doubt they games, and left Garde still awaiting his fi rst win have communication and assessment in every will be leaving the football club,” he said. as manager since taking over from Tim Sher- window to become better and stronger,” Mar- “We are not under any pressure and Alex is wood in November. tinez said. under no pressure to offl oad players, however, Garde also said Saturday’s match against Everton have conceded nine goals in their if we bring in a few, let’s say two or three, that second-from-bottom Sunderland is not a last fi ve games and Martinez said he was aware adds to the roster and probably takes you over make-or-break clash for the club. ARSENAL MANAGER WENGER SAYS HE ment,” he said at a press conference yesterday. his side needed to sharpen up defensively and 25. You can only register 25 in a Premier League “The team has to build a new story. I am still WILL ‘BE BUSY’ IN TRANSFER WINDOW “Nothing has been concluded “(But) I will be hopes the return of captain Phil Jagielka from a squad so, quite frankly, there might be some very frustrated not to have won a game in this Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he will busy that is for sure. I have already said we are knee injury can help with that. players who for themselves and their careers country, for sure,” Garde said. “I still have an ‘be busy’ in the January transfer window as he short.” “Of course, we are in the period of the season want to go elsewhere if they are not in the plans optimist view. I am still thinking the victory tries to deliver a fi rst Premier League title since Wenger said improved consistency meant where we feel we need to improve in certain ar- here.” will come soon and that will change the mood 2004. The London club top the table on goal Arsenal were now real contenders for the title. eas. There’s no hiding that. We want to be per- Norwich will hope to steer clear from the of the changing room. Sunderland is a very im- diff erence going into 2016 but with a number of “2015 was a positive year for us because we were fect,” Martinez said. relegation zone when they host 12th-placed portant game but it’s not the last chance we will injuries, Wenger expects to bring in new play- consistent,” he said. “We have improved our “Defensively we are conceding too many Southampton, who have lost fi ve times in their have. There are a lot of points to play for.” ers. “We cannot announce anything at the mo- results. I believe we have to focus on ourselves goals and there are reasons for that. This next last seven games, in the league on Saturday. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, December 31, 2015 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT ELECTIONS Presidential Chelsea’s Fabregas candidate is going nowhere, Salman wants to divide says coach Hiddink FIFA in two Reuters “FIFA must be restructured Miami top-down in order to remedy its ‘We need all the players here until the end of the season’ present ills. Nothing short of a complete organisational over- AFP he frontrunner in the haul and the introduction of London FIFA presidential elec- stringent control mechanisms tion, Asian football chief will allow us to re-launch FIFA in Sheikh Salman bin Ebra- its entirety,” Salman added. uus Hiddink says Cesc Fabre- Thim al-Khalifah, says he wants Salman said he intended to gas is happy at Chelsea amid to divide the organisation into bring in “external experts” to speculation he could soon be two separate entities as part of a help with the process including the subject of a big-money bid ‘turnaround’ plan for the crisis- a “top class executive who does Gfrom Italian clubs. The Spain midfi elder hit organisation. not necessarily need to have a has been linked with both Juventus and Salman, who is president of football pedigree but is someone Inter Milan following a poor half to the the Asian Football Confedera- who has the expertise of a turn- season at the Premier League champions, tion, said in a statement yester- around manager”. whose fall from grace has been well-doc- day that FIFA’s governance and Salman also promised an umented. But Hiddink, interim manager business functions would be in-depth review of FIFA’s sen- until the end of the season following Jose separated if he took over the helm ior management structure and Mourinho’s sacking, gave no indication following the Feb. 26 elections. vowed to listen to the organisa- that Chelsea would sell, and that the The Bahraini suggested divid- tion’s staff . player himself seemed content. “We need ing the organisation into a ‘Foot- “FIFA is not those 40-odd all the players here until the end of the ball FIFA’ that will be responsi- individuals who have been in- season,” he said. ble for governance and running dicted, arrested or already con- “Chelsea are still in a position where events and tournaments; and victed on various charges. FIFA we have to improve to get up the table, a ‘Business FIFA’ which would is above all a 400-strong group so we need all the players at the moment. handle all commercial, fi nancial of employees from 40 plus coun- He’s coming in with a smile, which is and funding matters. tries who have suff ered from the what I always like. They come in with a “Only by strictly separating mayhem caused by others only smile and not a worn out face.” the generation of funds and su- marginally linked to the organi- Fabregas missed Monday’s 0-0 draw pervising the fl ow of all mon- sation,” he said, noting that there at Manchester United because of a tem- ies spent can we guarantee the have been no arrests or charges perature but is now back in training at a rebirth of a new FIFA that is ac- against FIFA staff members. time when a number of players are either countable and is a good corporate Salman repeated his pledge still unavailable or doubtful for Sunday’s citizen that deserves everybody’s not to take a salary if elected London derby at Crystal Palace. respect”, Salman said in the president and said he would have “Cesc was in this morning and trained,” statement. a non-executive role. Hiddink said. “We played a game with the FIFA’s 209 member associa- “I shall not be micro-man- academy, and he did play a full game. He tions will vote for a new presi- aging the organisation and nor was out of his temperature problems.” dent at a congress in Zurich on will I play a role in day-to-day Defender Gary Cahill and striker Loic Feb. 26. Previous president Sepp to operations,” he said, adding Remy are receiving treatment, the Dutch- Blatter was banned from football there would be full transparency man confi rmed at a time when Falcao, the for eight years by FIFA’s Ethics of fi nancial accounts including on-loan forward, is still injured. “Falcao Committee earlier this month. “minute details”. has the same injury as last week when Midfielder Cesc Fabregas has been United States prosecutors have He said he would aim to win we tested him, and Remy is also doubt- linked with both Juventus and Inter indicted 27 current or former back sponsor support for the ful,” Hiddink said. “Gary Cahill didn’t go Milan following a poor half to the season football offi cials, including eight body. “My focus will be to make on the pitch this morning, which means at the Premier League champions. (AFP) ex-FIFA Executive Committee FIFA deserving of corporate he has also a little problem. But we have members and the current heads support by introducing struc- several days to go to prepare, so I’m not of both the North and South tures and controls that generate negative regarding Gary Cahill.” American federations, over alle- the kind of trust we have lost in Remy rarely starts a game and is the gations they ran bribery schemes many quarters. Pretty PR talk subject of some very public interest from connected to the sale of TV rights will not remedy the failures FIFA fellow Frenchman Remi Garde, the Aston for football competitions. has allowed to occur,” he added. Villa manager in need of goals to take his Twelve people in sports mar- The other candidates for FIFA side off the bottom of the Premier League. the squad helping younger players, all the when they are in trouble in their career.” get a game for Chelsea either, especially keting and two companies have president are UEFA general sec- But Hiddink said: “He’s our player. We players, with their huge experience. I’m Hiddink does have an extra striker in as his return has to be offi cially agreed. been convicted. Swiss authori- retary Gianni Infantino, former don’t go into that.” not in favour of a big ambassador travel- his ranks now that Patrick Bamford has “That’s also an issue between the two ties are also investigating FIFA FIFA deputy general secretary Hiddink also refused to go into any ling the world in a tie. I think they must cut short his loan spell at Palace because clubs, us and Palace,” he said. “The man- and yesterday handed over the Jerome Champagne, Jordanian detail on plans to bring in new players, give their huge experience to all, espe- of a lack of playing time. But Hiddink agers and directors will talk about that fi rst batch of evidence to U.S au- Football Association president with a forward to take the burden off Di- cially young kids, but also the older ones gave no indication that Bamford would situation.” thorities after freezing around Prince Ali bin al-Hussein and ego Costa, another man struggling to hit $80 million in assets in 13 bank South African politician and the heights of last season, the priority. accounts. businessman Tokyo Sexwale. But one man who knows how to score at Chelsea dressing room better under Hiddink, says Mikel Stamford Bridge does appear to be close to a return as Didier Drogba is keen to London: Struggling champions Chelsea football is a cruel game and you have to now without losing, so (we) are making leave the MLS to rejoin a club where he may not have set the Premier League move on. the right steps.” has already enjoyed two trophy-laden alight under interim manager Guus Hid- “He came back to the club a second Mikel, who got limited game-time playing spells. dink but the mood in the dressing room time and won two trophies but now he is under Mourinho making just two starts Whether the 37-year-old will pull on has definitely improved since his arrival, gone. Is it the right decision? We will only in five league appearances, could not his boots again seems unlikely as Hiddink midfielder John Obi Mikel has said. see in the future.” explain Chelsea’s meek title defence this has him earmarked for a coaching role Chelsea turned to Hiddink again The Nigerian is one of few players, season. “It is diff icult when you are not with ambassadorial duties. “Those rare earlier this month to guide them out of a along with defenders John Terry and playing, as you do not really know what kind of ex-players with this big status woeful campaign under Jose Mourinho Branislav Ivanovic, who were at the the problems are,” Mikel added. really would be very good for any club to this season, a spell that saw them fall to club during Hiddink’s previous period “I was not playing that much under have, especially him because he’s a Chel- 16th place and within a point off relega- in charge, when the Dutch manager led Mourinho. It was a collective thing - the sea legend,” he said. “But he has a con- tion. Hiddink had a caretaker spell in them to an FA Cup win. players and the manager were not tract with Montreal at the moment, and charge of the Blues in 2009 after Brazil- “He (Hiddink) hasn’t changed much performing.” we have to respect that also. ian Luiz Felipe Scolari departed. yet, but he was here before and he Chelsea, currently 14th in the table “His role will depend on the player “We have moved on and the atmos- knows the place and all the staff ,” Mikel with 20 points, travel to Crystal Palace himself. You have to give them time and phere has improved since the change of said. “We are down there in the table for on Sunday, hoping to register their first opportunities to fi nd out what’s best for manager,” Mikel told British media. “Jose a reason so he can not come in and per- win under Hiddink. Palace are fifth, hav- them. It might be on the coaching staff , is a fantastic manager, but sometimes form miracles. We have had three games ing gone six games without defeat. or ambassador. Those guys need to be in Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa

FOCUS SCANDAL Banned Platini set to face further trouble Switzerland hands

Reuters spond to a request for comment. over evidence to US for Miami The December 21 ruling from FIFA Ethics Com- mittee chair Hans-Joachim Eckert stated that Blatter and Platini were banned “for eight years FIFA prosecutions anned UEFA president Michel Platini from all football-related activities (administrative, could face further investigation from sports or any other) on a national and international AFP were handed over on Wednesday but FIFA’s Ethics Committee after attending level. The bans come into force immediately.” Zurich decisions on other materials were still an awards ceremony and conference in Platini has said he will fi ght the ban through the pending, the FOJ said. DubaiB despite being barred from “all football ac- appeals process, which is likely to end up with the Separately, the FOJ said Switzerland tivity”. Platini, the head of European football body Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Swit- witzerland yesterday handed had carried out an American request by UEFA, was handed an eight year ban from the game zerland, and has also been fi ercely critical of the over an initial package of bank freezing about $80 million (73 million by FIFA’s Ethics Committee on December 21, along decision and the Ethics Committee itself. Blatter documents to US prosecutors euros) in 13 bank accounts, which could with banned FIFA president Sepp Blatter. He is has also said he will appeal. requested by Washington as evi- be handed over to the US government appealing the decision and insists he has done no FIFA has been thrown into crisis by investiga- denceS in the ongoing criminal cases tar- following a court order. wrong. tions from the FBI and Department of Justice in the geting senior FIFA leadership. A total of 39 people within world The ban relates to a payment of two million United States and Swiss authorities. The material “relates to bank accounts football and two companies have been Swiss francs made by Blatter’s FIFA to Platini in The Swiss Attorney General has opened a allegedly used for bribes connected with charged by Washington in a sweeping in- 2011, nine years after he fi nished working as a criminal investigation into Blatter regarding the the grant of marketing rights to soccer vestigation into bribery and corruption consultant to Blatter. On December 27, Platini at- payment to Platini. The Frenchman is viewed as tournaments in Latin America and the at FIFA going back decades. Swiss pros- tended the Globe Football Awards organised by the “somewhere between a witness and an accused USA”, a statement from the Swiss attor- ecutors are also targeting Sepp Blatter, Dubai Sports Council in Dubai, along with football person” according to the Attorney General Michael ney general’s offi ce (FOJ) said. who was banned from football for eight stars such as Argentine Lionel Messi and Italian Lauber. In the United States, prosecutors have in- The US justice department asked for years on December 21 by a FIFA ethics Andrea Pirlo. Michel Platini dicted 27 current or former football offi cials, in- documents related to about 50 accounts court after a 17-year term as the presi- Frenchman Platini was photographed at the cluding eight ex-FIFA Executive Committee mem- at 10 diff erent banks, with the FOJ re- dent of world football’s governing body. event and also made comments regarding his ban “In general terms: The Investigatory Chamber of bers and the current heads of both the North and viewing various requests to assess their But it was the US indictments, the fi rst to the Italian media while in Dubai. the Ethics Committee of FIFA investigates any al- South American federations, over allegations they relevance to the US prosecutions. of which were unsealed in May, which A spokesman for FIFA’s Ethics Committee de- leged breach of the Ethics Code of FIFA.” ran bribery schemes connected to the sale of TV In some cases, the US requests have sparked the unprecendented scandal clined to comment on the specifi c case but said: A spokesman for Platini did not immediately re- rights for football competitions. been deemed valid and the documents within world football. Gulf Times Thursday, December 31, 2015 5 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Corruption, doping and terror cast a dark shadow over sport Three major football organisations led by FIFA need a new president after the old ones were swept away by corruption aff airs. A major doping aff air around the ruling athletics body IAAF and Russia overshadowed Usain Bolt’s world title treble

DPA Berlin It wasn’t easy, but Usain Bolt (in yellow) remained on top of the track world at the world championships.

sain Bolt may have won another three sprint world titles and Chile a fi rst Copa America but Uit was unprecedented scandals in athletics and football with crim- inal investigations, arrests and bans that dominated the sports pages in 2015. Terror also descended on sport as suicide bombers blew themselves up outside the Sta- de de France as part of the No- vember 13 attacks in Paris while France were playing Germany in the arena - raising concerns about security at Euro 2016. Before that tournament, the ruling football body FIFA, Eu- rope’s UEFA and the largest na- tional single sports federation in the world, the German DFB, required new presidents after corruption probes brought down Joseph Blatter, Michel Platini and Wolfgang Niersbach. Athletics is not better off , with the former president of the rul- ing body IAAF, Lamine Diack, under criminal investigation for accepting money to cover up positive doping tests of Russian athletes. Russia was suspended by the IAAF and risks missing out on the Rio Olympics in an aff air which now also reached the of- fi ce of new IAAF boss Sebastian Coe, whose offi ce director Nick Davies has temporarily stepped down pending an ethics com- mittee investigation into con- troversial emails he sent. Davies’ December 22 move came the day after FIFA’s eth- ics committee banned Blatter and Platini for eight years over a “disloyal payment” of 2 mil- offi cials and the distribution of football federation CBF, Marco Doping allegations overshad- dor role for sports goods makers for the same event after popular was almost hit by a crashing lion dollars Platini received in marketing rights for events in Polo del Nero, Jose Maria Marin owed the athletics worlds in Nike. But it doesn’t stop here as dissent and Los Angeles will bid drone during a slalom race. 2011 for FIFA work done between the region. and Ricardo Teixeira. CONME- Beijing, with the superstar Bolt the next WADA revelations are for the US instead. Wladimir Klitschko’s reign 1998 and 2002. Like Platini, More indictments have fol- BOL boss Eugenio Figueredo was complaining that “all I hear in scheduled for January 14. The withdrawals came on the as boxing world champion was Blatter has vowed to appeal the lowed, and apart from FIFA, suspended and waiting extradi- the last weeks is doping, doping, This could see more suspen- heels of several cities pulling out ended by Tyson Fury, Britain ruling “for myself, for FIFA” but UEFA and the DFB - engulfed tion to the US from Switzerland doping” before he was declared sions of athletes ahead of the of the 2022 Winter Games race could celebrated back-to-back their careers seem over, with in a probe around a payment by the time hosts Chile won their saviour of the sport by beating Rio Olympics, and Russia must where Beijing was elected host Formula One world titles from Platini unlikely to run for the of 6.7 million euros (7.3 million fi rst Copa America title, 4-1 on former doping off ender Justin also comply with a multitude of in summer over the only other Lewis Hamilton, New Zea- FIFA presidency on February 26. dollars) around Germany host- penalties against Lionel Messi’s Gatlin in the 100m. WADA and IAAF demands if its candidate Almaty - despite ma- land won the rugby World Cup Blatter announced on June 2 ing the 2006 World Cup - the Argentina on July 4. Coe insisted in Beijing that athletes are to compete. jor snow and pollution concerns. in England, neighbours Aus- he would lay down his mandate South American body CONME- Messi had to settle for another “athletics is ostensibly a clean Rio has its own problems On the playing fi eld, American tralia claimed a fi rst Asian Cup four days after being re-elected BOL and the CONCACAF con- Barcelona title treble as part of sport” but the aff air around Di- which include the ongoing de- football experienced the bizarre in football, American teenager for a fi fth term, and six days after federation for North, Central the awesome attacking line with ack and Russia, which included a bate of pollution in its waters. Defl ategate aff air around tam- Katie Ledecky took fi ve swim- seven top offi cials were arrested America and the Caribbean also Luis Suarez and Neymar, who police search in the IAAF’s Mon- In other Olympic news, Ham- pered balls in the conference fi nal ming world titles, while Novak in Zurich as part of an Ameri- need new presidents. Among was sent off at the Copa as his te Carlo offi ces, suggested oth- burg’s bid for the 2024 Games of the later Super Bowl champi- Djokovic and Serena Williams can corruption probe mainly those charged are also the last Brazil exited on penalties against erwise. Under pressure, Coe also was stopped by a referendum, ons New England Patriots, while each won three of the four tennis directed against Latin American three presidents of the Brazilian Paraguay in the quarter-fi nals. ended a controversial ambassa- after Boston abandoned its bid Austrian skier Marcel Hirscher majors.

FOCUS YACHTING Small boats in line for big day IOC chief calls on sports in Sydney to Hobart race

AFP east coast of Australia. “The bottom of my main- Sydney sail is torn to pieces,” the fi nancial guru said. “It was a terrible, terrible seaway, lumps and bodies to clean up their act bumps. Most of the crew have got the usual bruis- ne of the smallest yachts in the Sydney es and bashes... it was really awful conditions. DPA making the world’s anti-doping to Hobart race emerged yesterday as a “Then we got into Bass Strait and we stopped Berlin system and the sanctioning of favourite to win overall honours in the dead.” doped athletes independent rugged blue ocean classic. After some of the roughest conditions forced from sports organisations.” OLocal 33-footer Quikpoint Azzurro would have 32 yachts out of the race, American supermaxi nternational Olympic Com- The time-frame for the new to meet a pre-dawn arrival deadline on Thursday Comanche was fi rst across the fi nish line Monday mittee (IOC) president anti-doping programme is some to lift the treasured Tattersall’s Cup as handicap night. Thomas Bach has called time before the 2018 Winter winner for the vessel that performs best accord- She took line honours in the 71st edition of the on sports governing bodies Olympics in Pyeongchang, ing to size. 628-nautical-mile event in a time of two days, Ito clean up their act to restore South Korea, but fi rst 2016 will Owner Shane Kearns appeared set to make eight hours, 58 minutes and 30 seconds. credibility at the end of a year of see the Summer Games held in it to Hobart’s Constitution Dock in time, if he Local boat Ragamuffi n 100 arrived second in scandal. Brazil. can avoid the worst of the light winds that have the Tasmanian capital on Tuesday morning, just “When Olympic Agenda 2020 Local organisers have been plagued the fi nal stages. seconds ahead of another US contender Rambler. was adopted one year ago, my fi ghting problems with pollution Teasing Machine from France was one of nu- Italian challenger Maserati, skippered by Gio- message to everyone in the Ol- and a diffi cult economic situ- merous boats to hold the handicap lead over the vanni Soldini, was fourth, followed by Australian ympic Movement was: change or ation in Brazil but Bach main- past 36 hours only to suff er on the pond-like Der- entries Chinese Whisper and Ichi Ban. be changed,” Bach said in his new tained the Games would run went River. year statement published on the smoothly.” Skipper Eric de Turckheim needed to bring IOC website yesterday. “In August, the world will Teasing home by 5:30 am (1830 GMT) on Wednes- “One just needs to look at the come together in Rio de Janeiro, day to top the handicap standings. Maserati sails during the events over the last 12 months to for the very fi rst Olympic Games “From the entrance (of the river) we stayed Sydney to Hobart yacht realise that this message is even in South America,” he said. maybe about three hours idle, nothing at all,” de race on Tuesday. more urgent today to safeguard “I am confi dent that Brazil will Turckheim told Australian Associated Press after the credibility of sports organi- enthusiastically welcome the fi nishing 11th. sations and to protect clean ath- world with their joy of life and “Obviously frustrating, but that’s sailing, it’s letes. their passion for sport. not the fi rst time you are leading overall and in the “Undoubtedly, recent devel- “We know the current eco- last few miles the wind goes.” opments in some sports cast a nomic and political situation in French 35-footer Courrier Leon also enjoyed shadow across the whole world Brazil will make the next months time in the overall lead group but the JPK 1080 of sport.” of fi nal preparations more chal- looked to be losing hope of making it two majors World football governing body lenging, but together with the in a row after victory in the Fastnet Race. FIFA has been plagued by scan- been hit by allegations of brib- Bach looked back at 2015 to great support of the Cariocas Australian 52-footer Balance fi nished seventh dal and long-standing president ery and cover-ups while Russian note the IOC has now “imple- and the Brazilian people, the in line honours on Tuesday and could take the Joseph Blatter has been banned athletes have been suspended mented internationally recog- organisers can count on the overall title if the smaller vessels miss their dead- from the game, as has UEFA from competition due to their nised standards of governance solidarity of the entire Olym- lines. president Michel Platini. country operating a programme in all its activities” and “has pic family to make the Games a Owner-skipper Paul Clitheroe took the club- The athletics body IAAF has of systematic doping. strengthened its commitment to success.” house lead after a fearsome battering down the Gulf Times 6 Thursday, December 31, 2015 SPORT

FOCUS Hornets’ sting helped fuel Bryant’s ‘killer instinct’

AFP basketball. I knew who Dave Cowens a regular-season game at the Time- Charlotte, North Carolina was and was pretty excited,” Bryant Warner Cable Arena. said. “Then I was like, ‘Oh, all right.’ I The Hornets saluted him before the quickly transitioned from smiley kid to game with owner Michael Jordan deliv- obe Bryant says his passion for killer instinct.” ering a videotaped message. winning was shaped in part by After the draft Charlotte traded Bry- Bryant fi nished with a team-high 20 the snubbing he received from ant to the Lakers for Vlade Divac. points in the Lakers 108-98 loss and the team that drafted him into Bryant announced recently that he is said that he was moved by the cheers Kthe NBA back in 1996. retiring from the NBA at the end of the from the crowd. Bryant was just 17 and fresh out of current season. “It’s been like that in every city, for- high school when he sat down imme- tunately,” Bryant said. “Here it is a lit- diately following the entry draft with “Charlotte never wanted me. tle diff erent because this is the city that head coach Dave Cowens of the Char- [Dave] Cowens told me he didn’t drafted me. The journey started here. lotte Hornets who had selected him want me. It wasn’t a question of As brief as it was .... so it has more value with the 13th overall pick. me even playing here,” said to it.” “Charlotte never wanted me. [Dave] Bryant aft er his farewell tour with Lakers coach Byron Scott said Bryant Cowens told me he didn’t want me. It the Los Angeles Lakers made a deserves the respect he is getting in all wasn’t a question of me even playing stop in Charlotte the cities the Lakers have visited. here,” said Bryant after his farewell tour “It’s been remarkable,” Scott said. with the Los Angeles Lakers made a Besides his fi ve championship rings “The fans are showing him a lot of love, stop in Charlotte on Monday night. with the Lakers, Bryant has won two and rightly so. He’s put in 20 hard years Five-time NBA champion Bryant NBA fi nals MVP awards, two NBA scor- and given everything he’s got, every says the slight he received from the ing titles and was named an all star 17 single night. former Boston Celtics star player Co- times in his brilliant career. “I think what the fans are doing eve- wens helped shape his championship Bryant drew a thunderous applause rywhere we go so far are just showing character. throughout the evening from a sellout their appreciation. I think it’s a beauti- “I mean, I had grown up watching crowd of 19,632, the largest ever for ful thing.” LA Lakers’ Kobe Bryant (second from right) in action against Charlotte Hornets on Monday. (AFP)

NBA National Basketball Association Horford and the roundup eneral manager Vlade Divac expects Gthe NBA to discipline Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins for his temper tantrum on the court Monday. Cousins was healthy for the first time in three meetings with the Golden State Hawks rally from 19 Warriors this season but found foul trouble early and wound up playing only 13 minutes before getting ejected. After sitting out most of the first half in foul trouble while Sacramento built a lead of 11 points in the second quarter, Cousins lost his cool after getting called for his fifth foul down to edge Rockets in the third quarter. Off icial Monty McCutchen called a techni- cal on Cousins for the outburst and that ‘They shot the heck out of the ball and we played some terrible defence in the first half’ enraged him further. The outburst led to another technical and an ejection. Cousins DPA had to be restrained by teammates and was Los Angeles escorted off the court. - - - tah Jazz guard Alec Burks is scheduled t took the Atlanta Hawks a half Uto undergo surgery in Salt Lake City to to fi gure things out and become aid the healing process of his broken left whole. leg. Al Horford hit the go ahead Dr. Charles L. Saltzman, an ankle and foot Ilayup with 33.5 seconds remaining specialist who is chairman of the Depart- to cap season-highs of 30 points and ment of Orthopaedics at University of Utah 14 rebounds Tuesday, and the Hawks Health Care, was to perform the procedure. rallied from 19 down in the fi rst half Burks was injured during a fall in a game for a thrilling 121-115 road victory against the Los Angeles Clippers on Dec. 23. over the Houston Rockets. The team said Burks will stay in Salt Lake “Our group just kept fi ghting” City for rehabilitation and then will go with said Horford, who hit fi ve 3-pointers the Jazz on road trips after he receives in the rousing come-from-behind clearance from the medical staff . win. “We kept with it.” Burks, a fifth-year guard, was averaging a Kent Bazemore also knocked career-high 14.3 points and a career-best down fi ve triples en route to 26 38.7 percent on 3-point shooting and also points, while Paul Millsap and Jeff 3.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 28 games. Teague added 22 apiece for the His 14.4 points per game as a reserve rank Hawks (21-13) who bounced back third in the NBA. from Monday’s loss for their seventh - - - win in eight games. hoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe had “Give them credit, they shot the Pseason-ending surgery to repair a torn heck out of the ball and we played meniscus in his left knee. some terrible defence in the fi rst The Suns said in a statement that Bledsoe’s half,” said Millsap, who had 13 re- prognosis “is for a return to full playing sta- bounds and a career-best fi ve tus for the start of training camp next fall.” blocked shots. Bledsoe, the Suns’ leading scorer, sustained “It took us a while to fi gure out the injury on Saturday during a loss to what they were doing but we didn’t the Philadelphia 76ers. He was averaging get rattled. We found a way to put 20.4 points and 6.1 assists in 31 games this the ball in the basket, we got stops season as a starter. and were able to come out with the - - - win.” he Memphis Grizzlies signed center Dwight Howard had 30 points TRyan Hollins (pictured) and waived with 16 rebounds while James Hard- guard Russ Smith. en had 26 points, 10 rebounds and The 7-foot Hollins, 31, was with the Grizzlies eight assists for Houston (16-17) during training camp and averaged 5.4 who had won their previous seven points and 3.0 rebounds in seven games. He home games. most recently played in five games for the Playing their second road game in Washington Wizards, starting three times, as many nights, the weary Hawks al- before he was waived on Dec. 23. lowed the Rockets to shoot a sizzling The 24-year-old Smith was acquired by the 69 per cent from the fi eld and fell Grizzlies in a trade with the New Orleans behind 71-56 at half-time. Pelicans last January. He averaged 2.0 “We couldn’t guard them, we points and 0.7 assists in 27 career games couldn’t keep them in front of us,” with the Grizzlies and Pelicans. Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said. “Our mantra was if we could keep them in front of us, we felt we had a chance and at some point their percentage would come down.” In a tale of two halves, the Hawks made the adjustments and held their hosts to just 36 per cent while out- scored them 65-44, including a 9-0 fi nishing kick. Trailing 115-112, Bazemore buried a step-back 3-pointer to knot the contest before forcing the dangerous Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (left) scores during the game against the Houston Rockets in Houston, Texas, on Tuesday. (USA TODAY Sports ) shooting Harden into a 24-second clock violation at the other end. Hawks’ fi nal game of year. (12-20) which lost for sixth time in Memphis Grizzlies 99, Miami der received a big lift off the bench to “I just wanted stay on his body “This was exciting, a fun game to the last seven games. Heat 90 (OT): Spaniard Marc Gasol beat the visiting Bucks despite Khris and not let him get the three,” Baze- be a part of,” Millsap said. “I’m glad scored seven of his 23 points in over- Middleton’s career-high 36. more said. “I got my big guys to pro- we can end 2015 with a win.” New York Knicks 108, Detroit time despite a sore left ankle, Zach Reserves Enes Kanter had 23 tect the rim, so my job was easy.” Pistons 86: Carmelo Anthony Randolph had 17 and the Grizzlies points with eight rebounds, and Horford followed with the driv- Elsewhere scored 24 points, backup Derrick (18-16) beat the visiting Heat. rookie Cameron Payne netted a ca- ing layup to make it 117-115, before Cleveland Cavaliers 93, Denver Williams added 16 of his 18 in the Chris Bosh netted 22 points and reer-best 16 for the Thunder (22-10) Millshap swatted away close-in Nuggets 87: LeBron James scored fi nal quarter, as the Knicks (15-18) Dwyane Wade had 19 for Miami (18- who have won 11 of the last 14 con- shots by Trevor Ariza and Howard. 34 points, Iman Shumpert added a pulled away to beat the visiting Pis- 13) who were outscored 16-7 in the tests. “At that point,” Horford said, “we season-high 16 off the bench and tons and snap a four-game slide. extra fi ve-minute session. Middleton received help from fought so hard we had to get this the road-weary Cavs (21-9) beat Turkish-native Ersan Ilyasova Giannis Antetokounmpo, who had win.” the Nuggets to complete a 2-2 west paced Detroit (17-15) with 19 points Oklahoma City Thunder 131, 27 points with 10 rebounds while After a missed Harden drive, coast trip. while Reggie Jackson had 17 with Milwaukee Bucks 123: Russell Michael Carter-Williams netted 19 Teague and Horford each sank two Backup Will Barton had 29 points nine assists. Westbrook dropped in 27 points, as Milwaukee (12-21) dropped to 3-15 free throws to seal the victory in the to pace the injury-depleted Denver Kevin Durant had 26, and the Thun- on the road. Gulf Times Thursday, December 31, 2015 7 SPORT

NFL National Football League roundup

he Jacksonville Jaguars announced Tuesday in a statement Tthat head coach Gus Bradley will be retained for next season. Jaguars owner Shad Khan confirmed that Bradley will be back for a fourth season but that the expectations with be higher in 2016. Eagles dump head Bradley has a 12-35 record in three seasons with the Jaguars, who are 5-10 this season going into their final game on Sunday against the Houston Texans. - - - eborah Davies off ered a clarification on NBC’s “Today” pro- Dgram that Al Jazeera did not make a claim of human growth hormone use by Peyton Manning. “We have not said that in the program,” said Davies, the reporter coach Kelly aft er central to the story that set off a threat from Manning to sue the company. “The only allegation in the program from Charlie Sly is that growth hormone was sent repeatedly from the Guyer (Institute) to Ashley Manning in Florida. We’re not making the allegation against Peyton Manning.” In the interview televised Tuesday, Davies said she did not have evidence Peyton Manning used HGH. She added that Al Jazeera’s three seasons intent was not to make that claim. Ashley Manning was confirmed as a patient at the clinic, and HGH can be prescribed in fertility treatment. The Mannings had Move came days after Eagles fell out of playoff contention with loss to Washington twins the year she is alleged to have received HGH. - - - Reuters here could be more trouble brewing in Cleveland for Browns Cary, North Carolina Tquarterback Johnny Manziel. Head coach Mike Pettine said he is aware of a 10-second clip posted to Instagram on Christmas Eve that shows Manziel he Philadelphia Eagles fi red head rapping while holding what appears to be a can of alcoholic coach Chip Kelly on Tuesday, less beverage. than one week before the end of Earlier this season, a video of him partying got him demoted the regular season. from starter to third string. TAmid fan discontent over Kelly’s tac- The latest video first appeared on the Yeti Campus Stories app tics, trade moves and player manage- over the weekend and was transferred to Instagram. BustedCov- ment, he was ditched three days after the erage.com later picked up the video, and its circulation became 6-9 Eagles fell out of playoff contention rampant. with a loss to NFC East rivals Washing- Manziel appears to be gripping a 23.5-ounce can of black cherry ton. Four Loko, a malt beverage. Manziel, 23, spent more than 10 “We appreciate all the contributions weeks this past off season in an inpatient rehabilitation facility that Chip Kelly made and wish him every specializing in alcohol and drug addiction treatment. success going forward,” owner Jeff rey - - - Lurie said in a statement released by the Missouri task force submitted a St. Louis stadium proposal to team. A the NFL on Tuesday, one day before the league deadline in Pat Shurmur will be interim head an attempt to keep the Rams from moving to Los Angeles. coach for Sunday’s season finale The state wants to keep the franchise from moving or, if Rams against the Giants in New York where owner Stan Kroenke does end up taking the franchise to Los the Eagles will bid to snap a two-game Angeles, to attract a new team with a proposed billion-dollar losing streak. stadium along the Mississippi River. Kelly, 52, had a 26-21 record in three The St. Louis funding proposal includes $150 million from the seasons in Philadelphia. city, $300 million from the NFL, $250 million from Kroenke The Eagles also released Ed Marynow- and $160 million in fan seat licenses. State tax credits or bonds itz, vice president of player personnel. would make up the remainder of the money needed to build the His replacement is Tom Donahoe, who stadium. has been senior football advisor for the The Rams, Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers are bidding Eagles since 2012. to relocate to the LA area. League owners are to meet Jan. 12-13 This season the Eagles rank last in the to consider the contenders. league in time of possession while Kelly’s - - - tactics have been criticized by fans. There he Indianapolis Colts, faced with mounting injuries at quar- have also been grumblings about his in- Tterback, signed free agents Josh Freeman and Ryan Lindley. terpersonal skills in relating to some of Veteran quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (pictured) has a right his players. shoulder injury that could keep him out of Sunday’s game His move to the Eagles was his fi rst against the Tennessee Titans, Charlie Whitehurst (hamstring) NFL job after he had spent more than two was placed on injured reserve after getting hurt in Sunday’s win decades coaching in college ranks. over the Miami Dolphins and Andrew Luck (kidney, abdomen) remains doubtful to play. EARLY TURNAROUND Kelly’s transition to the NFL went well at fi rst, as he turned around a team that was 4-12 in 2012 before his arrival into a winning 10-6 team in his fi rst season in charge and won the NFC East. Philadelphia lost 26-24 to the New Or- leans Saints on a last-second fi eld goal in the fi rst round of the playoff s in what would prove to be Kelly’s only postseason appearance. The Eagles again fi nished 10-6 last season, but missed out on the posts- eason. Kelly oversaw a big off season overhaul, parting ways with star running back Le- Sean McCoy, among others, and he also traded quarterback Nick Foles to St. Lou- is for Sam Bradford. Kelly brought in 2014 NFL rush- ing leader DeMarco Murray during free agency, but the former Dallas Cowboy never got comfortable in Kelly’s scheme and has been relegated to a shared back- fi eld role with Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles. Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly (also inset) waves to fans during the team’s training camp session at Lincoln Financial It is an annual ritual for several NFL Field in Philadelphia on August 4, 2015. Kelly has also been criticised by fans for his tactics. (TNS) teams to fi re their head coach a day or two after the regular season. see Titans). ing 46-7 record during his four years in college coaches in recent years and his Kelly is the third head coach dumped Kelly had previously served as head charge and his reputation was based on a move in 2013 to the NFL came as a sur- this season, following Joe Philbin (Miami football coach at the University of Oregon high-speed off ense. prise since he had indicated he would stay Dolphins) and Ken Whisenhunt (Tennes- where the team compiled an outstand- He was one of the most sought-after in the college game.

BOTTOMLINE LOSS Red Sox All-Star South Korean MLB hopeful Malzone dies at 85

Reuters the Red Sox from 1955-65, before Cary, North Carolina moving to the California Angels for one season before retiring. fi ned for overseas gambling “We mourn the loss of a man hird baseman Frank we all came to know as ‘Malzie,’ AFP can face stiff fi nes and even jail time. Malzone, who played all who was venerated by Red Sox Seoul Prosecutors had reportedly secured but one of his 12 seasons fans not only for his great glove at testimony from the operator of a gam- in the majors with Bos- third base but for his blue-collar bling salon for South Koreans in Macau Tton, died on Tuesday at the age of dedication to his craft,” Red Sox outh Korean star baseball pitcher who claimed that Oh was one of his cus- 85, the Red Sox announced. chairman Tom Werner said in a Oh Seung-Hwan (pictured) tomers. Malzone, a six-times All-Star, statement. was indicted yesterday for gam- Oh’s name appears to have surfaced in had a .274 career batting average. “He played 150 games or more bling overseas with prosecutors an ongoing investigation into South Ko- He was also an outstanding in seven consecutive seasons, callingS for a fi ne of $5,670, a punishment rean gangs that operate illegal gambling fi elder who won three Golden and missed just a total of two seen as light as Oh pursues a US major rooms for South Koreans in Macau and Glove Awards. Malzone played for games in his fi rst four seasons.” league contract. Southeast Asian countries such as the The prosecution asked a local court Philippines, Cambodia and Vietnam. for a summary order against Oh, 33, and In November, the probe latched on a fi ne of seven million won (US$5,970), to another South Korean pitcher, Lim Yonhap news agency said, after he was Chang-Yong of the Samsung Lions, who caught gambling in Macau last year. reportedly admitted to illegal gambling Prosecutors reportedly concluded that and was promptly released by the club. Oh, one of the most successful closers The prosecutors Wednesday called for in the Korean baseball history, was not a Lim to be fi ned the same amount. habitual gambler and that the incident— The Lions had already struck two other during which he was suspected of gam- top pitchers from their roster in October bling 40 million won—was an one-off when they were implicated in the same lapse. investigation. The summary indictment means that So far, prosecutors have indicted 14 gang Oh—who has been looking to join the US year contract with Japanese club Hanshin South Korean law prohibits its citizens members and fi xers, as well as 12 business- major leagues after wrapping up a two- Tigers—will not appear in court. gambling abroad, and regular violators men for illegally gambling overseas. Gulf Times 8 Thursday, December 31, 2015 SPORT

NHL FOCUS NZ rugby star sparks Kings’ Brown takes controversy with graphic Syrian puck in face, then Twitter images Reuters Sydney

ew Zealand rugby star and UN Children’s Fund delivers pain to Oilers (Unicef) ambassador Sonny Bill Williams Nhas provoked a storm of contro- Kings’ third straight win gives them an 11-point lead in the Pacific Division versy after posting graphic photos of dead children following a visit to a Syrian refugee camp. A World Cup winning All Black, Williams travelled to the camp in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley earlier this month with Unicef to highlight the plight of the 1.2 cision to post the images. million refugees fl eeing the con- “I’m glad you posted this, you fl ict in Syria. created discussion and I applaud “What did these children do to you for your humanity in visiting deserve this?,” Williams tweeted these victims.” late on Tuesday with pictures A spokeswoman for Unicef showing the bodies of two young Australia said while she under- children with horrifi c injuries. stood the motivation of Williams “This summer share a thought to share the pictures, the organi- for the innocent lives lost every- sation did not support the publi- day in war.” cation of such images. The publication of the images The powerful and talented drew a critical reaction from sev- Williams has been a divisive eral followers and local media. sporting fi gure Down Under af- “Sorry you (feel) the need to ter switching clubs and codes post pictures of dead bodies to and interspersing his rugby with highlight your cause. Where’s professional boxing fi ghts. your respect?” one person re- He won wide praise during the sponded. Rugby World Cup in England this “Wow that’s heavy, but do year after fi rst off ering tickets to spare a thought for your young the semi fi nal to Syrian refugees followers who will not under- and then giving his winner’s stand this,” said another. medal away to a young fan who Many comments, however, was tackled by a security guard were supportive of Williams’ de- after the match.

SPOTLIGHT Webb re-signs dual contract

AFP Cardiff

spreys and Wales Kings captain Dustin Brown scored once on the power play and added two assists in their 5-2 win over the Oilers at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Canada. (AFP) scrum-half Rhys Webb has committed his fu- By Lisa Dillman against the Oilers, supporting Kings few more days — Sutter earlier had ruled Brown left the game briefly when he ture to his region and coach Darryl Sutter’s move to play him in out a return in 2015 -- the veteran was a took a puck off his face, via Edmonton toO Wales after re-signing a na- Los Angeles Times (TNS) the back-to-back scenario. surprise return to the lineup. defenseman Eric Gryba, in the Oilers’ tional dual contract yesterday. It was the Kings’ third straight win Not to Sutter or King, of course. end, with about 2:08 left in the first pe- Webb’s move follows that of ust call this Dustin Brown’s house and they opened up an 11-point lead in “Probably Darryl being himself,” King riod. regional and international team- of pain. the Pacifi c Division over second-place said, smiling. “We kind of had a plan. I He was back on the bench for the start mate Dan Biggar. First there was his own hurt after Arizona, halting the Oilers’ seven-game was gearing up for this road trip. I knew of the second period. In true hockey The scrum-half made his taking a puck in the face, followed home winning streak. They’ve outscored some time during this trip I’d be insert- fashion, Brown did not know how many Wales debut in 2012 and has gone byJ the pain he infl icted upon Edmonton the opposition, 10-2, in their last two ed.” stitches he required in the nasal area. on to make 16 appearances for his on Tuesday night. The Los Angeles Kings games, also without the services of an They had more or less circled this It might sound curious but Brown was country. playing for the Ospreys.” captain scored once on the power play injured Jeff Carter, who is out with an game, knowing that King’s parents could relieved that the location wasn’t else- Welsh Rugby Union group Last month Clermont centre and added two assists in their 5-2 victory upper-body injury. get here for it, only about a 3-hour drive where. chief executive Martyn Phillips Jonathan Davies agreed to re- over the Oilers at Rexall Place. “Our mind-set is diff erent,” Brown from their home in Meadow Lake, Sas- “I’ve had like fi ve surgeries on my said: “It is fantastic to see anoth- turn to Wales and the Scarlets They were sparked by three goals in a said. “In years past, we’ve been able to katchewan. mouth,” he said. “I was hoping it wasn’t er Welsh international re-sign on a national dual contract to span of 1 minute 36 seconds — Dwight turn it on when we needed to. Last year, King not only scored but helped open that. a National Dual Contract and join four Ospreys, Scott Baldwin, King, Michael Mersch and Tyler Toff oli we thought we could do that and we up things for Brown and Lewis and sup- “When I got to the room, when I saw commit their playing future to James King, Dan Baker and Rory — to take a 3-0 lead in the second period didn’t. Guys learned a lot from that.” plied the size and production they’ve what it was. I was pretty happy.” their region and in Wales. Thornton, who recently signed and forced the Oilers to change goalies, The reunited line of King-Trevor needed on the left wing. “We are continuing to work deals. pulling starter Cam Talbot for Anders Lewis-Brown combined for eight points, “He’s a big body that moves well and if RESULTS closely with the regions to en- The national dual contract Nilsson. giving the Kings the secondary scoring you look at his goal, that’s a typical Kinger Boston ...... 7 Ottawa ...... 3 sure our top players remain in structure was agreed by the WRU For Mersch, it was his fi rst NHL goal. they’ve often been missing this season. goal,” Brown said. “In and around the net, NY Islanders ...... 6 Toronto ...... 3 Wales and the signing of Rhys is and the four regions under the “It was a big relief,” he said. “Being the Lewis, like Brown, had a goal and two and below the dots, he’s a very good player. New Jersey ...... 3 Carolina ...... 2 further evidence of this relation- terms of their joint Rugby Serv- fi rst one for me, it was pretty special.” assists. King scored once and added an “That goal, that’s vintage for him. Columbus ...... 6 Dallas ...... 3 ship working.” ices Agreement in order to keep Sixteen seconds later, Toff oli scored his assist. He gets those pucks and fi nds a way to Florida ...... 3 Montreal...... 1 Webb, who missed out on the the best playing talent in Wales team-leading 18th of the season, and he King had missed the fi rst 35 games of squeak them in by the goalie. We built up St. Louis...... 4 Nashville ...... 3 (OT) World Cup through injury, said: playing for one of the four pro- has six goals in the last four games. the season after suff ering a broken foot in a lot of good chemistry in the preseason, Winnipeg ...... 4 Detroit ...... 1 “I’m over the moon to have been fessional Welsh teams. Kings goalie Jonathan Quick, com- the team’s fi nal preseason game, an injury with him and (Lewis). I’m glad we have Anaheim ...... 1 Calgary ...... 0 able to re-sign an NDC. Despite that, fl y-half Rhys ing off his 40th career shutout in Mon- requiring surgery. him back. He defi nitely had a big impact Los Angeles...... 5 Edmonton ...... 2 “With this security I can con- Priestland opted to sign for Bath day’s win over Vancouver, made 42 saves Although he wasn’t expected back for a for us tonight.” Chicago ...... 7 Arizona ...... 5 centrate on my rehab without this season, with No 8 Taulupe Fa- any distractions, knowing that I letau and lock Luke Charteris also can put all my eff orts into getting due to join the English club, while SKIING back out onto the pitch in the star Toulon full-back Leigh Half- coming months and doing what penny is widely expected to opt to I love doing the most, which is join Wasps from next season.

Northug fi ghts on but fears Tour Mayer targets return next season aft er Val Gardena crash

Berlin: Austrian Olympic de Ski title will remain elusive downhill skiing champion Matthias Mayer (pictured) has been released from DPA vourite to retain his title in the eight- Cermis despite his own struggles there. hospital after surgery for Berlin stage tour this time. “The Alpe Cermis stands for the Tour injuries sustained in recent a “My problem is my weight,” North- de Ski. It is a symbol of the Tour and it crash and intends to return ug explained. “I’m too big and too would be wrong to take it out of the pro- to World Cup competition orwegian cross country great heavy for this climb (on the Alpe Cer- gramme. Even if it is personally very dif- next season. Petter Northug (pictured) is mis). As I see it, only the particularly fi cult for me there. “Of course I need a break, preparing to maintain his record lightweight athletes can achieve good “This competition is fascinating be- but basically I’m doing well,” as the only athlete to compete in times there. cause it stands out from all the other the Austrian news agency Nevery stage of the Tour de Ski but is under Despite this perceived disadvantage, cross country events.” APA quoted Mayer as say- no illusions that 2016 could bring his fi rst Northug is convinced that the format of And so, the two-time Olympic cham- ing at a press conference overall victory in the event which starts the event devised by countryman Vegard pion from Vancouver 2010 will continue yesterday. on Friday. Ulvang and the Swiss Juerg Capol is ex- to give everything in the 10th anniversary One of his doctors, Klaus Ga- “I have delivered many strong Tour ceptional. edition. liano, said that he expected de Ski races, but the (concluding) Alpe “The Tour de Ski brings out the most “I’ll keep fi ghting tooth and nail to fi - Mayer to make a full recovery. Cermis is not suitable for me to triumph complete cross country skiers,” he said. nally be the best there for once. I will Mayer fractured the sixth and seventh thoracic vertebrae in a there,” Northug told dpa. “Whoever wants the overall victory can- never give up,” he promised. crash in the Val Gardena downhill on December 19. He lost con- “I’ve already gone into the fi nal stage as not ease up in the whole event. You have But there remains a touch of realism trol and turned in the air before landing heavily on his right side. the overall leader several times but I was to be strong in all areas, in the sprint and about the challenge which awaits him. In the race Mayer was equipped with an airbag which came never able to defend the position on this Despite fi nishing in the top three on in the long-distances, in classic and in “I also want a podium place in the into eff ect for the first time in the sixth World Cup race since its monster climb.” seven occasions out of nine, overall vic- freestyle.” overall standings in the 10th Tour de Ski. introduction and debate is ongoing whether the bag caused his Northug, a double Olympic champion tory has eluded him. Last year he led go- Northug polarizes fans of cross coun- And I want at least two stage victories.” injuries or prevented more serious damage being done. and with 13 world championship golds to has ing into the fi nal pursuit in Val di Fiemme, try like no other but, chastened by his Such a return would ensure, at least, Mayer will require an additional procedure next year to remove name, is an ever-present at the Tour and has Italy, only to be overhauled by compatriot imprisonment half a year ago for drink- that the Northug name remains tied to metal screws from his back but aims to ski again by summer. more stage wins - 13 - than anyone else. Martin Johnsrud Sundby, who is the fa- driving, is anxious not to miss the Alpe the event for the future. Gulf Times Thursday, December 31, 2015 9 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Headaches for Rio continue as 2016 Games draw closer Brazil celebrated when Rio de Janeiro landed the first Olympics in South America in 2009. But with the Games approaching quickly, a more subdued view is being taken as financial risks remain along with pollution and other concerns.

DPA Rio de Janeiro The heavily polluted Brazilian bay, the venue of Olympic sailing event.

duardo Paes is these days hobbling to appoint- ments on crutches after breaking his foot, while dancingE at a Christmas party. But this is only the latest prob- lem for the Rio de Janeiro mayor who faces protests over a sup- ply crisis at local hospitals and has the fi rst Olympics in South America approaching quickly. While with little over 200 days left until the opening ceremony of the August 5-21 Games most of the venues are completed at Olympic Park in Barra and else- where, it is other issues that are creating headaches for the Or- ganising Committees for the Ol- ympic Games (OCOGs) organis- ing committee. They range from polluted wa- ters at the sailing venue to Bra- zil’s real currency losing value compared to the dollar - the lat- ter being the main currency for the majority of the bills. While the overall costs are around 38.7 billion real, the Games budget has been capped at 7.4 billion real, which used to be around 2.2 billion dollars not so long ago but now only 1.86 billion dollars. The sum does not cover infra- structure but rather the costs for the opening and closing ceremo- ny, accommodation, transport and bureaucracy. Communica- tions chief Mario Andrade has suggested that athletes should pay for the use of air condition- ing in the Olympic village; less television sets may be installed there; and savings could also hit the opening ceremony which traditionally attracts a television audience of billions. Andrade’s idea did not go down well, and spokesman Lucas Dantas was swift to say that “we will have air conditioning installed in every apartment” and that “no ath- lete will have to pay for it.” The 70,000 volunteers will also be present as planned. Paes meanwhile says he wants sustainable Games following the example of Barcelona 1992, Games with a justifi able budget, city development and an ensuing tourist boom. While Barcelona rediscovered its location on the Mediterranean Sea through the Olympics, the Barra region some 40 kilometres from the Copac- abana is part of expanding the city of 6.5 million. been complaints about repres- after which not all arenas were With 2016 just around the the Olympic medal table, and social costs (for that event) will curity forces are to safeguard the Most sports such as swim- sion from the military police used. As a result, Rio 2016 has no corner, organizers are looking the environmental problems at continue long-term.” Games, and their presence can ming, track cycling, handball, from those living in the adjacent real Olympic stadium and events a fi ve areas bearing risks in the the Guanabara Bay sailing venue Bartelt expects only a few in- already be felt. basketball, gymnastics and ten- Favela Vila Autodromo. are spread all across the city. fi nal run-up. Brazil’s economic continue. Dawid Danilo Bartelt, vestors and construction com- Regardless, Rio de Janeiro will nis take place there, the athletes’ More than 50 per cent of the The opening and closing cer- problems continue, a corruption who chairs the Heinrich-Boell- panies to profi t from Olympics be the centre of the world for 16 village is in Barra and the inter- overall budget comes from pri- emonies are in the famed Ma- aff air has kept justice authorities Foundation, is sceptical about even though new metro and bus days in August, and the locals national broadcast and media vate funding, and Rio is deter- racana while Usain Bolt and busy since 2014, the metro link an Olympic legacy, saying that links are set up. At the same have managed to turn around centres as well. New housing is mined to avoid white elephants company will have the athletics to Barra may not be completed grand promises around the 2014 time thousands are driven out of seemingly negative things before to be provided to the locals after as after Athens 2004 or even the events in the 60,000-seat arena in time, the home team has only World Cup never materialised their districts which generates with their famed “tudo bem” (all the Games but there have also 2014 football World Cup in Brazil of the Botafogo football club. modest hopes of doing well in and that the “economical and social tension. Some 85,000 se- good) attitude.

FOCUS Russia unlikely to compete in Rio, says EAA chief

Reuters earliest at its meeting in Cardiff , ence on the decision to rein- London Wales, on March 27, less than fi ve state Russia as an IAAF mem- SVEIN ARNE HANSEN months before the Olympics. ber, which will only be made “For the moment they have to on the recommendation of the uropean Athletics Asso- fulfi l the conditions, but I can- world ruling body’s inspec- ciation (EAA) president not really see them competing tion team. Norwegian Hansen Svein Arne Hansen does in Rio,” Hansen, whose body believes that Russia’s Athletic not expect Russia to re- includes Russia as a member Federation (ARAF), which has turnE to international competi- federation, told Athletics Weekly confi rmed it will co-operate tion in time for next year’s Ol- magazine on Tuesday. fully with the inspection team, ympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. will work hard to change the cul- Russian athletes were banned An IAAF inspection com- ture. indefi nitely by the International mittee is due to visit Russia “We know some good people Association of Athletics Fed- in January to oversee the in Russian athletics and I’m sure erations (IAAF) after a World country’s reform process they will be elected. We hope Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and ensure the criteria set that some new people will come report alleged widespread cor- out by the sport’s ruling in who really understand that ruption and a state-sponsored body are met this must be changed,” he said. drugs culture in a sporting su- Russian athletes will not be perpower. “They must have a cultural able to compete in the world in- An IAAF inspection com- change. They must get rid of all door championships in Oregon mittee is due to visit Russia in those people from before.” in March. Russia has also lost January to oversee the country’s European Athletics, which the hosting rights to next year’s reform process and ensure the oversees the sport in Europe, race walking World Cup and the criteria set out by the sport’s rul- works with the IAAF world world junior championships ing body are met. governing body on doping and which were scheduled to take The committee will report medical issues. However, the place in Cheboksary and Kazan back to the IAAF Council at the organisation will have no infl u- respectively. Gulf Times 10 Thursday, December 31, 2015 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT AMBITION Watson Solid foundations laid still keen on representing Australia for rebuilding Australia Agencies Sydney

Australia face their first proper examination in February when they head to New Zealand etired Test star Shane Watson (below) knows Reuters he has to fi nd some form Melbourne quickly if he is to bring someR colour to Australia’s dead summer. While the West Indies or a rebuilding Australia side continue to search for ways to ostensibly in the throes of a stay competitive on tour, Watson long and tricky transition, is battling his own mini-slump, Steve Smith’s team has ap- having averaged just 10 runs pearedF remarkably settled during a in the opening three Big Bash successful home summer. Follow- League games with the Sydney ing the confi dence-sapping Ashes Thunder. defeat in England, Australia lost a “The hitting at the moment is wealth of experience in the dressing a little bit off but I’ve been work- room, with captain Michael Clarke, ing on a few things just to get my opening batsman Chris Rogers and batting back to where I know it Brad Haddin among a string of re- can get to,” he said yesterday. tirements. Pace spearhead Mitch- “I feel like the ball’s coming out ell Johnson then called time on his well in my bowling. I’m one in- career after the second test against nings away from being able to New Zealand and his replacement contribute really well with the Mitchell Starc was sidelined for the bat as well.” summer after the third test. How- But, three months after ever, under new captain Smith, Aus- putting away his baggy green, tralia head in to the New Year cel- the 34-year-old still harbours ebrating two home series wins over plenty of ambition to wear green New Zealand and West Indies, and and gold during next month’s victory in four out of the fi ve tests. one-day series against India. Australia face their fi rst proper Should all things go to plan, examination in February when they he’ll also land a ticket to the head to New Zealand for a two-test Twenty20 World Cup, where he series but selectors won’t have too hopes his numerous paychecks much to ponder, according to coach earned playing on the subcon- Darren Lehmann. “It’s pretty close Australia head in to the tinent will be of great value to (to being settled) I would think,” Le- New Year celebrating selectors. Watson also pointed to hmann, also one of the team’s selec- two home series wins his tournament-high 249 runs in tors, said in Melbourne yesterday. over New Zealand and the last global meet, in Sri Lan- “You’d have to speak to the (selec- West Indies. (AFP) ka, in 2012. tors’) chairman more so than me at “There’s no doubt the Twen- the moment. But from where I sit it’s ty20 World Cup I’ve had in the all pretty good. It’s really just mak- past, and during the [Indian Pre- ing sure they all get through it, see- mier League], I’ve had quite a bit ing how they perform in Sydney and of success over there,” he said. “I then away we go. know the conditions very well. I “Our big challenge is to win away just need to get back to my best, from home. That’s what we’re al- and I know what I can bring to ways saying. We play pretty well the team when I’m there.” at home but to play well away from Thunder captain and long- home is pretty important.” time team-mate Mike Hussey, Australia play their last test of the who has taken on a consultancy home summer at the Sydney Cricket role with the national team for Ground from Sunday, a dead rubber the Twenty20 World Cup, be- against West Indies, and may look lieves Watson still has plenty to to experiment with a second spin- off er in the short-form game. ner to accompany Nathan Lyon in FOCUS “I know a lot of bowlers from preparation for slower pitches on a around the world fear him from tour of Sri Lanka next year. But Aus- playing against him over there,” tralia’s batting lineup is unlikely to he said. “They have a lot of re- be touched, with all of the top order spect for Shane Watson. Par- scoring big runs in recent matches. Hosts mull two spinners for Sydney Test ticularly when he’s going well, The replacements have slotted in there’s no ground big enough. with aplomb, with Usman Khawaja Melbourne He teamed up with debutant Steven Siddle had a reduced workload on He’s got so much power so he’s making the number three position Reuters O’Keefe for a test match in Dubai against Tuesday as Australia’s bowlers closed hard to stop.” his own and Joe Burns, who suc- Pakistan last year but both were fl ayed out a 177-run victory on day four at the ceeded opener Rogers, teaming well by the opposing batsmen in defeat and Melbourne Cricket Ground and came with David Warner. Peter Nevill has painful ankle injury to pace- the experiment was canned. O’Keefe off for treatment on his foot. He will be also impressed with his glove-work man Peter Siddle and the im- has not played a test since but mindful of re-assessed in the lead-up to the Sydney in place of Haddin while fast-bowl- pressive pace of all-rounder the turning pitches that await on a tour test which starts on Sunday. All-round- ing all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has Mitchell Marsh has boosted to Sri Lanka next year, Australia’s selec- er Mitchell Marsh stepped up to bowl shown himself a valuable wicket- Australia’sA chances of playing two spe- tors are tempted to hand the 31-year-old more overs in Siddle’s absence and took taker in the wake of Shane Watson’s cialist spinners on home soil for the fi rst journeyman a second cap. 4-69, impressing with his pace and en- retirement from tests. time in a decade. “He’s bowling really well. The selec- ergy. Marsh, who tipped the radar over Lehmann gave Australia a mark of Having defeated West Indies in Mel- tors have watched him through state 140 km per hour on some of his deliver- ‘7.5’ out of 10 for a year in which they bourne to take an unassailable 2-0 lead cricket,” Australia coach Darren Leh- ies on Tuesday, could also shape up as a won the World Cup but lost the Ash- in the series, Australia host the third and mann told reporters yesterday. bonus third seamer should Australia go es, the series most prized by home fi nal test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, “He’d probably bat at eight (in the for two spinners, Lehmann said. fans. “The pleasing thing is we’ve the nation’s only wicket that could be Australia coach Darren Lehmann order), probably bat above Patto (pace- “Yeah, that certainly helps the sce- ticked every box we wanted to at the called ‘spin-friendly’. man James Pattinson) if they both play. nario, the way he bowled,” he said. “I start of the year apart from obviously The SCG hosted Australia’s last two- feat of South Africa. Off spinner Nathan He can certainly bat and he’s a chirpy thought he was fantastic yesterday. It the Ashes,” he said. “(But) we won’t pronged spin assault on a home wicket, Lyon has been Australia’s fi rst-choice little feisty bloke in the fi eld. Looking allows us to really still play three genu- get to number one if we don’t win when legspinners Shane Warne and slow bowler for some time but has al- forward to him contributing if he gets ine quicks and allows us to play two away from home. Simple as that.” Stuart MacGill teamed up in a 2006 de- most never had company. his chance.” spinners. That’s a real option for us.”

BOTTOMLINE Radford quits Glamorgan head coach role

Injured McCullum may miss third ODI London: Toby Radford has wealth of home-grown young left his position as head coach talents like David Lloyd, Aneu- AFP side if McCullum is unavailable. Hes- of Glamorgan a year before rin Donald and Andrew Salter, Christchurch son said fast bowler Adam Milne, who his three-year contract was all of whom are now first-team missed the second game with a trou- due to finish, the Welsh county regulars, gives the club huge blesome heel, will also play in the next announced yesterday. Radford, optimism for both the immedi- ew Zealand could get an ear- match. 44, linked up with Glamorgan ate and long-term future.” lier than expected taste of life Matt Henry, the chief destroyer in in October 2013, having previ- Glamorgan chief executive without Brendon McCullum the fi rst two ODIs with two four-wicket ously served as batting coach Hugh Morris added: “Toby’s on Thursday with the swash- hauls, has been rested for the third to with the West Indies. hard work and commitment Nbuckling captain likely to sit out the make way for returning strike bowler Glamorgan ended eighth in to the role has been evidence third one-day international against Sri Tim Southee but will return to the County Championship Division for all to see and under his Lanka. McCullum, who will retire from squad for the fi nal two games. Two in Radford’s first year in leadership we have made an international cricket in February, hurt Corey Anderson and Grant Elliott, charge in 2014 and last season important step forward in his back in the second ODI against Sri two of the stars of the New Zealand side finished fourth - their second championship cricket. Lanka yesterday. that made the World Cup fi nal in March, highest championship position “The coaching Toby has “He’s still pretty sore,” coach Mike were named Wednesday in the New in the last decade. done with our young batsmen Hesson said after McCullum skipped Zealand squad to play two Twenty20 They also made the NatWest has been particularly impor- training yesterday. “It’s unlikely he’ll matches against Sri Lanka after the ODI T20 Blast quarter-finals in 2014, tant and I believe the players play but he’s still a chance.” series. Both are returning from injuries but their one-day form in 2015 and the club will reap the New Zealand won the fi rst two ODIs and Hesson said all-rounder Anderson fell away as Glamorgan failed benefits of this work in years with ease, and even though they totally would be restricted to batting duties to make it out of the group to come.” outclassed Sri Lanka McCullum was in- only. stages of both 20-over and 50- jured when he crashed into the fence in a T20 squad: Kane Williamson (capt), Corey over competitions. desperate attempt to cut off a boundary. Anderson, Trent Boult, Grant Elliott, Martin “I am obviously pleased A four to Sri Lanka would hardly have Guptill, Mitchell McClenaghan, Adam Milne, that the team showed major made a diff erence to the result, but Hes- Colin Munro, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, improvement in the past two son said not trying would have gone Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor seasons and it has been highly against the team ethos. “We don’t do ODI squad for last two matches: Brendon competitive across all formats things by halves. We’re fully committed McCullum (capt), Trent Boult (will return and in all competitions,” Rad- in the fi eld. If an injury occurs then so be for fifth ODI), Doug Bracewell, Martin Gup- ford said. “It is disappointing it,” he said. till, Tom Latham, Mitchell McClenaghan, for me not to be able to see the Kane Williamson, who missed the Adam Milne, Henry Nicholls, Luke Ronchi, work through to its conclusion fi rst two ODIs because of a sore knee, is Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum is unlikely to play the third ODI against but I am confident that the expected to play today and captain the Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson Sri Lanka, having aggravated a back injury in the previous game. (AFP) Gulf Times Thursday, December 31, 2015 11 CRICKET

FIRST TEST SPOTLIGHT England have Ali spins England taken big strides: Captain Cook

AFP and they seem really hungry. to crushing victory “Potentially this team can do Durban some really good things. There’s so much talent in this side. But it ngland captain Alastair will take relentless hard work and Off -spinner takes three early wickets as South Africa lose their last six for 38 runs Cook hailed the per- good results over a long period of formance and potential time.” of his team after they South African captain Hash- completedE a crushing 241-run im Amla, meanwhile, admitted win over South Africa on the fi fth that his team’s batting had been day of the fi rst Test at Kingsmead “most disappointing”, especially yesterday. It took England only following a poor performance on 80 minutes to take South Africa’s a similarly good batting pitch in remaining six wickets for the ad- the fi nal Test in Delhi earlier this England’s Moeen Ali celebrates after dition of 38 runs, with man-of- month during a losing series in dismissing South Africa’s AB de Villiers the-match Moeen Ali setting the India. during the first cricket Test in Durban, tone by dismissing batting king- Amla said his team’s lack of South Africa yesterday. (Reuters) pin AB de Villiers with the third batting form was “a confi dence ball of the day. He followed up thing” and acknowledged that with two more wickets and had his own lack of runs was a con- match fi gures of seven for 116. cern. Cook said a key factor had “As captain you want to lead been batting solidly in bowler- from the front not being in the friendly overhead conditions on runs is most disappointing from the fi rst day after being sent in. me. It’s a developing team but “It was an interesting toss, the certainly from my perspective overheads were suggesting you getting runs on the board is most want to bowl fi rst but the pitch important.” was quite dry,” said Cook. Amla admitted that regaining “We would also have bowled form and confi dence could only fi rst. It was a matter of getting come from scoring runs. “If you through that fi rst day. The way get the runs you get the confi - Nick (Compton) played really set dence. You can be doing every- up the fi rst innings. From that thing well in the nets and work- moment on, the guys bowled ing behind the scenes but it’s got particularly well to take 20 wick- to materialise with some sort of ets and we scored enough runs in runs on the board, especially in the second innings.” the big games.” Cook said a convincing win Amla said he still enjoyed be- against a strong South Africa A ing captain but ducked ques- team in the build-up to the Test tions about possible changes in had given the players a lot of the team. “I try and leave those confi dence. “It was particularly things to the selectors. I can only pleasing to back up our form un- give my opinion.” der pressure in a Boxing Day Test He hinted, however, that match.” With only a two-day Quinton de Kock, who has been turnaround before the second added to the squad, could come Test starts in Cape Town on Sat- into the side for the second Test urday, Cook said it was impor- as a wicketkeeper-batsman, tant to recover well and to avoid enabling AB de Villiers to play complacency. “It can turn very as a batsman only. “AB’s work- quickly. They have world-class load has been great than we ex- players so we can’t get too car- pected,” he said. South African By Mike Selvey in Durban Paul Collingwood (Brigadier Block), Ian ought to have been ideal for seamers. If there was some anticipation at the ried away. But it would be nice coach Russell Domingo admit- The Guardian Bell and, not for the fi rst time in that se- But Kingsmead is a ground where spin- start of the fi nal day that there might be to get our noses ahead again and ted: “We didn’t play half as well ries, the last man Graham Onions, saved ners have been consistent match win- a scrap, then that was dispelled even as to continue to put pressure on as we can.” them from defeat. ners. Sometimes in these circumstances a the opening over was only midway. De South Africa.” He denied there was a lack of he fi rst Test was over, done, dust- There is enough evidence in that to team has to take a hit in order to fl ourish Villiers played back to Moeen, the ball Despite his fi fth-ranked harmony in the camp. “From ed, and the post-match ceremo- scare away any complacency, although later on. As it was, England, through Nick turned inside his bat, struck the pad and side defeating the current Test what I’m aware, it’s a happy nials completed even before the there can be no comparison between that Compton’s grafting and James Taylor’s the umpire’s fi nger went up: the review number ones, Cook said it was camp. The players are not happy bangers and mash in the press South African side and this current one. busy work ethic, were able to overcome was in vain. It set off a procession: Temba too early to predict a period of with their performances but they Tbox had been wheeled out. And there, The No1 position that Amla’s team holds the early traumas and set the groundwork Bavuma stumped off Moeen; Dale Steyn ascendancy for England. But he are all supporting the captain.” just when the game ought to have been tells more about the iniquities and fi ckle for the excellent bowlers, led by Broad. losing his off stump to Finn; Kyle Abbott said: “The guys have taken big Domingo acknowledged that fashioning into a riveting fi nal day, was nature of such rankings as the quality of There is a strong case for Compton hav- off ering a replay of De Villiers’s dismissal. strides forward as a team over there was bound to be criticism. Alastair Cook praising his players and the team over which he has charge. ing been man of the match. Five wickets had fallen for seven runs. the last eight months or so. It’s “There’s a lot that went wrong berating the Barmy Army for not mak- There is much wrong with South Afri- England were excellent throughout. It was only a matter of time. JP Duminy a good side to captain, there’s a but we need to keep the team ing enough noise; Hashim Amla looking can cricket at present and not all of it, as Cook’s double failure will trouble nei- hit Finn for a couple of boundaries while good balance, the guys are happy tight and keep the noise out.” sheepish and embarrassed; and Moeen Ali Martin pointed out eloquently here a ther him nor his team, and aside from a Dane Piedt hung around strokeless but Ali collecting the man of the match few days ago, is on the pitch. It would be few overs on the third morning when he determined until Woakes gained a well- award, although this last one was a bit insulting to say that Amla is a reluctant was perhaps too conscious of trying to get earned wicket via bat and pad. Broad, wide of the mark. captain, for who would not be proud to through to the second new ball and took whose incisive fi rst innings bowling had A match that had started in dank over- captain their country. Whether this is his eye off things briefl y, had a good game set England on their way, was a worthy cast conditions with an Alastair Cook impacting on him as a batsman of genu- as the captain. man to fi nish what he began. duck, and South Africa clambering in, ine world class is another matter. To this Alex Hales has done nothing to en- fi nished in hot Durban sunshine with observer, he does not look so much a man hance his case but these are early days Moeen ripping the ball on the sort of out of touch - he is moving fl uently and still to make real judgments, and while SCORECARD gripping dusty surface that might have precisely into the ball - as short of results. Jonny Bairstow missed what might have been fashioned to remind the city’s In- Clearly everything compounds for been a vital stumping, it was as tricky ENGLAND I INNINGS 303 dian population of their roots. him, but there are runs waiting around as they come, and it is worth point- SOUTH AFRICA I INNINGS, 214 It was Stuart Broad who took the fi nal the corner, as indeed there will almost ing out that neither Alec Stewart, Matt ENGLAND II INNINGS 326 wicket, when he had the last South Af- certainly be from AB de Villiers, and if Prior, or, for example, Rodney Marsh, SOUTH AFRICA II INNINGS rican batsman Morne Morkel pinned on one or both of these fi res to their poten- who was known as Iron Gloves when fi rst (OVERNIGHT 136-4) the crease and lbw (the inevitable review tial then South Africa will always be in he played, were great shakes as keepers A. de Villiers lbw Ali ...... 37 was not so much in conviction than for the game. And Dean Elgar’s unbeaten fi rst when they started. Hard work and expe- D. Steyn b Finn ...... 2 the hell of it: perhaps the caterers weren’t innings century was an accomplished, al- rience will pay dividends for twice here T. Bavuma st Bairstow b Ali ...... 0 quite ready). South Africa, who on the most fl awless, innings. his batting played an important role. JP. Duminy not out ...... 26 previous afternoon had set out in pursuit As it stands, though, they have to go The England bowling was fi rst rate, K. Abbott lbw Ali ...... 2 of 416 with commendable up-and-at- back a year all but a few days, to Newlands even without Jimmy Anderson. The pace- D. Piedt c Taylor b Woakes ...... 0 ’em vigour, had been bowled out for 174, once more, and West Indies, when South men, all of them, bowled a much tighter M. Morkel lbw b Broad ...... 8 leaving England winners by 241 runs, a Africa made 421, to fi nd the last occa- line than the opposition, who wasted Extras (b2, lb3) ...... 5 massive margin. sion, 12 innings since, when they scored far too much eff ort bowling a fifth and Total (all out in 71 overs) ...... 174 Now the sides travel to Cape Town for more than 248. No bowling side can hope sixth stump channel - the South African Fall of wickets: 1-53 (Van Zyl), 2-85 New Year and the second Test at New- to prevail consistently with those sort of way - that England batsmen were able (Amla), 3-88 (Elgar), 4-136 (Du Plessis), lands on 2 January. Six years ago, when odds. to ignore. The return of Finn gives them 5-136 (De Villiers), 6-136 (Bavuma), 7-138 England last made such a journey, Grae- Perhaps England got lucky with the some real bat-jarring fi repower. Yet again (Steyn), 8-143 (Abbott), 9-155 (Piedt) me Swann had just spun them to an in- toss, although one wonders quite how Moeen was able to show that when there Bowling: Broad 13-5-29-1, Woakes nings win in what was the second Test at fi xed Cook would have been on bowling is something in the pitch for him, he is a 10-5-25-1, Finn 15-6-42-4, Stokes 7-1-26-1, Kingsmead. They found themselves on fi rst had he won it. Instinct would have dangerous bowler, so that the main thrust Ali 26-9-47-3 the receiving end of a South African ri- said that it was a heavily clouded day, and of his learning curve should be directed Result: England won by 241 runs England players acknowledge the crowd after winning the first Test poste, and only a monumental eff ort from the pitch had been under covers, which towards his role as a holding bowler. against South Africa at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban. (AFP)

FOCUS South Africa add two players to squad for second Test

Reuters their line-up but the team scored 214 and 174 ANDERSON ON TRACK Durban in their two innings. Meanwhile, England seamer Jimmy Ander- Steyn suff ered a shoulder spasm in the sec- son is on track to play in the second Test. An- ond innings and his absence was keenly felt derson was ruled out of the series opener at outh Africa added wicketkeeper as the home team lost by 241 runs to England. Kingsmead due to a calf strain that has been Quinton de Kock and fast bowler South Africa had originally named a 13- troubling him since the start of the trip. Chris Morris to their squad for the man squad for the fi rst two Tests because of But England have been easing their record second Test against England, which the quick turnaround between the matches. wicket-taker back into action over the course startsS in Cape Town on Saturday, just minutes “Following our performance and injuries in of the past week, with Anderson sending after being beaten in the fi rst match in Durban the fi rst Test, we have recognised the need to down regular spells in the nets. yesterday. bolster the squad,” said Linda Zondi, Cricket Yesterday morning the 32-year-old sent Uncertainty over the fi tness of world’s top South Africa’s convener of selectors. “This down the equivalent of six overs in the mid- Test bowler Dale Steyn has seen selectors add will provide us with more selection options dle, watched by the bowling coach Ottis Gib- Morris while de Kock’s inclusion suggests for the second Test match at Newlands.” son, and got through the session without any that AB de Villiers might not be required to Squad: Hashim Amla (captain), Kyle Ab- concerns. England fl y to Cape Town today, keep wickets again and will instead be al- bott, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, AB de with the Test starting on 2 January. lowed to concentrate on his batting. Villiers, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Dean El- Following the fi rst Test victory Alastair De Villiers had returned with the gloves be- gar, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Dane Piedt, Cook said of Anderson: “He has had a tough hind the wickets for the fi rst Test in Durban to Kagiso Rabada, Rilee Rossouw, Dale Steyn, week, bowling a lot and doing rehab. Hope- South Africa have called up wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock for the second Test against England. allow South Africa to add an extra batsman in Stiaan van Zyl. fully he’ll be fi t.”

Thursday, December 31, 2015 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING Rogue Runner and Tannaaf in dead heat; Gazwan wins Derby ‘I would imagine that after the season is over he would head to Europe, have another crack at the big race in France’

By Mikhil Bhat Doha

thrilling fi nish in the half a million dollar Qatar Thoroughbred Derby saw German raiderA Rogue Runner and Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Mak- toum’s Tannaaf in a dead heat at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club yesterday. Early on in the 2000m race, jockey Eduardo Pedroza had the Mario Hofer-trained bay gelding track the leader Shutterbug on the inside. On the bend, Jassim al-Ghazali’s charge Itorio moved into second place. Pedroza had Rogue Runner step out and went past Shutterbug with half a fur- long to go. Meanwhile, Tannaaf, with jockey Wayne Smith at the helm, put his turn of foot on display. The Mike de Kock-trained colt, galloping far outside, closed the gap, and as the two horses went past the post, it was evident that the naked eye couldn’t sepa- rate the two. The photos were brought out but there was no re- lief for the stewards, and it was a dead heat. “The run was great. Perfect race, with a perfect position be- hind the leader. The horse came here in good condition and his performance in the race showed that,” Hofer, who gelded Rogue Runner recently, said. “The horse lacked concentra- tion, and I even asked the previ- ous trainer Andr Wuhler, who said he would be a much better horse after gelding. “To do so well on the fi rst trip here is a great thing.” While for Hofer and the owner Eckhard Sauren, yesterday’s performance was a huge leap from the last-place fi nish in France earlier this month, Tan- Jockey Harry Bentley rides Gazwan, owned by HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani, to victory in the Group 2 Qatar Derby for Pure Arabians. PICTURES: Juhaim naaf raced for the fi rst time since fi nishing third in a listed event in Arkan, who showed some amaz- ing pack and eventually fi nishing Umm Qarn colt Marjan fi n- the UK in May. ing turn of foot in the end to RESULTS third.Umm Qarn duo Tharwah ished two and a half lengths be- Anthony Crastus rode Shut- close the gap. Race 1: Rasikh (Frankie Dettori), Monteriso), 4. Raad Al Zaeem Race 6: 1. Gazwan (Harry and Kareemah notched up yet hind with Ahmed Khalil Othman terbug, trained by Michael Figge, Al Shahania Stud’s Rasi, who 2. Pippin Street (Harry Bentley), (Harry Bentley). Won by: 2 ½, 1 ½, Bentley), 2. Arkan (Almotasem al- another one-two in the Qatar al-Tamimi fi nishing third. to a third place fi nish. had not raced since his third 3. Al Sarim (Andrew Elliot), 4. 1 ½. Time: 1:57.29. Owner: Abdul- Balushi), 3. Rasi (Tadgh O’Shea), Oaks for Pure Arabians albeit in Al-Ghazali picked up his fi rst Al-Ghazali-schooled Go Dan place fi nish in Newbury in July, Comedy Night (Almotasem lah Mubarak Aljafali al-Naimi. 4. Mindza (Adrie de Vries), 4. the reverse order. victory of the day when Ain Go was fourth with jockey Mar- was third. al-Balushi). Won by: 1 ¾, 2, 2 ½. Trainer: Majed Seifeddine Zameer (Darren Williams). Won A month ago, in the Oaks Jalout followed up his Purebred vin Suerland at the helm. “We just set the race up for Time: 1:23.42. Owner: Khalifa Race 4: 1. Tharwah (Gaetan by: 2 ½, Nk, Dh. Time: 2:11.66. Trial, Kareemah, ridden by Jean Arabians Derby Trials victory Gazwan ended his run of two him today. We had a pacemaker Mohamed Khalifa Abdullah al- Faucon), 2. Kareemah (Jean Owner: HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Baptiste Hamel just like yester- earlier this month with a win second-place fi nishes with a in to make sure it wasn’t a slow Attiyah. Trainer: Marco Botti Baptiste Hamel), 3. Zahwah Khalifa al-Thani. Trainer: Julian day, had beaten the Munjiz fi lly. in Qatar Derby for Local Pure big victory in the Qatar Derby race. Though I do believe that Race 2: 1. Ain Jalout (Gerald (Harry Bentley), 4. Enwa (Rich- Smart. This time around, Gaetan Fau- Arabians. Gerald Avranche rode Gr2PA. This was also the third he was in front too early. There Avranche), 2. Jenjal (Seb Sand- ard Mullen). Won by: 1 ½, Nk, con and his ride Tharwah moved Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari’s straight year when a Julian was nothing Harry could do. ers), 3. Al Murabitoon (Harry Nk. Time: 1:45.06. Owner: Umm Race 7: 1. Rogue Runner (Eduar- in to the lead and then kept it colt to a one and a half length Smart-trained horse, owned by Harry said that he wouldn’t run Bentley), 4. Intishar (Stephan Qarn. Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. do Pedroza), 1. Tannaaf (Wayne right till the end as Kareemah win ahead of Zakhir Stud’s Jenjal HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Kha- him like that next time. He is a Ladjadj). Won by: 1 ½, 1 ¼, 1 ½. Race 5: 1. Najda (Harry Bentley), Smith), 3. Shutterbug (Anthony was left to deal with Al Shahania and another al-Ghazali charge Al lifa al-Thani, won the event with very good horse and deserves the Time: 2:14.96. Owner: Khalifa bin 2. Al Dallah (Tadgh O’Shea), 3. Crastus), 4. Go Dan Go (Marvin Stud’s Zahwah, who was on her Murabitoon. Abhar and Djainka Des Forges Derby. I am really happy,” Smart Sheail al-Kuwari. Trainer: Jassim Ameenah (Umm Qarn), 4. Hagwa Suerland). Won by: Shd, 2, Nk. second career outing. The Amer In the fi rst race of the day, winning in 2014 and 2013 re- told Gulf Times. al-Ghazali. (Richard Mullen). Won by: 1, Shd, Time: 2:00.92. Owner: Eckhard fi lly eventually edged out Jassim Frankie Dettori rode Khalifa spectively. Talking about Gazwan’s near Race 3: 1. Batter (Marvin Suer- Shd. Time: 1:45.61. Owner: HH Sauren, Sheikh Mohamed bin al-Ghazali-schooled Zahwah for Mohamed Khalifa Abdullah al- The grey son of Amer was sec- misses in the recent past, Smart land), 2. Marjan (Jean Baptiste Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al- Khalifa al-Maktoum. Trainer: second place. Attiyah’s Rasikh to a fi ne vic- ond to Ain Jalout in the Derby said, “He ran three times here Hamel), 3. Halak Saab (Marco Thani. Trainer: Julian Smart. Mario Hofer, Mike de Kock Abdulla Mubarak Aljafali al- tory in the Al Rayyan Conso- Trials earlier this month and Al last year and he won three times. Naimi’s Batter shed his maiden lation Trophy, a seven furlong Mourtajez in the Qatar Arabian At the French Derby he was un- status on just his second outing event for two-year-olds rated World Cup in Paris’ iconic Long- lucky, and after the Gr1 win in until the Heir Apparent week- winner in the Qatar Oaks for Lo- out the race even as Maryam bin with Jockey Marvin Suerland 80 and below. This was Rasikh’s champ racetrack in October. England, he lost to Al Mourtajez end, and then the Emir’s sword. cal Pure Arabians for a second Sheail al-Kuwari’s Al Mujahidah riding the gelding to a win in the shortest race yet and after three Yesterday, however, Smart in France. It wasn’t a bad run but Obviously Emir’s Sword is the straight year when he rode Na- set the early pace. Qatar Derby for local Thorough- winless runs for Marco Botti in entered Sheikh Mohamed’s fi lly Al Mourtajez is a super horse.” target for us. So he probably has jda for Smart to a narrow vic- With a clear run on to the breds yesterday. England, the Italian jockey, who Radwah as the pacemaker, which Gazwan will now have plenty two races left. He is a big horse tory yesterday.Bentley, who had home straight, Bentley had Na- Riding a longer distance won the 2015 Longines World’s ensured a blistering pace for the of rest according to Smart, who and needs plenty of rest. I would won with Al Fakhamah last year, jda, who had spent time away (1850m) yesterday than his Best Jockey Award in Hong Kong 2000m event. wants to set him up for the HH imagine that after the season is began the mile long race with from the leaders so far, speed up, maiden run (1400m) earlier this earlier this month, rode the bay As Radwah fell back on the the Emir’s Sword. over he would head to Europe, his ride Najda off the outermost and eventually edge out Al Dallah month, Batter came into his own colt to a little under two lengths fi nal bend, Gazwan galloped “There will be only big races, have another crack at the big gate in the event. He kept the for a win. Umm Qarn’s Ameenah extending his lead over the rivals victory over Al Majd Stud’s Pip- ahead and eventually fi nished anything over 2,000m. I would race in France.” Amer fi lly, owned by Sheikh Mo- made an impressive debut in the as he galloped towards the post pin Street and Khalid Rashid Saif two and a half lengths ahead of imagine that he doesn’t run now Bentley was at the helm of the hamed, on the outside through- Oaks by staying with the lead- in the fi nal 200m. al-Khayarin’s Al Sarim.

QREC chairman Sheikh Mohamed bin Faleh al-Thani (third from right) and QREC general manager Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi (second from right) with the Jockey Frankie Dettori jumps off Rasikh after winning the the Al Rayyan Consolation Trophy winners of Qatar Derby for Thoroughbreds at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club yesterday. yesterday.