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Wales all-action girl eager to make her mark at Fighting Chance Dubai

chris — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:39:10 +0000

One of the toughest tasks for the organisers of this Friday’s Fighting Chance Dubai at Dubai Sports City has been finding a bout for Welsh fighter Non Evans.

New Zealand Women’s Sevens captain Huriana Manuel was originally lined up to face the 37-year-old but was forced to withdraw when her union stepped in and since then six fighters have agreed only to get cold feet.

That’s not surprising given Evans’ resume includes not only an 87-cap rugby career for Wales but three appearances at the Commonwealth Games; twice winning silver in Judo before doubling up with Weightlifting at the 2002 event in Manchester.

Luckily for Evans her trip to the UAE has not been wasted as American-born Australian resident Teeny Aiken stepped in at the 11th hour – and with the fight locked in Sport360° caught up with the Welsh wonder.

How did you get involved with Fighting Chance Dubai?

Sililo Martens [former Tonga international rugby player and organiser] contacted me, and I had just finished playing rugby and I used to wrestle, so he said ‘do you fancy training for a fight in Dubai’? I had to think about it for a bit. But it was a new challenge and I agreed to it for some bizarre reason. I’ve never boxed before but here we are.

There are a lot of high profile male rugby players who have turned to boxing recently, such as Sonny Bill Williams and Quade Cooper, will it become a similar path for women?

No I don’t think so. I think I’m the only person who has done it as far as I know. I’ve always done martial arts and things, but I’ve never boxed. So I think I’m slightly different to most female rugby players. Maybe I’m more like the male ones!

I think it’s hard when you retire and I found it really hard to deal with because my whole life I had competed and played rugby, then I retired and it leaves a huge void in your life. So I think that’s the reason that retired people do it and for the men it’s obviously boxing they choose.

It’s nice to have a challenge and something to aim and train for because I was still fit and strong but you pick up injuries as you get older in sports like rugby and wrestling but in boxing you don’t really get hurt when you’re training, in the fight obviously you could.

Have you done any specialist training for the event?

Yes, I’ve been training since Sililo rang me so about the last three months, which isn’t long enough to learn how to box so I don’t know how good or bad I am because all I’ve done is the training. So it remains to be seen. But I’ve had a nightmare as well because I’ve had about five or six opponents pull out because they agree to the fight and then they read my bio and see that I’ve done all these other sports.

But being a wrestler doesn’t make you a good boxer because it’s completely different! So it was strange because all my life I’ve done sports which I’m good at but now I’ve got no idea so I’m going into it dark which is a bit scary.

How does the training differ from what you would have done for rugby or wrestling?

It’s completely different. I did a lot of fitness work some really hard fitness and conditioning work. I had never skipped before but now I can skip quite well! So fitness and conditioning, plus loads of pad and bag work and some sparring. The stance too, in boxing you have to stand with your left foot forward but wrestling and rugby are the complete opposite, the left is back and your moving forward all the time. So that’s the difficult thing to try and stay on your back foot otherwise you walk into everything.

For a lot of people the training is what they love most about boxing, has that been the same for you?

It was hard at the beginning because I was always one of the fittest playing rugby or wrestling but I’ve been retired 18 months. So it was really hard but I feel quite fit now.

Rugby is Wales’ national sport, but was it hard to get into as a girl?

I did Judo from a young age so I started playing rugby when I went to university when I was 18 because there was no girls’ rugby back then. Now there’s girls rugby and touch rugby in schools. But a judo throw is like a tackle in rugby so I was used to the contact side of it and I was quick at running, I ran at school and I could side-step naturally. So I started playing at university and went from there.

Finally, are you confident about winning your bout?

Well I don’t know too much about my opponent, she only came in two weeks ago but she has trained at a boxing club. They keep telling me she hasn’t had a fight but I don’t know how good she is and I don’t know how good I am. So, I’m actually really nervous because I’ve never done it before and it’s in front of a huge crowd. I just hope I don’t get smashed but my defence is quite good now – and I’m fast so I can run around the ring if I have to!

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Wales all-action girl eager to make her mark at Fighting Chance Dubai

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Sport360°'s Martyn Thomas caught up with Non Evans who'll be stepping into the unknown in Dubai on Friday night.

Al Shabab bow out of Champions League in Tehran

chris — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:16:57 +0000

RESULT: Esteghlal 0 Al Shabab 0
Esteghlal win 4-2 on aggregate

Al Shabab were unable to pull off another away miracle as they crashed out of the AFC Champions League to Iranian side Esteghlal 4-2 on aggregate after a 0-0 draw on the night.

Away in the Esteghlal’s Tehran cauldron, Shabab were unable to make the necessary inroads against an experienced and disciplined home side who progressed to the quarter-finals courtesy of their impressive win in Dubai last week.

Prior to the game Shabab coach Marcos Paqueta had said that “nothing is impossible” but the task of scoring three goals without reply in Tehran was always a tough ask.

Shabab have already shown a great deal of resolve in this year’s tournament, equalising in the final minute and then winning a penalty shootout in a playoff against Iranian side Sabaye Qom to qualify for the groups stages.

They then came back from a seemingly hopeless position in Group D to win their last two games to qualify for the last 16 as runners up.

But this time there was to be no miracle. Essentially a counter attacking team Shabab struggled to take the initiative and impose themselves on the game.

Shabab’s best effort came at the end of the first half when Luiz hit the bar with a volley before Ali Juma slashed wide five minutes after the restart.

Esteghlal manager Amir Ghalenoei has said before the game that his side would adopt a cautious approach and he was as good as his word as the Iranians routinely stuck 10 men behind the ball.

Esteghlal rarely expended energy pressing, preferring to sit and dare Shabab to try to unlock them. Unfortunately for the Dubai club, they simply lacked the personnel and the experience to rise to the challenge.

Paqueta had already let his players off the hook before the game, saying that his side lacked the experience to go deep into the competition but the Brazilian must now ensure that his troops learn the necessary lessons.

Shabab failed to take the early initiative and grab the early goal that could have put the pressure on the home side and unsettled the vast fan base that turned up.

Had Juma’s strike gone in just after half time, the score could have been different with both teams infused by desperation.

As it was, Esteghlal were the only side to get the ball in the net but Hanif Zadeh’s header was harshly ruled out for offside with the defender in line with the last man from a free kick.

Shabab will now turn their attentions to a President’s Cup final against Al Ahli where a win would ensure them a place in next season's AFC Champions League. They'll be better for it after this season's adventure.

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Al Shabab bow out of Champions League in Tehran

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Al Shabab were unable to pull off another away miracle as they crashed out of the AFC Champions League to Iranian side Esteghlal 4-2 on aggregate after a 0-0 draw on the night.

PSG star Ibrahimovic could follow Ancelotti

chris — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:10:24 +0000

Paris Saint-Germain are facing up the possibility of losing star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic due to the lack stability behind the scenes at the newly-crowned Ligue 1 champions.

The celebrations of PSG's first French title in 19 years have been overshadowed by uncertainty surrounding the future of Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti, who last weekend admitted publicly that he wishes to leave amid speculation that he has been lined up to replace Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid.

"We hear talk about the coach and of a heap of players who could be coming or going. I am not used to that," Ibrahimovic told Swedish journalists.

Former Ajax, Juventus, Internazionale and Barcelona striker Ibrahimovic, who signed from AC Milan last summer, has scored 29 goals in PSG's title-winning campaign and was last weekend named Ligue 1's Player of the Year.

"In Barcelona and Milan, there is more stability," he added, in quotes reported by Aftonbladet. "There, the coach stays until he is sacked."

Ibrahimovic, 31, stated clearly that he wanted Ancelotti to stay for a second full season in charge at the Parc des Princes. "It is clear that everyone wants to keep Ancelotti. He is probably the only coach who has helped me have such a good relationship with the rest of the team. It is not just me, everyone feels the same way," Svenska Dagbladet reported him as saying.

"It is not just Ancelotti who would go, but also the seven or eight people in his entourage. It would leave a huge gap. The players who arrived a year ago want security and stability and to feel wanted."

As to his future, Ibrahimovic said: "We will see. Every time I have changed club, I have done so when I said I would stay put.

"Anything can happen, even if I intend to stay. The way things are just now, a lot of things could happen."

- Ancelotti asks to leave for Real Madrid, confirms PSG

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Paris Saint-Germain are facing up the possibility of losing star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic due to the lack stability behind the scenes at the newly-crowned Ligue 1 champions.

Ex-USA star Reyna to head up Man City's MLS franchise

chris — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:39:07 +0000

Claudio Reyna, the former United States international and Manchester City captain, has been appointed director of football at City's new MLS franchise, New York City FC.

City, in partnership with baseball giants the New York Yankees, announced on Tuesday they had bought a franchise to compete in Major League Soccer from 2015.

The club have wasted little time in beginning work building the new entity by bringing in Reyna, who had a spell with City as a player between 2003 and 2007, and also had stints at Rangers and Sunderland.

Reyna was surprisingly unveiled as New York City's first employee at a press event to formally announce the club's launch at the Lexington Academy in Manhattan.

City chief executive Ferran Soriano said: "Finding the right person for this role and getting him in place from the start was a priority.

"The football culture of New York City FC will be built from this decision, and we believe Claudio is the man who uniquely understands what New York soccer should mean, and how it can benefit from the relationship with Manchester City FC."

Reyna, 39, played for City for four of the 12 years he spent in Europe during his career, from 2003-07, making 87 appearances. He also won 111 caps for the US and played at four World Cups, captaining the national side between 2002 and 2006.

Reyna is leaving a role as youth technical director with US Soccer to take up the position.

Reyna, who also played for Rangers and Sunderland during his eight years in the UK, said: "Having had the privilege of playing both for my country here in the US and for Manchester City, I could not have hoped for a more tailor-made opportunity in soccer.

"I am incredibly excited to again wear City's sky blue as part of the expansion of the MLS and the growth of soccer in the United States, and am honoured to have been offered this opportunity.

"With a large fanbase through the New York area, prime television rights and distribution, sponsorship commitments, and the Yankees as a US partner, the New York City Football Club has everything in place to succeed."

City are to be the majority partner in the new club with the Yankees bringing their considerable commercial clout and knowledge of New York. Reyna will now begin the process of building a squad in time for the 2015 season.

New York City will begin competition at a temporary home as they make plans to build their own stadium.

- FEATURE (Part 1): A great American adventure awaits Sheikh Mansour & Man City

- FEATURE (Part 2): How Man City & Sheikh Mansour have built their American dream

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Claudio Reyna, the former United States international and Manchester City captain, has been appointed director of football at City's new MLS franchise, New York City FC.

Euro leagues could force Qatar World Cup re-vote

chris — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:05:43 +0000

Any attempt to move the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to the winter could lead to legal challenges by European leagues to force a re-vote by FIFA, Bundesliga chief executive Christian Seifert has warned.

Seifert, like many of his contemparies including UEFA president Michel Platini and UAE football chief Yousef Alserkal, says it is "impossible" to play in Qatar in the heat of the summer.

However, he foresees legal action from Europe - where leagues would face disruption to three seasons - if it is moved to the winter as many are in favour of including Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

Seifert said at a briefing in London: "This is the crucial point - can they move to the winter without making a re-run again?

"I am not sure legally if you can just say 'we will just play in winter'. As far as I understand, it was an invitation to tender and I'm very sure especially England is watching out for what happens there and I understand that."

Asked if there should be a re-vote, Seifert added: "I cannot say because I did not know the tender. At the end of the day the lawyers decide if there is a re-vote.

"I am absolutely sure if countries like England see a chance of a re-vote they will force a re-vote. "If you do a tender - and we are forced to do a tender by our cartel authorities - then the rules must be clear for all.

"From other leagues I do have the feeling they are also very upset with the situation - that the decision was done and that a four-week tournament affects maybe three years of running of professional football leagues in Europe."

Seifert also criticised FIFA for ignoring the leagues and choosing Qatar in the first place, and welcomed the world governing body's recognition that the summer heat would be an issue.

Speaking tongue in cheek, he added: "We are really happy that FIFA recognises it's warm in the summer in Qatar. This is a great, great finding.

"I am absolutely convinced that it is hard, if not impossible, to play a World Cup in the summer in Qatar. Maybe you can create an artificial second sky over the whole country or over the stadia but what does that mean for the people in the media who need to work there, what does that mean for the fans who are there?

"When I grew up as a kid this is not what I have in mind when I think about a FIFA World Cup. Maybe because of my impressions of 2006 because this was the first time where there were public viewings and people on the street, so many English people in Germany, where it was a special atmosphere in the country. And I doubt if that could work with 48 degrees on the street.

"On the one point you have to leave stadium, again. This is not the right time - summer in Qatar - to play. It shows me which FIFA, as a body which says what's good for the game, ignores completely the day-by-day basis in those leagues who are effectively the core and the heart of football - not the tournament that comes up every four years.

"The priority is always first the health of the players and this is what makes me most upset that the decision was done that ignores probably the health of the players and that ignores what is real in the game.

"I'm not sure of the credibility of FIFA. Maybe first they should change the claim - because this is not for the good of the game."

The Premier League is not believed to be considering any immediate legal challenge but confirmed its opposition to a winter World Cup. Premier League communications director Dan Johnson said: "We think moving the World Cup to winter is fraught with difficulties and not workable or desirable from a European football perspective."

- UAE in World Cup boost as FIFA call for more Asian places

- UAE willing to help Qatar host 2022 World Cup

- Qatar to go it alone in hosting winter World Cup

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Euro leagues could force Qatar World Cup re-vote

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Any attempt to move the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to the winter could lead to legal challenges by European leagues to force a re-vote by FIFA, Bundesliga chief executive Christian Seifert has warned.

Hurtful: Woods responds to Garcia's 'fried chicken' remark

chris — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:48:58 +0000

Tiger Woods has responded to Sergio Garcia’s “fried chicken” comments by describing his rival’s ill-judged words as “hurtful,” although the world no1 believes it’s time to move on from the spat.

The animosity between Woods and Garcia began early in their respective careers, but stepped up a level at the recent Players Championships, a tournament the American won ahead of his Spanish counterpart.

Paired together, Garcia blamed a roar from the crowd watching Woods on the par-five second hole after slicing his second shot from the fairway into the trees on the right.

Woods had sliced his tee shot deep into the trees on the left and the gallery had erupted during Garcia's backswing having seen world No 1 Woods reach for his five-wood for a daring escape.

What followed was a succession of criticisms and digs exchanged between the pair, with Woods claiming: “I hear his comments afterwards and [it's] not real surprising that he's complaining about something.”

To which an incensed Garcia responded: “It's fine. At least I'm true to myself."

However, the Spaniard continued the feud and took it to a new level during a question and answer session hosted by the Golf Channel's Steve Sands.

Garcia was asked if he would have the world No1 around for dinner one night during the upcoming US Open to which he replied: "We will have him round every night," Garcia said. "We will serve fried chicken."

Garcia immediately apologised for his comment, issuing a statement that said: "I apologise for any offence that may have been caused by my comment on stage during The European Tour Players' Awards dinner.

"I answered a question that was clearly made towards me as a joke with a silly remark, but in no way was the comment meant in a racist manner."

Woods has now replied to the comments and Garcia’s subsequent apology, by suggesting his rival’s remark wasn’t a mistake, but has accepted his remorse as genuine.

On Twitter, Woods wrote: "The comment that was made wasn't silly. It was wrong, hurtful and clearly inappropriate. I'm confident that there is real regret that the remark was made.

"The Players ended nearly two weeks ago and it's long past time to move on and talk about golf."

- Garcia apologies for 'fried chicken' jibe at Woods

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Meydan education programme: Handing the reins to UAE youth

chris — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:35:41 +0000

I made the drive down to Meydan racecourse countless times before but never had I taken that right turn towards the stables, where some of the world’s most pampered racehorses reside.

That was until this week when I was invited to check out the new Meydan Equine Education Programme that aims to teach youngsters about the history and heritage of horses in the UAE and the modern sport of horseracing at Meydan.

The pilot programme, which has started with seven schools across Dubai, consists of a series of classroom-based math, science, art and comprehension modules, created for Dubai Racing Club by education development company, Bon Education.

The curriculum focuses on the origins and role of the horse in the Middle East, its influence in the region’s art and literature and the basics of horseracing. So after several classes taken by the students at each school, the programme culminates with a visit to the stables to see firsthand what it takes to be responsible for a champion horse.

I joined a group of 40 girls from Al Mizhar American Academy along with two of their teachers on their trip to the immaculate Green Stables and I was shocked to see none other than acclaimed champion trainer - and handler of the Green Stables - Erwan Charpy himself conducting the stables tour for the children.

The idea was to show the children various aspects of the process of taking care of a horse. Charpy was showing them everything from thoroughbreds to pure Arabians (we got to meet Monsef and Dinner Jacket), how to prepare a horse to be ridden, the feeding room (who knew a horse’s diet included garlic?), horse stalls, and even the swimming pool –called equine pool - where horses can exercise as well as receive rehabilitation and therapy.

“We’re trying to bring something new for all kids, especially here in Dubai,” tells me Mohammed Karam, Community and Education Coordinator of the Meydan Equine Education Programme. “We’re targeting all schools. Most of these kids don’t know much about horses, how they are fed, how they are respected and treated. Some kids didn’t know that the horses are vegetarian.

“We’re showing them what trainers, assistants, grooms and everyone does around here. As of now we’ve started with seven schools and we plan on growing that number in the future depending on the feedback from the schools. Next year we’re targeting 60 to 100 schools. So far I can see that the schools really enjoyed the visits.”

This particular class of students I met was made up of 80 per cent Emiratis and a large majority of them ride horses, but it was clear not many of them knew how to take care of them. The students were walking around with a scavenger hunt list of questions, which they had to be able to answer by the end of their visit. The girls were the most animated when they got to feed the horses and some asked some interesting questions about the horses’ diet.

Charpy gave them some silks to wear for the group photo they took and he also took them to the jockey’s weighing room. The tour ended with a trip to the IMAX theatre where the students watch a short video about the Dubai World Cup.

“I think this is a great visit,” Alisson Burrows, the English and History teacher who was accompanying the students. “I think it’s really important to show these girls – 80 per cent of this class I Emirati – the history of the Arabian horse. So this isn’t just a visit for us, we did a study in the classroom on the history of the Arabian horse and I’m hoping that it teaches a little bit more about their own heritage. So this is a nice culminating activity for them to come see these horses in person.

“They certainly were able to see the grandiose scale of what’s happening in terms of racing here in Dubai and I hope they appreciate that as part of their country. The way the horses are treated, the way this is a serious business and this is a well-run operation. The animals are treated ethically, better than most humans are treated in this world.”

Charpy also believes the visit was a success and says he enjoyed playing tour guide for the children. The Frenchman said: “I think it’s great. These are the future people getting into racing and educating is always good. It’s a fairly private and secure environment we have here so people don’t realise how much work there is behind all this. So it’s fantastic. I think kids are great around horses and horses love kids as well.

“It’s always difficult with young children to keep their attention so I tried to move to different spots and show them a little bit of action. During training it’s very difficult to have them around because there’s a risk factor. So we tried to combine showing them enough without taking any risks.”

The students visiting from all seven schools, aged between eight and 11, will take part in a competition to produce the best short story, poem or artwork, based on what they learnt during the module and the Meydan Racecourse tour.

Anna Batchelder, CEO of Bon Education, who devised the curriculum, explained how the programme was developed. She says: “Our team started working with Meydan about six months ago and they said ‘we want to bring a creative programme that gets kids interested in UAE culture through the horse.

“Either kids that may want to ride, or kids that may want to learn the business side of the horse. So we’ve spent a lot of time at the stables interviewing people of all levels at Meydan and we also looked at the curriculum standards for IB schools, Indian curriculum, MOE curriculum and things like that to make sure that the lessons that we created were in line with what the kids are studying in the third through sixth grades.

“We’ll take the feedback and update the curriculum over the summer and hopefully make the programme even better next fall. “The curriculum is fully arabised, so we have English and Arabic assets of everything.”

For more information about the Meydan Equine Education Programme, or to request for your school to be included in next year’s scheme, contact Dubai Racing Club’s media relations department via Tony Terry at tony.terry@meydan.ae or Sarah Tregoning at sarah.tregoning@meydan.ae.

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Meydan education programme: Handing the reins to UAE youth

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Sport360°'s Reem Abulleil spent the day down at Meydan to get a sneak peek of their new equine education programme.

Pellegrini announces Malaga exit; Man City switch looms

chris — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:30:08 +0000

Manager Manuel Pellegrini, strongly linked to the vacant Manchester City post, is leaving Malaga at the end of the season, the Chilean announced on Wednesday.

"Professionally, I am living my last hours in Malaga," he said at a function to mark his achievements with the club in a report carried by Spanish Sports daily AS.

He added: "On Sunday I will manage my last game as Malaga coach at La Rosaleda.

"It will be a very emotional occasion and we hope to leave with the club qualified for Europe, with the mission completed and with the misfortune that the project changed.

"The agreement with the club has been gratifying and satisfactory. Everyone has the right to continue on their on path.

"I am not looking for economic ambitions but a sporting project that allows me to feel fulfilled."

Pellegrini, who has been in charge of Malaga since November 2010, guided the club to their highest ever league finish last season as Los Boquerones qualified for the Champions League for the first time.

And despite financial problems that forced them to sell a number of key players before the start of the this season, Pellegrini's men remarkably reached the quarter-finals of Europe's premier club competition, only just missing out on the semi-finals after conceding two controversial late goals against Borussia Dortmund.

- Pellegrini 'agrees' two-year Man City deal; Isco next?

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Manager Manuel Pellegrini, strongly linked to the vacant Manchester City post, is leaving Malaga at the end of the season, the Chilean announced on Wednesday.

Garcia apologises for 'fried chicken' jibe at Woods

chris — Wed, 22 May 2013 11:10:33 +0000

Sergio Garcia has apologised for what could be construed as a racist remark about Tiger Woods at the European Tour's annual awards ceremony.

Garcia, who has been involved in a public row with Woods since the Players Championships at Sawgrass this month, was on stage with the rest of the victorious Ryder Cup team, including captain Jose Maria Olazabal.

During a question and answer session hosted by the Golf Channel's Steve Sands, the Spaniard was asked if he would have the world No1 around for dinner one night during the upcoming US Open.

"We will have him round every night," Garcia said. "We will serve fried chicken."

Garcia later issued a statement through the European Tour, saying: "I apologise for any offence that may have been caused by my comment on stage during The European Tour Players' Awards dinner.

"I answered a question that was clearly made towards me as a joke with a silly remark, but in no way was the comment meant in a racist manner."

Asked for his reaction to Garcia's comment on Twitter, Graeme McDowell wrote: "private/humor filled environment but he shouldn't have said it #slip," while Lee Westwood felt Woods would not be "particularly bothered" by it.

"It's an awkward situation where they obviously just don't get on," Westwood added. "It's in the public and you guys (the media) will stoke it up and you don't need to. "I get on with both of them but I have no interest of getting in the middle of that relationship. It's nothing to do with me."

Just hours earlier, Garcia told reporters ahead of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth that there was no end in sight to his spat with Woods, which resurfaced after the pair had played together in the third round at Sawgrass.

Garcia felt he had been disturbed on his approach to the second hole when spectators cheered Woods for taking a fairway wood out of his bag, indicating he would try to reach the green from his position in the trees.

"He's not my favourite guy to play with," the Spaniard said. "He's not the nicest guy on Tour. We don't like each other. It doesn't take a rocket engineer to figure that out. He is who he is. I am who I am. It's best we're not playing together again."

Asked on Monday if he would call Garcia to clear the air, Woods simply said 'No'. And Garcia said added: "Obviously you can't like everybody. I think there's people that you connect with and there's people that you don't. It's pretty much as simple as that.

"He doesn't need me in his life, I don't need him in mine, let's move on and keep doing what we're doing. "It's never really been a true connection like I would have with maybe Luke (Donald) or Lee (Westwood) or Adam Scott or some of the other guys that I get along with well. It's fine. It doesn't mean that I cannot play with him. It's just another player, obviously a good player.

"It's just when I'm playing with someone I enjoy, there's a bit more talking going round and when you're playing with someone that you don't fancy as much you're just a little bit quiet."

Garcia could now find himself in hot water with the European Tour.

The Tour handbook lists examples of potential minor or serious breaches of the code, including for 'injurious conduct' which is described as: "Actions or comments that may harm or discredit officials, fellow Members, sponsors, promoters, volunteers, third party contractors or the PGA European Tour and that does cause or is deemed likely to cause significant negative media or long term damage to any of the aforementioned persons."

Possible sanctions include a reprimand, censure, fine, suspension of membership or even expulsion from the European Tour.

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Sergio Garcia has apologised for what could be construed as a racist remark about Tiger Woods at the European Tour's annual awards ceremony.

Kimi Raikkonen interview: F1's quiet man suffers for his art

chris — Wed, 22 May 2013 10:03:57 +0000

Much has been made of the few words Kimi Raikkonen, the quiet man of Formula One, does in fact say.

He’s admittedly a man prone to short sentences and, when he does speak out, it is often blunt and to the point. Take last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for example where his in-car musings became the stuff of Formula One folklore.

As the team tried to communicate with him over the race radio, he simply responded “just leave me alone, I know what I’m doing”. More instructions following to which he replied, “Yes, yes, yes. You don’t have to remind me every second”.

Other drivers at other teams would most likely not get away with it. If Lewis Hamilton were to do it at Mercedes or Sebastian Vettel at Red Bull then there would be a certain amount of furor.

But then Kimi is, well, Kimi and he has always chosen not to conform to the expectations of a modern-day F1 driver where endless media appearances are the norm. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find a more closely-guarded sports star.

Sometimes, it’s what he doesn’t say rather than what he does that is so compelling. He rarely if ever talks about other drivers, he won’t be caught in the sort of media slanging match enjoyed by some of his grid rivals. And don’t expect that to change any time soon. He hits back at suggestions he does not play the game.

“I’m doing an interview right now aren’t I?” he says, ahead of this Sunday’s Monaco Grand Prix, before adding. “I know I have to do this stuff for sponsors but I won’t do anymore than I have to.”

There is a definite shyness to Raikkonen. He would rather not talk shop or divulge issues about his private life. He hates it and the craving for every tit bit of information is a big reason why he walked away from the sport altogether in 2009.

But Raikkonen the racer was not satisfied. The 2007 world champion wanted to return and last season Lotus took an almighty gamble in signing him. In 2009 at Ferrari, he had looked sluggish, appeared to have fallen out of love with racing.

What Lotus was doing was akin to putting everything in the casino on red, a decision that paid off in some style. Last season, he was the model of consistency, finishing every race and winning one of them, the aforementioned Abu Dhabi GP.

What highlighted his impressive pace even more were the struggles of fellow returnee Michael Schumacher, who never quite delivered following his own sabbatical.

From the moment winter testing began, did he ever have doubts in his own abilities? The short answer is not particularly.

“Ok, there is a bit of worry, of unknown as you’ve not done it for a while,” he admits. “But I’d done Formula One for much of my life and the same people were there and not much had changed. It maybe took a few laps to get up to speed.

“The bigger worry was about the car. The thing is that in winter testing you know very quickly if the car is going to be s***. And if it’s s*** you know you’ll be wasting your time for the season.”

Thankfully for Raikkonen, his Lotus last season and again this looks competitive. He won the season opener in Australia and now lies second in the championship just four points behind Sebastian Vettel.

He knows the team need to improve and don’t have the luxury of throwing as much money at their upgrades as the likes of Red Bull or Ferrari.

He adds: “We need to be faster, we need more downforce. It’s that simple. But we have a budget and we have to work within that.”

An uncertain future

The team’s cause has undoubtedly not been helped by technical director James Allison’s departure. He is currently on gardening leave before an anticipated move across the grid to Ferrari.

Mention of Allison’s exit merely leads to a shrug of the shoulders but it may be a key fact in his decision-making over his future. His current deal runs out at the end of the season and no talks have begun about renewing it.

“I’ve no contract for next year,” he says. “There’s talk about this and that but, in the end, I have to make a decision.”

The decision seems to be either to stick with Lotus or move to Red Bull, where he has been touted as Mark Webber’s replacement.

Team owner Dietrich Mateschitz has made no secret of his admiration for Raikkonen but the Finn himself insists: “I haven’t even talked to people about it. There may be some options I don’t know.”

That decision may rest on how much Lotus can push their in-season development. If they fall back, Raikkonen may feel he has no option but to look enviously at the Red Bulls in front of him. As rapid as his return to the sport has been, his exit could be similarly swift.

“F1 is not my life, I just love racing,” he says. “And I could stop tomorrow... if I lose that love. I just don’t have a plan for the future. I have a World Championship, which was my goal from a young age as a driver. If I retire tomorrow, I’m happy. I’ll just go off and do normal things and escape all the bulls***.”

In his remaining time in F1, he has no plans to change his approach to work and life. Lotus talk of a humorous employee – after all post-Abu Dhabi he handed T-shirts out with the slogan “Leave me alone I know what I’m doing” to the entire Enstone team. But he again shrugs his shoulders at the idea that he should change.

“People have their opinions of me and that’s fine,” he says. “This is my work and I’m sure most people are different at work and at home. I’ve a life outside F1 that’s just different.”

The world according to Kimi Raikkonen certainly seems in contrast to the rest of his peers. If he never had to do another interview, he would be a happy man. But he does them – admittedly begrudgingly – as that’s the price he has to pay to pursue his first love.

KIMI'S BEST FIVE DRIVES

1. Brazilian GP – 2007
The most important of his career. He lined up on the grid seven points behind Lewis Hamilton in the championship but took the win and his solitary world title.

2. Japanese GP – 2005
Engine trouble had left him languishing 17th on the grid but he worked his way up the field and pulled off a bold move on the last lap to overtake Giancarlo Fisichella and win.

3. Monaco GP – 2005
Leading after a safety car period, the frontrunners pitted but not Raikkonen after an email from McLaren HQ advised otherwise. He built up a big enough lead to pit safely later in the race to win.

4. Australian GP – 2007
Became the first driver to win on debut for Ferrari since Nigel Mansell 18 years earlier. Later admitted he should have won by more but didn’t because he got bored.

5. Abu Dhabi GP – 2012
His first victory since his return to the sport after a two-year sabbatical. He profited from Lewis Hamilton’s retirement but it highlighted an already impressive F1 comeback.

- Raikkonen a 'candidate' for Red Bull drive in 2014

- Raikkonen like a 'wild animal', insists Lotus chief

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Kimi Raikkonen interview: The quiet man of Formula One

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Matt Majendie spoke to 2012 Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix champion Kimi Raikkonen about the current season, his future plans, and his infamous public persona.

Murray pulls out of Roland Garros; targets Queens return

chris — Wed, 22 May 2013 09:01:52 +0000

Andy Murray will miss the French Open with the back injury that flared up at the Rome Masters, the world number two announced on Tuesday.

After meeting with medical specialists Murray has decided to skip the second Grand Slam of the year at Roland Garros to ensure he is fully fit for Wimbledon.

"It's a really tough decision and I love playing in Paris, but after seeking medical advice, I am not fit to compete," the US Open and Olympic champion explained in a statement to Britain's Press Association.

"After consultation with his team and medical specialists, Andy has reluctantly withdrawn from the French Open and will instead focus on preparation for the grass court season," the statement added.

Murray had raised the possibility of his absence from the French Open after retiring with the back problem in his second-round match against Spain's Marcel Granollers at the Rome Masters last week.

"I'd be very surprised if I was playing in Paris," a subdued Murray said then.

This will be the first Grand Slam he has missed since Wimbledon in 2007. The injury was the same one which required him to take a pain-killing injection in order to play Roland Garros last year where he reached the quarter-finals.

Murray will now aim to return for the start of the grasscourt season at Queens Club on June 10.

"(The back) has not been perfect for a long period, I want it to start feeling good again. Everyone goes into matches with niggles, but this is very frustrating," added Murray after his Rome retirement.

"I don't want to go into details, but I've got a disc problem, it changes week to week. It's been an issue for a while, but I want to make sure it goes away.

"I don't want to be playing with it long-term, it's not enjoyable at all."

The French Open begins on Sunday.

- Down the Line: Nadal is back with a vengeance

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Murray pulls out of Roland Garros; targets Queens return

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Andy Murray will miss the French Open with the back injury that flared up at the Rome Masters, the world number two announced on Tuesday.

UAE golf round-up: Sharjah kids are showing progress

chris — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:43:09 +0000

It was graduation day for more than 70 members of Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club’s Junior Development Programme (SGSC JDP), as they went through the final grading and tournament day.

With all juniors eager to try and improve on their current cap grading, they were put through 10 tests, including: putting, iron play, woods, chipping, pitching, golf specific fitness testing and golf knowledge.

Throughout the two hours of grading, the juniors were all trying to reach individual goals set by the professionals. A few of the juniors moving up a cap were German brothers Alex (red**) and Michael Beisenwenger (red*) while Jakob Armstrong (blue*) went up a grade at the third attempt.

Brian Gibbs (stone*) became only the second ‘fundamental junior’ to reach that level, following his friend Adam Karim, who picked up that cap at the last grading day.

Mention must be made of Mannan Attlee, who narrowly missed out on a blue* cap even though he battled through the grading with a broken finger.

After the grading day, all 70 juniors returned to take part in the final tournament day of the winter season. There were three different tournaments based upon the child’s age and ability, and it was five-year-old Kyle Chantler who picked up the winning position in the youngsters fundamentals’ competition.

The five-hole par 3 short course winners were Isaak Armstrong (age seven-and-under) and Juan Echeverri (age eight-and-older). In his first junior golf competition, Ethan Cloete managed to scoop the ‘nearest to the pin’ award by knocking his ball eight feet from the hole on the 95-yard first hole.

The elder and more experienced juniors were out in force for their tournament, with four different teeing grounds laid out for the 32 juniors between the age of six and 16 years.

The Beisenwenger boys once again made it a German one-two. Younger brother Michael claimed the bragging rights as he edged his older brother by just one stroke by firing a gross 20 over the four holes.

Third place went to South African golfer Saeed Kola. Fourth place went to Aziz Chassebi, who beat Omar Karim on a scorecard count back after both boys had shot a gross 25.

The increasingly popular SGSC JDP is supported by Petrofac and Spectrum.

GOLF NEWS IN BRIEF:

Fornazaric and Hoofman strike it rich at Yas Ivan
Fornazaric and Jan Hoofman booked their places in the grand finale of the 2013 Xerox Corporate Golf Challenge when they triumphed in the eighth qualifying round at Yas Links Golf Club.

A total of 43 teams with 86 players participated, but it was Fornazaric and Hoofman (net 65), from HYTEC, who triumphed. Second place were Sungjin Hwang and Inki Kim (67) from Hankook, while third were Olivier Dognon and Jerome Martin (69) from A.Hak Industrial Services ME.

Other winners included Duayne Baron De Wall and Gokul Mani for ‘Nearest to the Pin’ and Muriel Gosselin and William Royce for the ‘Longest Drive’.

The next qualifying round takes place on July 22 at the Johannesburg Country Club, South Africa. The Grand Final of the 15th Xerox Corporate Golf Challenge is at the Emirates Golf Club on October 23.

Michaelides wins Mashreq Medal by four shots
Haris Michaelides produced his best performance over the Majlis course to triumph in the May edition of the Mashreq Medal Championship. The 13-handcapper signed for a gross 78, net 65 to win Division B (handicap 11-20).

His consistent round included eleven pars and seven bogeys, keeping the dreaded double off his card. Both Iain Everingham and Anand Lakhiani recorded three-under par totals of 69 but it was Everingham who took runners-up place in Division B with a superior back nine score.

Tim Evans claimed top prize in Division A (Handicap 0-12) with a net 70, but that was thanks to a countback after Tony Azoulay posted a similar score. Inaan Budhiraja returned to form with the best gross of the day, a 72, and his net 72 won him third in the net section for Division A. Gautam Vir carded a 71 to clinch Division C (Handicap 21-34).

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UAE golf round-up: Sharjah kids are showing progress

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Sport360's golf expert Joy Chakravarty is back with another round-up of all the golf news from the across the region.

Ashraf and Ahmed lead the way as Wings soar to Gold Cup

chris — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:14:53 +0000

A five-wicket haul by Waseem Ashraf followed by a splendid half century from Ashfaq Ahmed helped Wings XI win the 5th Al Dhaid Gold Cup 40-over tournament, organised by Sharjah Cricket Council.

Wings XI comfortably dealt with Phoenix Medicine by eight wickets in what was a one-sided game final. After being put in, Phoenix Medicine made a steady start through Ijaz Bashir (17) and Saqlain Haider (14), but once the wickets started falling they never recovered.

Ashraf claimed five wickets in his eight overs, conceding only 37, and Ryan Hinds plucked two quick ones as Phoenix collapsed from 50-2 to to 94-8.

Usman Manzoor (24), Babar Bashir (22) and Saif Janjwa (38) rescued the innings as they finished on 155 all out.

The chase started briskly as Sajjad Khewaraki just took 29 deliveries to smash a fast 46, while Ashfaq compiled a steady 70 from 79 balls. Shaiman Anwar (24no) and Shamruk Brooks (12no) got Wings over the line in the 30th over. Asif Mumtaz claimed both the wickets that fell.

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Ashraf and Ahmed lead the way as Wings soar to Gold Cup

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A five-wicket haul by Waseem Ashraf followed by a splendid half century from Ashfaq Ahmed helped Wings XI win the 5th Al Dhaid Gold Cup 40-over tournament, organised by Sharjah Cricket Council.

UAE banking on experience at Asian Snooker Team Champs

chris — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:06:25 +0000

The UAE will once again be banking on the experienced duo of Mohamed Shehab and Mohammed Al Joaker to deliver the goods at the Asian Snooker Team & Six-red Championships.

Young and talented Khalid Kamali will be the third UAE player taking part in the events, which get underway in Doha on Friday.

UAEBSA Vice-President Mohmmed Tamjid Abdulla said that every effort is being made to help the country’s national team players.

“We have acquired the services of leading professional David Roe from the United Kingdom to work as a coach with our players and we hope that this would produce positive results.”

Sultan Al Joaker, UAEBSA Secretary General, added: “The competition in snooker at the Asian level is getting tougher. The toughest challenges will be posed by the players from Thailand and China, but we have the experience as both Moh-amed [Shehab] and Mohammed [Al Joaker] have participated in many such competitions before.”

Mohammed Al Joaker, who captured the bronze medal at the inaugural Asian Six-red Snooker Championship in 2011 in Thailand, has been seeded third and placed in Group C, which also has Wang Yuchen of China and Singapore veteran Ang Boon Chin in it.

Shehab is in Group D with former Asian runner-up Mohammed Sajjad of Pakistan and immensely talented Laxman Rawat of India being in the same group.

Kamali has been placed in Group G with Thai professional Passakorn Suwannawat, Hong Kong veteran Fung Kwok Wai and China’s Wang Zepeng.

For the team competition, the UAE have been drawn in Group D with China, Iraq and Mongolia.

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UAE banking on experience at Asian Snooker Team Champs

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The UAE will once again be banking on the experienced duo of Mohamed Shehab and Mohammed Al Joaker to deliver the goods at the Asian Snooker Team & Six-red Championships.

Barcelona chief labels Mourinho a 'scourge on football'

chris — Wed, 22 May 2013 07:47:05 +0000

A senior official from Barcelona has labelled Jose Mourinho a “scourge on football” following confirmation the controversial Portuguese boss will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season.

Mourinho has been involved in a running battle with the Catalan club throughout his three years in charge, once famously suggesting that Barca receive preferential treatment from referees due to their charitable links with Unicef, and on another occasion viciously and without provocation jabbing Tito Vilanova in the eye during a pitchside confrontation.

Mourinho started his coaching career as an interpreter for Bobby Robson during his managerial reign at the Nou Camp, and later progressed to the role of assistant coach under Dutchman Louis Van Gaal before returning to Portugal.

It’s often been argued that Mourinho’s excessive aggression towards Barca stems largely from their subsequent refusal to bring him back to the Nou Camp as manager.

Mourinho was interviewed for the post in 2008 but Pep Guardiola was preferred, and Mourinho has responded with bitterness since.

Until now the Nou Camp hierarchy have maintained a dignified silence, keeping their true feelings on Mourinho and his antics private. But Carles Vilarrubi, one of Barca’s many vice presidents, decided Mourinho’s departure was a good enough reason to break the self-imposed no comment policy.

“Now I can say it, Mourinho has been a scourge on football,” blasted Vilarubi. “Seeing him leave is a positive for Spanish football because he created a negative atmosphere.”

Vilarrubi’s words found plenty of support throughout the Spanish media, with the majority of the country’s journalists delighted to see the back of the Portuguese boss.

The front page headline in Tuesday’s leading sports daily Marca was simply: “The Special End,” with the paper’s website reporting, with some relish, that 73 per cent of voters in a poll had identified Mourinho as the biggest cause of his own downfall.

Another Madrid paper, AS, chose a more colourful headline: “Lots of noise, but few nuts,” a Spanish proverb which can be roughly translated as “Much ado about nothing.”

In Barcelona, Mundo Deportivo's headline stated: “End of an era,” in a provocative reference to the phrase that had been thrown in Barca’s direction following their 7-0 Champions League sem-final defeat against Bayern Munich.

- Real Madrid chief jumps to the defence of Mourinho

- COMMENT: Mourinho was never a Real fit, unlike Ancelotti

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A senior official from Barcelona has labelled Jose Mourinho a “scourge on football” following confirmation the controversial Portuguese boss will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season.

Oxlade-Chamberlain: Arsenal stronger without Van Persie

chris — Wed, 22 May 2013 07:20:06 +0000

Arsenal star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain believes the Gunners were unhealthily reliant upon Robin van Persie.

The Dutch striker has just fired Manchester United to the league title 12 months after breaking Arsenal hearts by demanding a move away from the club.

The Gunners, meanwhile, staged a late rally to claim fourth – one place lower than their previous campaign, but three points better off. And despite missing van Persie’s goals, they scored just two fewer than in 2011/12, prompting Oxlade-Chamberlain to describe his departure as “making the team stronger”.

“It’s always going to be a blow when you lose someone like Robin,” the 19-year-old explained on a trip to Arsenal’s Dubai soccer school at 7he Sevens on Tuesday.

“He is a world class striker and he proved that this season and last season. But from a team point of view, it has helped us massively because no team is about one player and this season we have had to find goals from other areas of the pitch.

“A lot of players have had to step up and take the bull by the horns. I think Theo Walcott really stepped up and proved himself with his goalscoring this season.

“Santi Cazorla is another really unbelievable player who has produced goals. Lukas Podolski, Olivier Giroud and some of our defenders have scored key goals throughout the season.

“It’s hard to lose someone like Robin, but from a team point of view that always makes you stronger – you find out different things about different players when they have to step up and take responsibility.

“We have seen that from a lot of our players this season. We have finished in a strong position and a similar one to last season, so we have lost Robin but we still pulled together and did okay.”

Arsenal may have had to settle for creeping into the top four with a late surge, but hopes are high that next term they can make a more serious impact in the title race.

All three teams that finished above them will be led by different managers, with David Moyes replacing Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, Manuel Pellegrini the favourite to succeed Roberto Mancini at neighbours City, and Chelsea expected to confirm Jose Mourinho’s return to the club in the coming days.

The Portuguese left the Premier League in 2007 when Oxlade-Chamberlain was just 14, but still made a lasting impression on the emerging Three Lions star.

“Mourinho is a big character who left a stamp on English football,” said Oxlade-Chamberlain, who was joined in Dubai by team-mates Kieran Gibbs and Carl Jenkinson.

“I’m sure for many people it is a joy to have him back. I’m sure he will create some stories if he comes back.

“He’s a successful manager so he will bring back a lot of belief in who he joins.”

As for the wholesale changes at the summit of the league handing the Gunners an advantage, the pacy forward isn’t so sure.

“Managers come and go all the time,” he said. “With Sir Alex Ferguson leaving, Mourinho coming back and David Moyes going to United, it will make the Premier League more exciting and it will be interesting to see how everything pans out.

“But everyone in the league is a top manager and had their own successes.

“I think it’s more exciting for the outlook of next season, but for us we know what we’re doing and the continuity is nice.”

- Wenger confident of Arsenal title challenge next season

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Oxlade-Chamberlain: Arsenal stronger without Van Persie

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Arsenal were unhealthily reliant upon Robin van Persie, according to Gunners star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who was in Dubai on Tuesday to help out at the Arsenal Soccer School.

Darts stars excited yet wary of competing at Dubai Masters

chris — Wed, 22 May 2013 06:48:00 +0000

Darts legends Phil “The Power” Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld are anticipating a high-quality battle when they step up to the oche at the Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters.

The event, which takes place at the Dubai Tennis Stadium across Thursday and Friday, acts as the opening leg the PDC’s World Series of Darts, and pits eight of the top players on the planet against one another.

Aside from 16-time world champion Taylor and five-time champion Van Barneveld – James Wade, Andy Hamilton, Wes Newton, Michael van Gerwen, Simon Whitlock and Adrian Lewis are also in town to battle for the $250,000 (Dh918,000) prize money.

Competing in Dubai for the first time, van Barneveld says he’s wary of the weather but excited to take part in a unique event.

Speaking at a Unicorn promotional event at the Sun and Sand Sports store on Tuesday, the 46-year-old Dutchman said: “We really love it here. Playing outdoors could be a problem. They said it’s not windy but today we were on the roof by the swimming pool and it was windy, so I don’t know what we’re going to get on Thursday, we’ll see.”

The draw will be held today and van Barneveld says he’s not concerned about who he’s paired with but feels that van Gerwen is the man in form at the moment.

He added: “My form isn’t like I wish it was. It’s good but it’s not like a killer. I should be a killer more in all those finishes and doubles. One game could be won or lost on the one dart on a double, if you miss it, your head’s gone down and then you lose the match. If you hit then you can win the tournament.”

Meanwhile, Taylor says he’s been fascinated by what he’s seen of Dubai so far.

The 52-year-old Brit said: “I love it here. It’s like landing on a different planet to be quite honest. It’s awesome. It’s Vegas multiplied by 10, that’s what it is.

“The reception has been fantastic and the people seem to be really interested, because obviously there’s a lot of expats. It’s going well and I think if it goes again next year and the year after it’s going to keep getting better and better.

“I think everybody is playing okay at the minute, so it’s a case of just getting on with it," he added.

“I’m alright, a bit tired today, a bit jet-lagged. But a good night’s sleep tonight and I’ll be fine tomorrow.”

On the prospect of competing outdoors, Taylor said: “I’ve never done it before. So we’ll see how that goes.

“Some people can handle it better I suppose, but we’ve never done it before so it’s new. I’ve been there (Dubai Tennis Stadium) before so I know what to expect, but the lads have not seen it yet.”

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Darts stars excited yet wary of competing at Dubai Masters

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Darts legends Phil “The Power” Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld are anticipating a high-quality battle when they step up to the oche at the Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters.

Al Jazira captain Diaky on his way to Al Ahli

chris — Wed, 22 May 2013 06:24:50 +0000

Al Ahli have already started their summer recruitment process as Al Jazira captain Ibrahim Diaky reveals a deal to join the Pro League runners-up is “80 per cent” complete.

But the Red Knights still face competition from two other unnamed UAE clubs, while teams from Qatar and Saudi Arabia have also shown an interest in the Al Jazira club captain.

Diaky, who missed Monday night’s 3-1 win at Bani Yas with sickness, has started just one of Jazira’s last 10 games in all competitions and has decided it’s time for a new challenge.

“We are negotiating with the club, they really want me to come there for the next season,” Diaky told Sport360° about reports linking him with Ahli. “We are still negotiating but I think 80 per cent it will be done.”

The Ivory Coast-born midfielder’s nine years in Abu Dhabi have coincided with Jazira’s rise from perennial underachievers to regular title challengers.

Diaky, the club’s all-time leading scorer, has helped the previously trophy-less outfit to the Gulf Club Champions Cup, UAE Federation Cup, Etisalat Cup, two President’s Cups and the Pro League.

But, while he will leave the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium with a heavy heart, he believes now is the time to use his experience to help another club.

“Jazira is like my family and I have been here for so long. Of course I will be sad but I think it is time for me to have a new challenge and give my best for another team,” he added.

“I still have one year with Al Jazira but why not try to help another team and give them my best and try to win a championship with another team?”

Given he still has 12 months remaining on his contract at Jazira, Ahli will have to agree a fee with the club before Diaky is released. And publicly at least Jazira are insisting they are yet to receive an official approach from their Dubai-based rivals.

First team manager, Ayed Mabkhout, said: “Until now we have not received anything from Al Ahli or any other club and we have heard these things for a long time.

“Every summer we hear these stories but until now we haven’t received anything official.”

Mabkhout added: “Diaky has been at Jazira for a long time, he is our captain and we would like him to stay with us.”

Milla future

Defeat in last week’s Etisalat Cup final against Ajman means Jazira will end the season without silverware for the first time in four years. Monday’s win at Bani Yas means the Abu Dhabi club will at least secure a top three finish – and most probably a place in the 2014 AFC Champions League qualifying round – with a home win over Al Wahda this Saturday.

However question marks over manager Luis Milla’s future refuse to go away with the Spaniard’s name omitted from the official Pro League team list for the second time in his three-month reign ahead of kick-off in Al Shamkha.

Mabkhout, though, insists Milla is going nowhere. “We are working with him and Inshallah we will keep our position in third,” he said.

“We lost the Etisalat Cup but before he came we lost the Super Cup, the league and the President’s Cup so we cannot say it’s because of him we lost the Etisalat Cup. His contract is with us until the end of next season and Inshallah he will be with us.”

- Al Jazira make Pro League history with win at Bani Yas

- Al Ahli boss Sanchez Flores coy on long-term future

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Al Jazira captain Diaky on his way to Al Ahli

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Al Ahli have already started their summer recruitment process as Al Jazira captain Ibrahim Diaky reveals a deal to join the Pro League runners-up is “80 per cent” complete.

IPL: Hussey and Raina lead Chennai's march into final

chris — Wed, 22 May 2013 06:02:31 +0000

The Chennai Super Kings remained on course for their third Indian Premier League title on Tuesday, recording a 48-run win over the Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 1 thanks to big half centuries from Mike Hussey and Suresh Raina.

Chennai scored 192 for one, with Hussey unbeaten on 86 and Raina on 82, and Mumbai were then bowled out for 144.

Mumbai were on track for a win when opener Dwayne Smith was in the middle, but they crumbled from 87 for one to 144 all out 10 overs later. While Chennai advance straight to Sunday’s final, Mumbai will get a second chance in Qualifier 2 against the winner of today’s eliminator between the Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

It will be Chennai’s fifth final in six editions. The only time they failed to make it to the title round was in IPL2 held in South Africa where they lost in the semi-finals.

Despite a healthy total on board, Chennai captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, felt it was not enough. “We always tell our players that when you get a start, you need to grab it. I thought we were 10 runs short.

“Hussey gave us a good start but Raina gave us the edge in the middle of the innings,” he said.

Hussey was modest about his run charge and said: “It has been nice to be able to contribute to certain team wins and get us into the position of being in the grand final.

“I do not really think too much about how I am going personally. It is more about how much I can contribute to a team win. I always believe the key to batting is partnerships and I am glad we got our partnerships going against Mumbai.”

The Mumbai captain, Rohit Sharma, conceded his team were not up to the mark and hoped to come good in Qualifer 2 in Kolkata on Friday.

“There’s always a second chance, but I am disappointed the way we played. Dinesh (Karthik) and I got out at the wrong time. We had a wonderful start but didn’t capitalise. It is not a good sign.

“Kolkata will be a different surface but we have had a good set of results there so hope it goes well,” he added.

Earlier, Dhoni won the toss and chose to bat first, and aside from the loss of Murali Vijay for 23, they flew along unhindered. Hussey became the tournament’s top run scorer (732 runs) with this knock, and struck 10 fours and two sixes.

Raina did his Champions Trophy preparation a world of good with his effort, striking five sixes and five fours in a 42-ball innings. The fans were treated to a blistering batting display as the duo raised 140 runs in 12.4 overs.

The Mumbai bowlers were at a loss, with four of the six going for more than 10 to the over. Mumbai’s knock suffered an early loss of Aditya Tare, but Smith was superb reaching 68 off 28 balls, including five sixes. Such was Smith’s dominance that in a partnership of 75 runs with Karthik, the latter contributed only nine.

The mayhem couldn’t have continued forever and Dhoni introduced one of his go-to men, Ravindra Jadeja (3-31), which turned out to be the masterstroke. Smith misread the length of a Jadeja delivery and his mistimed shot ballooned up for Raina to complete the formalities. The left-arm spinner then bowled an arm ball which trapped Karthik plumb in front of the wicket trying a sweep shot.

With the run-rate building up, skipper Rohit Sharma tried to force the pace but ended up holing out in the deep off Morris and Mumbai slumped to 101 for four from a relatively strong 87 for one.

Kieron Pollard did hit a couple big sixes off Jadeja but the bowler had the last when the burly all-rounder gave a simple catch to short fine leg fielder while attempting to flick it over the top. With Pollard back in the dug-out, a victory was out of the question. Bravo (3-9) and Mohit Sharma (2-32) then polished off the tail without much difficulty.

Watch highlights of Chennai's convincing win here:

LEADING FIGURES

Top batsmen
1. Michael Hussey (Chennai) 732 runs
2. Chris Gayle (Bangalore) 708 runs
3. Virat Kohli (r) (Bangalore) 634 runs

Top six-hitters
1. Chris Gayle (r) (Bangalore) 51
2. Rohit Sharma (Mumbai) 28
3. Kieron Pollard (Mumbai) 25

Top bowlers
1. Dwayne Bravo (r) (Chennai) 28 wickets
2. James Faulkner (Rajasthan) 26 wickets
3. Vinay Kumar (Bangalore) 23 wickets

Most Valuable Player
1. Shane Watson (Rajasthan) 351 points
2. Chris Gayle (Bangalore) 349 points
3. Dwayne Bravo (Chennai) 289.5 points

- EXCLUSIVE: Sreesanth family "shocked" at IPL spot-fiixing charge

- IPL trio accused of spot-fixing refused bail

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Are you King of the Rock? Represent the UAE at Alcatraz

chris — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:04:14 +0000

Red Bull are calling all UAE ballers to sign up to their King of the Rock qualifiers for the chance to pit their wits against the world’s top talent in a one-on-one, best-of-the-best tournament at Alcatraz.

Alcatraz, aka The Rock, is the venue for this unique basketball tournament where the best one-on-one players from the United States and the rest of the world battle it out to be crowned the ‘King of the Rock’.

The UAE is one of the countries handed a place in the tournament, but with competition in the Emirates fierce, Red Bull will be hosting three qualifying events before a final to decide who will represent our country in California.

Dubai will host the first qualifying round on June 7 and Sharjah the second on June 14, before Abu Dhabi completes the list of UAE finalists on June 21.

The overall winner - and the player to represent the UAE - will then be discovered in Dubai on June 28 in a final showdown.

The venues for the Dubai and Sharjah qualifiers are yet to be confirmed but if you hope to compete in the capital, then get down to the Family and Skate Park on the Corniche.

Last year’s UAE winner Qais Omar will be back to stake his claim and is again among the favorites to represent the nation in the States.

The King of the Rock for the last two years, Hugh ‘Baby Shaq’ Jones will be looking for his third title and will be the man to beat as the world descends on Alcatraz in September.

If you think you have the skills to compete not just with the UAE’s best, but the world’s then book your place now. You can register online at www.redbullmea.com, call 0559371203 or simply turn up on the day.

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Sheikh Mansour & Man City complete MLS club deal

chris — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:17:12 +0000

Abu Dhabi royal Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan has continued to expand his sporting portfolio after it was confirmed Manchester City and the New York Yankees have formed an agreement to purchase an expansion franchise in Major League Soccer.

New York City Football Club will become the 20th club in MLS in 2015 after a deal worth around 100million US dollars (AED367million) was concluded. The two clubs and MLS announced the partnership after a meeting at the league's headquarters in central New York.

Sheikh Mansour purchased City in 2008 and has invested heavily in turning the Premier League club into a major force. His bankrolling of City helped them land the Premier League title in 2012, their first league triumph in 44 years.

And with an eye on the ever-expanding US soccer market, Sheikh Mansour and City, along with the Yankees, will own an MLS franchise, which will hope to be competing from the 2015 season.

City chief executive Ferran Soriano said: "New York is a legendary sports town, as well as a thriving global city with a rapidly expanding soccer fanbase.

"We are thrilled to contribute to the energy and growth of New York City soccer.

"In the Yankees, we have found the absolute best partner for developing a world-class sports organisation and a winning team that will carry the New York City Football Club name with pride."

Majority owner

City will be the majority owner of the new venture, with the Yankees, who previously had a commercial agreement with Manchester United, being an active member of the ownership group.

The new club does not presently have a home but discussions are under way over the construction of a new stadium at Flushing Meadows in the Queens borough of the city. They will play at a temporary location until a development is completed.

MLS commissioner Don Garber said: "We proudly welcome two of the most prestigious global sports organisations to Major League Soccer.

"This is a transformational development that will elevate the league to new heights in this country."

New York City will operate as a separate entity to Manchester City, although there will inevitably be close links between the teams.

Soriano will now begin the process of putting in place a separate administration for the new entity, which will in turn appoint coaching staff and begin player recruitment.

Manchester City's possible expansion into the MLS was rumoured last month, although it was suggested it would be more of an enterprise undertaken by owner Sheikh Mansour rather than the club itself.

Something special

The involvement of the Yankees builds on a partnership City already have with baseball's most famous club through Legends Hospitality, an international catering organisation. City are also due to play at Yankee Stadium in their second match against Chelsea on Saturday.

The Yankees will not be involved in the football side of the business but will bring their considerable commercial expertise to the operation.

Hal Steinbrenner, managing general partner of the New York Yankees, said: "We look forward to the opportunity to work with Manchester City to create something very special for the soccer fans of New York - and to bringing another terrific team to this city for all sports fans to enjoy."

The right time

MLS feel the time is right for expansion having seen considerable growth in attendances and viewing figures over the past six years. They also wanted to bring an extra team to New York to build a rivalry with the Red Bulls, who are based in New Jersey.

The new venture has the support of mayor Michael Bloomberg, who said: "Soccer is one of the world's most exciting and popular sports, and it should be played on the world's biggest stage - in New York City.

"New Yorkers are the greatest sports fans in the world, and they will welcome a Major League Soccer franchise with the full-throated and loyal support they are famous for."

Negotiations to potentially build at Flushing Meadows Corona Park began last year and are set to continue.

Soriano said: "New York City FC will have a permanent home in the city in the great traditions of New York sports and world soccer - a home that must be a sports, commercial and civic success.

"But in considering any stadium site, we will listen first.

"This is what we have always done in Manchester and what we will do in New York. Only in this way, can the club truly represent the City whose name it will carry."

- FEATURE (Part 2): How Man City & Sheikh Mansour have built their American dream

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UAE 'lottery winner' to achieve lifelong dream at Iron Man Hawaii

chris — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:14:05 +0000

UAE resident Michael Haseldine will be tackling a “lifelong goal” when he takes his place at the start line of the Iron Man World Championships in Hawaii.

Haseldine was granted a place at October’s event through the lottery system, which grants 100 athletes – 50 Americans and 50 from the rest of the world – the chance to race alongside the world’s best ultra-triathletes.

Iron Man events are regarded as the ultimate test of physical endurance, with athletes required to take on the gruelling 3.8km ocean swim followed by an often windblown 180km cycle before a full 42.2km marathon to finish.

The Australian has competed in one previous Iron Man – in Nice in 2010 – and having finished just short of an automatic qualifying place, has entered himself for the lottery each year since in the hope of being one of those lucky few to be selected.

And this year Haseldine, who will be the UAE’s sole representative, has got his break and is clearly grateful for the opportunity.

“For many athletes, it is a life-long goal to be able to compete in Hawaii; that is why I have entered the lottery the last few years and luckily my name was drawn this year,” he tells Sport360.

“I’ve maintained a good level of fitness and have been involved in some running and cycling events,” Haseldine adds. “But when that email came through notifying me of my place, I got stuck straight into a higher level of training.”

The higher level of training Haseldine is referring to consists of mostly two sessions a day – morning and evening – where five hour cycles rides, two and a half hour runs and four kilometre swims are the norm.

“Ideally I’d like to go under 11 hours,” Haseldine says of his aim. “But Hawaii is a pretty tough Iron Man course with tough conditions. There is often a strong wind coming in off the sea, and it’s hot.”

The idea of competing in an Iron Man to many is too daunting an experience, with the physical demands too extreme for most people.

And even a proficient competitor like Haseldine admits there will be a few nerves when he takes to the start line.

“To compete in Hawaii is a dream for a lot of people so there is a great deal of excitement at being part of it,” he explains. “In any event like this, there are always a few nerves. You know you’ve done the hard work to get there and get through the course, but then it is difficult to prepare for the unexpected challenges that might occur on the day.”

Physical stamina for such an event is one thing, mental preparation quite another. But Haseldine is confident that he will be ready for whatever the Hawaii course throws at him.

“It always gets tough at certain stages but regardless of how hard it gets, it’s one of those occasions where you dig deep to find that bit extra to make sure you finish,” he says.

“For me knowing I’ve done the physical stuff and the hours of preparation, that goes a long way to helping with the mental side of things.

“Knowing that this could be a once in a lifetime opportunity in itself is plenty of motivation to see you over the finish line.”

As a lottery ‘winner’, Haseldine has avoided qualifying through the conventional means, and it is a system he says has drawn criticism from certain sections of the triathlon community. But it is not about to faze Haseldine, who is staying focused on his own objectives leading up to race day.

“The lottery system is something that is frowned upon by a lot in the triathlon community. They might argue that as it’s the world championships then only the best of the best should be competing in such an event,” he states.

“I’m not too bothered about all of that though, I’m focused on my own thing and achieving my own goals.

"A training friend of mine, who qualified for an Iron Man at the age of 65, told me that it doesn’t matter how you get there, just as long as you perform when you’re there.

“And that is how I’m looking at it.

“If there is a system in place that allows people to enter through a lottery, then they deserve to use that and take their chance.”

Haseldine is the Head of Physical Education at the Australian International School in Sharjah, and thus will be competing as a non-professional. He is looking to raise sponsorship money to help out with travel and accommodation costs.

EFI International and Dr Francine Pinnuck, International Director of EFI International, have been very generous in contributing funds towards a triathlon bike for Michael. EFI International is an Australian company with offices in the UAE. Dr Francine Pinnuck is the manager of World & Olympic champion Australian track cyclist Anna Meares.

If you or your company would like to give some assistance to helping Michael out in this endeavour please contact Wade Lunt at uaelunts@gmail.com. Any assistance will go a long way.

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Chelsea? Monaco? Real Madrid? It's up to you, Falcao

chris — Tue, 21 May 2013 15:10:41 +0000

Atletico Madrid left this summer's expected blockbuster transfer in Radamel Falcao's hands on Tuesday when they admitted the prolific striker was free to leave and decide his own future.

Chief executive Miguel Angel Gil-Marin said he didn't know if Falcao would still be at the club after his 28 La Liga goals this season reportedly attracted multi-million dollar offers from some of Europe's top clubs.

"Next season? I don't know, it depends on the player," Gil-Marin told reporters in Singapore. "If the player decides to go, Atletico will help him. Or if he prefers to be with us, for us it's perfect."

Chelsea, Monaco, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Manchester City -- who are preparing a record £54 million (AED 300m) deal, according to British press -- have all been linked to the long-haired Colombian.

Falcao did little more than give a thumbs-up to waiting media as he arrived for a football clinic with schoolchildren at Singapore's Jalan Besar Stadium, where Atletico will play a friendly on Wednesday.

But last week, the 27-year-old laughed off intense speculation he was about to sign for Monaco.

"If you believe what is being reported, I have already signed for half the clubs in Europe: Manchester United, Chelsea, Real Madrid," Falcao said.

"Last year, before the (Europa League) final in Bucharest (against Athletic Bilbao), people said I was going to leave and that the club didn't have the budget to keep me.

"All I can say is that I have a contract with Atletico and everything else is speculation."

Atletico arrived in Singapore fresh from last week's Spanish Cup victory over arch-rivals Real, in which Falcao set up his team's first goal.

- Torres, Aguero & now Falcao: Atletico admit they will sell talisman

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Napoli to hold talks with Man City over Cavani-Dzeko swap deal

chris — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:41:21 +0000

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis revealed on Tuesday that he would be willing to discuss a deal with Manchester City that would see strikers Edin Dzeko and Edinson Cavani move in opposite directions.

"I have said to (sporting director Riccardo) Bigon: 'Go and see City to negotiate a bit for Dzeko and see what they are prepared to do for Cavani," De Laurentiis said during a public meeting in Naples.

The Napoli president has already indicated that he would be willing to release the Uruguayan striker, who was the top scorer in Serie A this season with 29 goals, for a fee of 60 million euros (AED 284m).

Cavani has scored 104 goals in three seasons for Napoli since signing from Palermo. His goals have helped Napoli qualify for the Champions League twice. They finished second in Serie A this season behind Juventus and won the Italian Cup last year.

A big-money signing from Wolfsburg in January 2011, Bosnian striker Dzeko scored 15 goals in all competitions in the season just finished, but has often had to make do with a place on the City bench.

Meanwhile, De Laurentiis denied suggestions that he has been in contact with Chelsea's interim manager Rafael Benitez about a move to southern Italy.

"I did not go to London for Benitez...it was to prepare the release of a film about Steve Jobs," said De Laurentiis, a film producer, in response to reports in the Italian press.

- Brazilian star confirms he wants Man City move

- OPINION: Mancini made his mark but now Pellegrini must deliver

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IPL trio accused of spot-fixing refused bail

chris — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:25:58 +0000

Three Indian cricket players were refused bail on Tuesday after they appeared in court on spotfixing charges as police announced the arrest of a Bollywood actor over the scandal.

A court in New Delhi agreed a five-day custody extension for former Test paceman Shanthakumaran Sreesanth and two teammates from the Rajasthan Royals who are accused of deliberately bowling badly in exchange for tens of thousands of dollars during the ongoing Indian Premier League, a Twenty20 competition.

"Police said they wanted to interrogate them further and also conduct raids on their houses," said S.K Rai, one of the prosecuting lawyers who was present at the hearing, told AFP.

Eleven other bookmakers who were arrested at the same time as the Rajasthan Royals players were also refused bail during the afternoon sitting.

Investigators told the court they had seized two million rupees (around $37,000) stashed in a cricket kit bag and hidden at the home to a relative of Ajit Chandila, one of the three Rajasthan Royals players in custody.

Police behind the arrests last week of Sreesanth, Chandila and their teammate Ankeet Chavan say the trio were acting under orders from international crime syndicates, whose bosses are based in the Gulf. Sreesanth, who is the most famous of three having played 27 Tests for India, is alleged to have been paid four million rupees (about $75,000) to give away 14 runs in an over in a match against Kings XI Punjab on May 9. His teammates are said to have agreed to similar deals in two other IPL matches.

The Rajasthan Royals on Monday suspended the contracts of the three players and promised to cooperate fully with the authorities in their investigation.

"The franchise is in daily contact with the police authorities in Delhi, Jaipur and Mumbai for providing any cooperation or information that they might require," it said in a statement.

As the hearing was taking place in the capital, police in Mumbai said they had arrested the actor Vindu Dara Singh Randhawa, who is the son of the late Bollywood star Dara Singh, as part of the spot-fixing investigation.

"He has been arrested today," Mumbai police spokesman Satyanarayan Choudhary told AFP, without giving further details.

And in a further blow to the IPL, a seven-week competition which is reaching its finale, the struggling Pune Warriors franchise announced it was pulling out of the tournament. The decision is largely symbolic as the team has already finished their matches, finishing second from bottom of the tournament.

- Sreesanth family "shocked" at IPL spot-fixing charge

- Police: More IPL players involved in spot-fixing scandal

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