Sports Talk May 2013 by Sports Talk

COLUMN: ANDREW STRAUSS

TUITION: DAFYDD JAMES

PLUS GODOLPHIN ROCKED BY DOPING SCANDAL SAME OLD SUAREZ, ALWAYS EATING! 180! DUBAI DARTS MASTERS PREVIEW

PLAYING BY THE BOOK Issue 08 May 2013 mesportstalk.com

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HOW THE QURAN TURNED CHELSEA STRIKER DEMBA BA FROM ZERO TO HERO

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STARTING XI SUAREZ

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PRE-MATCH TALK

FASHION EDITOR: GIZEM MUTLUAY gizem@mesportstalk.com

‘Kop Cannibal’ banned for ten games; Godolphin rocked by doping scandal

SUBBING EDITOR: AELRED DOYLE CONTRIBUTORS: ANDREW STRAUSS, ANNABEL CROFT, CLIVE AGRAN, DAFYDD JAMES, DANIELLE WYATT, SHAHZAD SHEIKH, TREVOR SINCLAIR DESIGN SENIOR DESIGNER: STEVEN CASTELLUCCIA steven@cpidubai.com

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PHOTOGRAPHERS: ANAS CHERUR, JAY COLINA

BARNEY

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FIRST HALF

How the Quran helped the Chelsea striker; Is Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio a fascist? Raymond van Barneveld previews the Dubai Darts Masters

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STRAUSS

CROFT

QUBAISI

JACOBS

TRAINING GROUND

HALF-TIME TALK

Straussy dissects Australia’s Ashes squad; Crofty previews the French Open; Sports Talk’s editor profiles sporting city Chicago

SJOHOLM

JAMES

Al Forsan driver on the art of karting; Daf’s TRX circuit to get rid of your jelly belly

WYATT

SECOND HALF

The Atlantis ambassador goes ray-feeding; The England cricketer on her love for Stoke

MAY 2013

SPORTS TALK

Al Manzil Hotel Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard | The Old Town | Downtown Dubai PO Box 114822 | Dubai, UAE Tel +971 (0)4 4285888 | Fax +971 (0)4 4285999 a l m a n z i l h o t e l . a e

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SERKAL DU SOLEIL I

f Yousuf Al Serkal is elected Asian Football Confederation president, he could turn Qatar 2022 into a circus. Just weeks before a highly manufactured campaign, which included an erroneous (and hastily corrected) boast that FIFA supremo Sepp Blatter was backing him, the UAE football chief dubbed suggestions of a Gulf-wide World Cup “a crazy idea”. Yet, at his manifesto launch, in a true Jekyll and Hyde moment, he revealed the UAE would be keen to aid Qatar in some capacity. “We have a very close relationship with the Qatar FA,” said Al Serkal. “We supported them in their bid to stage the 2022 World Cup. I am sure they can succeed in staging it alone, but if they do need any help we are here and willing to get involved. I don’t see any issue with the UAE hosting games, which might solve a few problems, although that’s something FIFA would have to approve.” The notion of a joint UAE-Qatar World Cup would be wonderful for this region, yet is also about as farcical as deranged Roman Emperor Caligula making his horse a consul, or rancorous Pope Steven VI placing the exhumed corpse of Pope Formosus on trial for bogus charges. The UAE will inevitably have an unofficial role to play in 2022, housing tourists and probably the odd team too. Dubai Sports City, for example, through the connections of former Real Madrid midfielder Michel Salgado, are already trying to convince world champions Spain to base themselves there. However, moving World Cup games to the UAE won’t solve anything since the June heat would be just as crippling as in Doha. Meanwhile, if the tournament shifts to winter there’s no logical reason why the UAE would be a useful co-host. After all, Qatar’s proposed stadia (with the exception of Al Jazira’s 42,000-capacity Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium) are significantly snazzier than any on these shores. Most importantly, a UAE-Qatar event is not what FIFA’s delegates voted for, so if it came off there’d be justifiable outrage, particularly about handing out a second automatic qualification spot. Plus, it seems the UAE never really backed Qatar 2022 – at least not until after they won. Al Serkal states they supported all the plans from their infancy, but the bid’s project director Jon Sinigaglia told Sports Talk the region actually snubbed approaches to be included because they wanted to leave the door open for their own solo bid in the future. “We hoped to use the World Cup to unite the Middle East, but the UAE FA weren’t remotely interested,” he said. “If anything they saw us as a threat, since they craved to be the first Arab country to stage a World Cup. I tried to involve them on several occasions. Only after we’d won did they stand up and take notice.” It thus seems Al Serkal is championing the UAE as 2022 World Cup saviours purely to garner votes. This is also why he’s vocally calling for the event to be shifted to the winter, despite originally lending his support to a summer event – another ridiculous U-turn, but one that will glean support from the Asian countries, especially after Doha’s disastrous 2011 Asian Cup, where virtually every team moaned about the sticky conditions. There is no denying it, Al Serkal has run a cunning campaign, but he’s still unlikely to win. Bahraini royal Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa remains favourite for the role, which will be announced in Kuala Lumpur in early May. However, the race, which also includes Saudi Arabia’s Hafez Al Medlej and Thailand’s Worawi Makudi, could prove closer than most expected after Sheikh Salman was accused by pressure group Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB) of ordering the torture of national team players A’ala and Mohamed Hubail and Sayed Mohamed Adnan for their part in pro-democracy riots back in 2011. It’s an accusation the 43-year-old vehemently denies. “I can assure you the Bahrain FA holds the highest possible governance standards of integrity and transparency,” he said. “No action has been taken under my direction against any member of the football community. The allegations are designed to damage my personal reputation and to interfere with the AFC presidential elections.” The timing of the ADHRB’s comments suggests Sheikh Salman is right and, in fairness to him, he’s handled the scandal with aplomb. The same can be said of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who’s been forced to lock down his Godolphin stables after 11 horses tested positive for anabolic steroids. Guilty trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni – who admitted to making a “catastrophic error” – has been banned for eight years by the British Horseracing Authority, effectively ending his career. Sheikh Maktoum was appalled at the news, and has taken every step to cooperate in what will go down as one of racing’s biggest scandals. On a lighter note, the inaugural Dubai Darts Masters comes to the Irish Village this May (23-24), with Dutch duo Raymond ‘Barney’ van Barneveld and Michael ‘Mighty Mike’ van Gerwen both vowing to upset world No.1 Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor. The $250k event will be intriguing, especially given it’s the first darts tournament to be staged outdoors. Even though the oche will be covered, the slightest breeze could play havoc with the flight of the darts. This month, along with an exclusive with Barney, we also speak to Chelsea striker Demba Ba, who tells us how the Quran helped transform his football career, and we ask Trevor Sinclair whether his ex-West Ham teammate Paolo Di Canio really is a fascist, after the new Sunderland boss received flak for his political beliefs. Meanwhile, ex-England captain Andrew Strauss dissects Australia’s squad for this summer’s Ashes and former British No.1 Annabel Croft previews the French Open at Roland Garros. Enjoy May’s issue!

benj@mesportstalk.com @JacobsBen facebook.com/mesportstalk

MOVING WORLD CUP GAMES TO THE UAE WON’T SOLVE ANYTHING SINCE THE JUNE HEAT WOULD BE JUST AS CRIPPLING AS IN DOHA. MEANWHILE, IF THE TOURNAMENT SHIFTS TO WINTER THERE’S NO LOGICAL REASON WHY THE UAE WOULD BE A USEFUL CO-HOST.

MAY 2013

SPORTS TALK

PRE-MATCH TALK

BREAKING NEWS » CONTENTIOUS VIEWS » TOP TWEETS

THIS MONTH… 09 GODOLPHIN SCANDAL

Trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni is banned for eight years after 11 of his horses test positive for drugs

10 KOP CANNIBAL

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez gets a ten game suspension for bitting Branislav Ivanovic’s arm

14 CLIVE AGRAN

Sports Talk’s intrepid OAP travels to Augusta to watch Adam Scott win the 77th Masters

PRE-MATCH TALK IMPERIOUS VETTEL WINS BAHRAIN GP

ed Bull’s Sebastian Vettel comfortably defended his Bahrain Grand Prix crown. The 2012 world champion beat Lotus pair Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean to open up a ten-point lead at the top of the drivers’ championship. Force India’s Paul Di Resta narrowly missed out on the first podium finish of his career, while McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton recovered from a five-place grid penalty to complete the top five. Vettel put behind a spat with Mark Webber in Malaysia – where he ignored team orders to overtake the fuming Aussie, thus cataclysmically souring his victory – to dominate in Sakhir. Having started in second place, behind fellow German Nico Rosberg, the 25-year-old was fleetingly overtaken by Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso (who eventually faded to eighth after persistent DRS issues), only to re-pass him with an aggressive move at Turn Five, before skilfully weaving past Rosberg moments later. 1. Sebastian Vettel, “It was a seamless race Red Bull (1:36:00.498) from start to finish,” raved 2. Kimi Raikkonen, Vettel. “I knew it was Lotus crucial to get into the lead (+00:09.111) and then look after the 3. Romain tyres. Annoyingly, I lost Grosjean, Lotus out to Alonso at the first (+00:19.507) corner, but I was soon in 4. Paul Di Resta, front again. The car was Force India (+00:21.727) fantastic – much faster and more efficient than 5. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes any of us expected.” (+00:35.230) With Vettel, for once, impeccably behaved, the petulant petrol-head feud we’ve come to expect in F1 came courtesy of McLaren duo Jenson Button and Sergio Perez. 2009 champion Button was left livid after his Mexican teammate, nicknamed ‘Checo’, indulged in some wheel-banging, forcing the baffled Brit to tell his garage to “calm Sergio down”. “I am not used to driving down a straight with your teammate wiggling his wheels at you,” ranted Button, who finished 10th, four places behind Perez. “Banging wheels at 300kph isn’t something we normally do in Formula One. It’s what you do in karting but soon grow out of. Perhaps this is the way racing will go now. I don’t know. But it’s not the way I want to go racing.”

BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX

In fairness to plucky Perez, it was actually quite refreshing witnessing two McLarens go hammer and tong, rather than respecting the nauseating gentleman’s agreement that F1 stablemates must never compete. Although some of the Mexican’s actions bordered on dangerous, fans would far rather see fullblooded efforts to overtake than watch drivers ease off under duress, like Hamilton and Rosberg did in March’s Malaysian Grand Prix. Paranoid team bosses seem to do everything in their power to bar their charioteers from going head to head for fear they might break a nail ON and thus lose precious @JENSONBUTTERDAY YEST points in the constructors’ IMPORTANT CHAT PEREZ championship, which WITH @SCHECO EAR THE AIR CL TO wrongly takes preference over the drivers’ one.

NEW FIVE-YEAR DEAL FOR BAHRAIN GP? Bernie Ecclestone is Formula One’s very own Jekyll and Hyde. Less than 24 hours after dubbing the Bahrain government “stupid in many ways” for hosting the event amid mass pro-democracy protests, the F1 supremo hinted at a new long-term deal for the race. “We are happy to discuss a new fiveyear contract,” said the 82-year-old, who had posters with his face on them torched outside the Sakhir track. “The organisers do a superb job and I don’t see any problems with the political climate.” Ecclestone is obviously choosing to turn a blind eye to the widespread violence that occurred in the build-up to April’s race, including a car bomb in Manama just seven days before it. Last year, four Force India mechanics were also caught up in a conflict on the main road as youths hurling Molotov cocktails clashed with police firing tear gas,

while in 2011 the race was cancelled after political riots killed 35 people. With Qatar and Dubai both keen to take Bahrain’s place on the calendar – and the latter in a strong bargaining position, given Emirates have just signed a $200m deal as a global partner for F1 – it is hard to see Bahrain remaining on the calendar when its contract expires in 2016. Ecclestone nonetheless maintains the region is safe (or at least one of his alter egos does), but golf’s European Tour still don’t think so. Volvo Golf Champions organiser Per Ericsson has confirmed the tournament won’t ever return to Royal Bahrain Golf Club after an ill-fated experience in 2011. Given Volvo and Ecclestone glean their safety information from the same government source, their wildly conflicting assessment of the region is a touch bizarre.

gossip: BAHRAIN WANTS TO REPLACE AUSTRALIA AS Formula one ’ S SEASON-OPENING race

SPORTS TALK

MAY 2013

GODOLPHIN STABLE ROCKED BY DOPING SCANDAL

odolphin trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni has been banned for eight years by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) after the illegal anabolic steroids ethylestranol and stanozolol were found in 11 of his horses, who between them have won over $2 million in prize money. These included 2012 Dubai World Cup winner Monterosso (which may explain the mystery withdrawal from this year’s event) and Certify, who is unbeaten in four outings and was one of the favourites for this month’s 1,000 Guineas, before being excluded from the prestigious race at Newmarket. “I deeply regret what has happened. I have made a catastrophic error, for which I am very sorry,” Al Zarooni told the Godolphin website. “Because the horses involved were not racing at the time, I didn’t realise that what I was doing was in breach of the rules. I can only apologise for the damage this will cause to Godolphin and to racing generally.” “This is a dark day for us,” added Godolphin’s racing manager Simon Crisford. “His Highness Sheikh Mohammed was absolutely appalled when he found out. This is totally unacceptable to him and he has instructed me to begin an urgent review of all of our procedures and

controls. Until this is completed all of our stables will remain on lockdown. “As for Zarooni, I regret hiring him. In hindsight, I showed a remarkable lack of judgment in recommending him to Sheikh Mohammed. I am afraid he has betrayed the trust we put in him and let everybody down – not just Godolphin but the British public, too. We’ll have nothing to do with him again and I have no sympathy for him.” Since winning last September’s Ladbrokes St Leger at Doncaster with Encke, 37-year-old Zarooni was heralded as a rising star, but now his career lies in tatters.

SHOOTER WILSON WINS WORLD CUP GOLD IN AL AIN Peter Wilson added double trap gold at the Al Ain World Cup to his Olympic title. The 26-year-old Brit, who is trained by Sheikh Ahmed bin Hasher Al Maktoum, beat China’s Wang Hu in a shoot-off. Sheikh Ahmed became the Brit’s coach in 2009 on the condition that he work on his mental strength. The pair will now stay together until Rio 2016, when Wilson hopes to win another medal for his mentor. “I dedicated my gold in London to Sheikh Ahmed and I want to do the same in Brazil,” Wilson told Sports Talk. “There is pressure on me after the Olympics. Everyone expects me to win, and I have to stay focused. I really wanted to do well for Sheikh Ahmed, given this event is on home soil for him, and thankfully I came out on top.” Sheikh Ahmed is an Olympic gold medallist himself, having triumphed in the double trap at Athens in 2004. He turns 50 this December, but revealed he wants to keep working with Wilson for the foreseeable future. “I’d like to keep on going beyond Rio, but it is really Peter’s call,” he said. “If he wins gold again in 2016 there’s really not much left for him to achieve in shooting.”

I DEEPLY REGRET WHAT HAS HAPPENED. I HAVE MADE A CATASTROPHIC ERROR, FOR WHICH I AM VERY SORRY.

gossip: AUSSIE MARe BLACK CAVIAR IS UNLIKELY TO BREED WITH BRITISH STALLION FRANKEL

MAY 2013

SPORTS TALK

PRE-MATCH TALK

SAME OLD SUAREZ, ALWAYS EATING!

uis Suarez has been charged by the Football Association (FA) for violent conduct and suspended for ten games after biting Branislav Ivanovic’s right arm during Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea at Anfield. Suarez (or ‘Kop Cannibal’, as some are now calling him) miraculously escaped punishment during the game since referee Kevin Friend didn’t see the gruesome incident, but will nonetheless receive a lengthy ban. To add to Chelsea’s woes, the Uruguayan popped up seven minutes into injury time to salvage Liverpool a point – not that the goal redeemed him in the eyes of irate manager Brendan Rodgers. “Luis’ behaviour was totally unacceptable,” he conceded. “We will fine him, and donate the money to the victims of Hillsborough. We will also not be appealing the FA’s punishment, although I do EZ @LUIS16SUAR ON think it’s a little excessive. IVANOVIC I’VE SPOKEN TO “Luis is very sorry for his D ISE OG OL AP D AN THE PHONE . actions and we will work with DIRECTLY TO HIM him to improve his discipline. Of

course, no one is bigger than this football club, but for now we won’t abandon him. He signed a four-year contract last summer and we still hope he sees that out. Luis is our top scorer, and while I am disappointed in his actions, I think he deserves a second chance.” Technically, Suarez has had his second chance – after all, this isn’t the first time he’s snacked on a fellow professional. In 2010, while at Ajax, he munched on PSV Eindhoven’s Otman Bakkal and was suspended for seven matches. Plus, Liverpool can’t ignore his eight-match ban and £60k fine for racially abusing Patrice Evra. The Manchester United defender responded to Suarez’s latest scandal by mock-chewing on a fake arm after Manchester United beat Aston Villa 3-0 to win their 20th top flight title. Still, as the world paints blood-hungry Suarez as some kind of ravenous vampire, at least his actions made him one new friend. Within minutes of the incident, boxer Mike Tyson – famous for biting off part of Evander Holyfield’s ear in 1997 – added the Liverpool striker on Twitter. It seems cannibals stick together!

CHEZ SUAREZ MENU Appetisers Alex Oxtail Chamberlain Julio Cesar Salad Leighton Baines on Toast Mains Bacary Lasagne Benteke Fried Chicken Shaun Wright Fillets Desserts John Cherry Juicy Jaaskelainen Sergio Biscuits

gossip: FOOD ARTIST PRUDENCE STAITE HAS CREATED A PIZZA WITH LUIs SUAREZ’S FACE ON IT

SPORTS TALK

MAY 2013

PRE-MATCH TALK

GREAT SCOTT! ADAM ENDS AUSSIE CURSE AT AUGUSTA

Tiger was well in the mix, dam Scott buried 76 years of finishing just four shots off the Aussie hurt after becoming pace, but would have been even the first golfer from Down closer had he not incurred a Under to don the famous green (controversially lenient) two-stroke jacket. The 32-year-old, flanked penalty for an illegal drop at the by Tiger Woods’ former caddie par-five 15th in round two. Woods Steve Williams, beat 2009 actually hit a sensational approach, winner Angel Cabrera in a but it cruelly smacked the middle of playoff after the pair both the pin and bounced into the water. finished on nine-under. In He chose to replay the shot from deteriorating light, steely Scott the original spot of his approach, sank a 15-footer at the 10th (the yet intentionally placed the ball two second extra hole) to claim the yards further back. This should 77th Masters. 2011 runner-up have resulted in him declaring a Jason Day finished third on two-stroke penalty. seven-under, with Woods and Consequently, Tiger signed an Marc Leishman joint fourth two incorrect scorecard (71 instead of shots further back. a 73), yet was not kicked out the Not only did Scott’s victory tournament. He got off via Rule earn him a maiden Major, it also 33-7, which was introduced in emphatically banished the ghosts 2011 after Padraig Harrington of Royal Lytham & St Anne’s was disqualified from Abu Dhabi last year, when he blew a thanks to a golf anorak, who used four-shot lead (with only four TV replays to establish the holes remaining) at the Open, Irishman’s ball, when being thus gifting the title to Ernie Els. switched with his marker, had Affable Adam took that defeat rolled minutely forwards on with commendable dignity and AN M OR @SHARKGREGNTODAY the seventh green. The rule was equally humble after his ED EN PP HA AT WH ADAM OF ES EY E was introduced to stop slender victory at Augusta. TH IN I OBSERVED . PROUD OF HIM players being excluded for “Things just fell my way and WHEN HE WAS 15 AND AUSTRALIA. errors spotted on TV that it’s incredible to be in this they could have no fact, I did very little wrong down the position,” he said. “I am speechless. Winning knowledge of at the time. stretch. You just have to stand back and a Major is the one thing in golf I hadn’t Yet in his post-round press conference Tiger applaud Charl Schwartzel, given he sank done, so a big weight has been lifted. It’s also boasted about playing his ball “two yards four straight birdies to take the title off me. amazing to be the first Australian to conquer away from the original lie” to give himself a “Finishing as runner-up filled me with Augusta, having grown up watching Greg preferable yardage. Thus, he should have been confidence, and I took that form into the Open Norman’s heartache, and been inspired to go disqualified, and at any other tournament (or the following year. I learnt a lot of one better than he did. This is for if he was any other player) surely would have mental lessons from that meltdown Greg, since I wouldn’t have got been. Ignorance of golf’s finicky rules is not an – a bit like Rory McIlroy, who also into golf without him.” 1. Adam Scott -9 (69, 72, 69, 69: 279) excuse – although when the world No.1 lost a healthy lead at the 2011 As a budding 15-year-old 2. Angel Cabrera -9 doesn’t know what he can and can’t do Masters and immediately bounced golfer, Scott broke down in tears (71, 69, 69, 70: 279) (assuming he didn’t intentionally cheat), golf back to win the US Open at after the ‘Great White Shark’ 3. Jason Day -7 must surely consider refreshing its rulebook. Congressional Country Club. threw away a six-shot lead at (70, 68, 73, 70: 281) The soft punishment on Woods was even Hopefully I can now go on to add the 1996 Masters, having T4. Tiger Woods -5 (70, 73, 70, 70: 283) more farcical given the harsh one inflicted on a few more Majors to my CV.” already finished second in 1986 T4. Marc Leishman -5 poor 14-year-old prodigy Guan Tianlang, who World No.2 McIlroy, despite and 1987. He was given a day (66, 73, 72, 72: 283) was penalised one shot for slow play at the being woefully out of form, started off school to watch his idol 17th during round two. To his credit, the as one of the hot favourites, yet supposedly end Australia’s Chinese golfer still made the cut and eventually could only close on two-over in a tie for 25th. Masters hoodoo, but instead Nick Faldo finished 58th on 12-over – enough to claim the Plenty were salivating at a showdown walked away with the green jacket. Silver Cup, which is awarded to the top between the Irishman and world No.1 Woods, “I vowed to one day avenge Greg’s loss,” who came into the tournament off the back of admitted Scott. “That was a big goal to set amateur. It was a fairytale week for the a classy two-shot victory over Steve Stricker at as a teenager, but one I always knew I had youngster, and for Scott, too… and perhaps the the WGC-Cadillac Championship. in me. I almost won the Masters in 2011. In only one in history where the ‘Angel’ lost out!

THE MASTERS

gossip: 1995 CHAMPION FRED COUPLES WILL RETURN FOR THE 2014 DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC

SPORTS TALK

MAY 2013

& p r e s e n t . . .

mo n d a y n i g h t T h e

W I N

Weh a v eat a b l ef o r f o u r t oa t t e n do u r q u i z n i g h t , wi t hd i n n e r i n c l u d e d . A l l y o uh a v et od oi st e l l u s :

Wh oi sA u s t r a l i a ’ sc a p t a i n f o r t h i ss u mme r ’ sA s h e s ? E ma i l y o u r a n s we r st o wi n @me s p o r t s t a l k . c o m

q u i z J o i nus , f r o m8p m, o nt h ef i r s t Mo n d a yo f e v e r ymo n t ha tt h e Al Ma n z i l Ho t e l f o r a ne v e n i n g o f b r a i nt e a s e r s . E n t r yi sf r e e !

CLIVE AGRAN

Is Augusta better than

SEX? chocolate

AFTER A LIFETIME’S WAIT, SPORTS TALK’S VETERAN GOLF HACK CLIVE AGRAN FINALLY MADE IT TO AUGUSTA. WAS IT THE GREATEST THRILL OF HIS LIFE? 14

SPORTS TALK

JUNE 2012

ugusta is the holy grail of golf. No matter how many times you have seen it on TV, admired the photos or heard others describe it, nothing quite prepares you for the real thing. There it was, right in front of me, beneath my feet and all around me... pine straw! Just as distinctively Augusta as the azaleas, rhododendrons and dogwood trees, it was a joy to touch, feel and nick a couple of bits for souvenirs. As for the course, it is fifty times more gorgeous than you can imagine and a hell of a lot hillier than it looks on the big screen. Augusta is extraordinarily pretty and, because there is no rough worthy of the name, only the clumps of towering pines, sparkling water features, fabulous flowers and dazzling white bunkers interrupt the verdant lusciousness of the rolling fairways and super-smooth greens. It is really just a perfect and massive lawn split into 18 separate sections by strategic features. There’s no point in looking for dandelions, daisies or buttercups, since the whole place is a weed-free zone. Timed to reach their floral peak as the leaders waltz onto the first tee on Sunday afternoon, the flowers are as obedient as the spectators – or patrons, as they are officially called. The place is eerily immaculate and is kept that way by a huge army of gardeners, greenkeepers, litter collectors and sundry other personnel. Walking around the course is as easy on the feet as it is pleasing on the eye, thanks to the lush grass and, yes, that pillow-soft pine straw. The front nine is a little less familiar, since we see less of it on TV. Each hole is named after a plant and Juniper, the par-three sixth, is my favourite. Plucky spectators sit out of sight beneath the elevated tee and watch the balls thump onto a green that has more tricky slopes than an Alpine ski resort. As with almost every other green at Augusta, you learn to suppress your instinctive enthusiasm and not clap or cheer when a ball lands close to the pin. Premature applause can be extremely embarrassing. Instead, you wait patiently until it stops rolling. Only retrospective assessments are safe in this treacherous environment. The back nine begins with a dramatic descent. Both the 10th and 11th plunge downhill, whisking balls from the highest to the lowest point on the course. As someone who tops the ball fairly

Former US President Dwight Eisenhower would often hold meetings in Augusta’s clubhouse MAY 2013

SPORTS TALK

CLIVE AGRAN

consistently off the tee, these holes worry me rather less than it would appear they do the pros. However, the pond just to the left of the 11th green is a whole different story! Surveying the frighteningly narrow 18th tee-box, I wondered how many shots I would need to be in front come Sunday afternoon to feel confident about slipping on a green jacket after the round. Seven or eight (hundred) might just be enough. I thought I felt my ears pop as I climbed steeply uphill to the final green. On the summit sits the extremely elegant, white, 150-year-old, colonial clubhouse with its distinctive cupola. One side overlooks the course, the other gazes down the 300-yard long, straight and tree-lined Magnolia Lane. This is the traditional entrance to Augusta National. However, during the Masters, everyone other than VIPs must use what appears to be a tradesman’s gate at the side. To be honest, Augusta is a touch intimidating, even for a mature, intrepid investigative journalist like myself. Lurid tales of people being ejected for minor misdemeanours, like running or farting, contribute to a mild but unmistakeable climate of fear. Apparently one famous radio presenter was initially banned for life for inadvertently leaving the press centre with a mobile phone in his pocket. The fact that it was switched off didn’t mitigate the crime in the eyes of the authorities. Essentially, Augusta National is a bit like a smart and rather strict private school where the green-jacketed members are the prefects. Last year, one of them turned Ricky Fowler’s peaked cap back round the right way during his press conference. The baffled 23-year-old protested mildly and was fortunate to escape a detention, as was an unnamed writer who attempted to smuggle a choc-ice onto the course during last month’s event. He was admonished and it was summarily confiscated. Following him out, I half expected to hear, “And you can wipe that smile off your face, Agran. And for goodness sake take your hands out of your pockets, boy, and tuck your shirt in!” One of the more understandable rules is that you mustn’t bring a firearm onto the course even if, as the sign says, you have a permit for it. Smoking is prohibited in certain areas, alcohol, cameras and flags are banned (as, oddly, are step-ladders and periscopes) and there is a very, very strict ‘no autograph’ policy. Thus, much to the disappointment of the galleries, I left my pen in the press centre! Laid out end-to-end, the prohibited items would comfortably stretch the length of the first fairway. 16

SPORTS TALK

MAY 2013

Augusta National has been the permanent home of the Masters since Horton Smith won the inaugural event in 1934

SMOKING IS PROHIBITED IN CERTAIN AREAS, ALCOHOL, CAMERAS AND FLAGS ARE BANNED (AS, ODDLY, ARE STEP-LADDERS AND PERISCOPES) AND THERE IS A VERY, VERY STRICT ‘NO AUTOGRAPH’ POLICY. Although the rules are firmly imposed, the enforcers are incredibly courteous, with their charming (if slightly backwards) Southern quirks. They smile readily, disarmingly kept calling me ‘sir’ and were forever urging everyone to “have a nice day”. Make no mistake though, you had darn well better do what they tell you! The Masters is a wonderfully classy tournament. Even though some of the rules seem a touch petty and are rather vigorously imposed, you can’t really blame the green jackets for wanting to maintain their golfing Utopia. Nowhere is this quest for perfection more apparent than on the course itself. The dense fairways have the same texture as an over-priced Chinese rug, while the putting surfaces are flawless. Occasionally heavy pedestrian traffic, and the odd errant deckchair, cause a slight browning, but green gravel is on hand to quickly restore the verdant look. These chairs, together with a panoramic range of logoed merchandise, can be purchased at various outlets slyly concealed around the estate. Together they generate millions of dollars for the club. The gear is tasteful and not unreasonably

Although real guns aren’t allowed in Augusta, American Bubba Watson hit some bigs guns off the tee to win the 2012 Masters last April tell him you actually need to be a green-jacket winner to attend? Although today’s top players were quite preoccupied and consequently less sociable, there were still plenty of opportunities for the green jackets to mingle with them. What a thrill it must be for them to subsequently reveal to their mates at the plantation, distillery or pine straw processing plant, “What a dee-lightful ‘n’ fiiiine yerng maaaaan is that Rooooreee McIlrooooy.” priced – unlike the gaudy The Masters is also a glorious social event offerings from John Daly’s where the green jackets can entertain their illegal caravan-shop just families, friends and associates. They breakfast outside the club. The only on the clubhouse balcony, dine in the thing not on sale that I would exceptional restaurant and sip cocktails on the have loved to own is a green immaculate front lawn. I too enjoyed these jacket itself. Mind you, I elegant pleasures thanks to Augusta’s extremely dread to think what appalling hospitable policy of allowing visiting journalists fate awaits a man found guilty access to the quaint and cosy clubhouse. Perhaps of masquerading as a patron Adam Scott gets his green jacket from 2012 winner Bubba Watson they do so as compensation for not letting us at Augusta National! inside the ropes. They just don’t want scruffy Although secretly jealous of scribes and dishevelled snappers cluttering up the fairways and the members, I nevertheless wonder why anyone would want to diminishing the course’s aesthetic appeal. join a golf club where the course is handed over to visiting Augusta is breathtakingly beautiful, especially around Amen professionals for a week every spring and is also closed Corner. Sitting upright on the bank (having been admonished throughout the summer. Granted, it is one of the finest inland for briefly tilting back to rest on my elbows) just to the right of tracks in the world, which everyone who has ever gripped a shaft the 12th tee, I spent a sublime Saturday afternoon soaking up dreams of playing. There is also almost as much prestige attached that wonderfully familiar view and communing with the golfing to being an Augusta patron as there is to actually winning a gods. On Sunday, I followed Lee Westwood around. Had he Major, but it is hardly cheap and you are severely restricted as to putted even half-decently, he would have won the Masters by how often you can tee off. the length of Magnolia Lane! Still, he will be back next year. I Having closely observed what goes on during the tournament, probably won’t. Like landing a hole-in-one, attending the I have developed a vague theory: the Masters is the greenMasters is something every golfer fantasises about. But now I jacketed members’ literal and metaphorical week in the sun. It is have done it. Yes, it was all very wonderful, but it wasn’t sex their golden chance to rub shoulders with past legends and (erm... I mean chocolate!) and thus I feel no overpowering urge current heroes. They were all there – Palmer, Nicklaus, Player and to do it again! even a few gatecrashers too, like Colin Montgomerie! Did no one MAY 2013

SPORTS TALK

FIRST HALF

INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM » INTERVIEWS » PREVIEWS

THIS MONTH… 20 DEMBA BA

The Chelsea striker reveals how the Quran transformed his football career

28 TREVOR SINCLAIR

The ex-West Ham winger claims Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio is not a fascist, but is crazy!

32 DUBAI DARTS MASTERS

Former world No.1 Raymond van Barneveld vows to topple Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor in Dubai

DEMBA BA

SPORTS TALK

MAY 2013

Chelsea striker Demba Ba tells Arthur Renard how the Quran helped transform him from a reject to a Premier League star

emba Ba made an instant impact at Chelsea. Just 24 hours after sealing a £7.5 million January move from Newcastle, the 27-year-old scored twice as the Blues trounced Southampton 5-1. Currently the Premier League’s joint fifth top scorer, the Senegal international has endured a rocky road to success. Facing countless rejections, mystery injuries and personal turmoil, he’s shown exceptional mental resolve. Yet it was a chance encounter with the Quran, which rekindled his Muslim roots, that really helped Ba overcome this adversity and finally make it as a professional footballer.

MAY 2013

SPORTS TALK

DEMBA BA From an early age, determined Demba learnt that drive must come from within. Although born in sleepy Sèvres, on the outskirts of Paris, to Senegalese parents, he spent his youth in Le Havre, but managed to secure a place at a sport-specific school in Saint-Valery-en-Caux. The facility, however, was 50 miles from his home so, even as a child, he had to make some sacrifices. “It was a kind of football boarding school,” Ba told Sports Talk. “Between the ages of 12 and 15, I didn’t see my family much. Every Monday, I woke up at five. My brother, who had a small, noisy motorbike, would take me to the station around six. From there I grabbed a train and bus to get to school for eight. My classmates, on the other hand, had it easy. They would wake up at seven and get lifts in with their parents. I stayed there until Friday, then made exactly the same journey back for the weekend.” At 15, Ba returned home to shock news of his parents’ divorce. He remained with his mother and six siblings in Paris, and although they were content, poverty did make life tough. “I have fond memories, but we were often short of money,” he revealed. “My mum had to really fight to provide for us. I don’t know how she managed, but she always found a way to feed us and keep us happy. That period changed me, though – and those around me noticed it. They started telling me I came across as much older than I was. That’s because I had to look after myself from a very young age.” Ba briefly considered abandoning football, but deduced finding a new club could be a nifty way of fending off the bills. However, after an unsuccessful trial at Le Havre, and no others on the cards, he was forced into amateur football for two long years. At 17, he returned to the Parisian suburbs with Montrouge, a club renowned for their youth development programme. It was here Demba met coach and mentor Alexandre Gontran – a man who would single-handedly change his life. “I quickly became friends with Alexandre,” said Ba, who also had brief spells with Port Autonome (1999-2000) and Fileuse (2001-2002). “He told me I had the potential to become a top footballer and promised to get me some trials in Europe.” Most importantly, Gontran advised Ba to switch from defensive midfielder to striker. He was reticent about this transition at first, so spent months bulking up and fine-tuning his finishing – often at the expense of his studies – before finally going on trial at seven-time French champions Lyon. Frustratingly, Demba again wasn’t taken on. Brief spells at Auxerre, Swansea and Gillingham followed, but none resulted in employment offers. “I went from trial to trial, but the answer was always no,” said Ba. “I was football’s black sheep. Every club told me I had potential, but said they already had similar types of players on their books. Nobody wanted to take a chance. The raft of rejections, though, didn’t affect my confidence. If anything, it made me even more determined, so I started making bigger sacrifices to try and make the cut. “I was already skipping school to train more, so I finally plucked up the courage to quit entirely. It was hard to tell my mum, and initially she was furious at my decision. ‘Your trials are going nowhere,’ she screamed. ‘You need to find a club immediately or go back to school.’ Everyone always tells kids they have no future without a solid education, and in most cases that’s true, but I chose my own path. I had to give football a proper go. If I didn’t I would have viewed myself as a quitter forever.” Astonishingly, when Ba turned 19 he still hadn’t been part of a professional academy. To add to his woes he had also picked up a niggly back injury that his doctor couldn’t cure. On the recommendation of his older brother, Cire – a former basketball forward for Montivilliers, GET Vosges and Le Havre – he saw a physiotherapist, and within two months was fully fit again. He thus returned to Paris hell-bent on drawing up a masterplan to conquer England. “I had always loved the Premier League, and one of my Montrouge mates, Gauthier Diafutua, was already over in England at Watford,” explained Ba. “He passed on a few contacts and they managed to get me a trial at Barnsley, along with two of my teammates. Alexandre then arranged everything for us, including a couple of training sessions with Watford beforehand. “It was a real adventure. We drove all the way from Paris to London and arrived without a place to sleep! En route, one of my friends called with details of somewhere to crash, so we pulled up at this decent looking house, but once inside it became apparent there was only one spare room. It was tiny, and four of us had to cram into one double bed! After a very uncomfortable night, we moved to a 22

SPORTS TALK

MARCH 2013

hotel, but didn’t have enough cash for four rooms, so had to buy two between us.” After three days, Gontran returned to Paris, while Ba and his Montrouge chums took the coach from London to Barnsley. Fortunately, they were provided with suitable accommodation this time. “We stayed in a fantastic hotel, which the club paid for,” beamed Ba. “It had a massive pool and an amazing restaurant, but the trial itself didn’t work out. We spent a week there, but it was quite chaotic. I remember the gaffer got sacked, and the day after we waited in the car park for almost an hour, but no one came to pick us up. “The worst part, though, came just before we left. When we checked out of the hotel, the receptionist told us Barnsley had only paid for the room, and the food was our responsibility. I remember it like it was yesterday. We had no money or clue what to do. I called Alexandre in a panic, who contacted an agent friend and he generously wired us £500. It was a real low – being so helpless that I couldn’t even afford my own dinner.”

Lewis could only finish fourth in his final season with McLaren, 91 points adrift of Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel

I WENT FROM TRIAL TO TRIAL, BUT THE ANSWER WAS ALWAYS NO. I WAS FOOTBALL’S BLACK SHEEP. EVERY CLUB TOLD ME I HAD POTENTIAL, BUT SAID THEY ALREADY HAD SIMILAR TYPES OF PLAYERS ON THEIR BOOKS.

Ba often pays homage to Allah when he scores by adopting the sajadat position, which is also used during Islam’s five daily prayer sessions

After finally settling the bill, dejected Demba took a coach back to London, where he planned to optimistically linger in the hope of landing a few more trials. One of Ba’s friends opened a bank account with a small overdraft to finance this prolonged stay. “We had virtually no money,” he admitted. “We used to walk the streets of London trying to find the cheapest possible bed and breakfast. Back then, breakfast, lunch and dinner consisted of crisps, water and the odd bit of stolen fruit. In a weird way, though, it was actually quite fun. We made a point of trying to make the most of the hard times and still have a laugh. That’s the African way: it doesn’t matter what you have, as long as you stay positive.” Ba’s Oliver Twist-style escapades only lasted three days, since no trials emerged… or so he thought. Having procured a plane ticket (a rare comfort) back to Paris, Demba received an unexpected call from Gontran, who gleefully informed him that Watford manager Ray Lewington wanted to take a closer look at him. He ended up staying at Vicarage Road for five months, was assigned digs and even handed a small allowance, but at the end of this spell the Hornets still declined to sign him. “Alexandre told Watford five months was long enough and that they had to make a decision,” he said. “Ray thought long and hard, then called me into his office and revealed he was letting me go. He explained I wasn’t quite at the required level, but added he thought I would become a professional footballer one day. I begged him to take a risk on me, to give me a one-year contract – even if he just stuck me in the reserves – but my words fell on deaf ears.” MAY 2013

SPORTS TALK

DEMBA BA At face value, this was just another refusal, but now Ba fostered a genuine belief that he could make it. His mother’s fears were also pacified by his time at Watford. She thus gave Demba her blessing. “My mum, like me, concluded that if I was able to stay at Watford for such a long period, it meant I had the potential to be a footballer. So she called me up and said, ‘Go on, do what you have to do,’” said Ba, who might be No.29 at Chelsea, but wants to be No.19 (like he was at Newcastle), to mark the age when he first broke into English football. Unfortunately, Paulo Ferreira currently occupies that number. Now with the full (and unwavering) support of his family, determined Demba returned to France and, after a failed trial with lower league minnows Amiens, he finally got his big break. In 2005, unfashionable French fourth division side Rouen offered him a one-year contract, during which time he quickly climbed from the reserves to the first team. The deal was only a semi-professional one, but it catalysed Ba’s entire career. After 22 goals in 12 successful months at the Stade Robert Diochon, he signed for now defunct Belgian side Mouscron, bagging eight goals in 12 appearances. That was enough to convince 1899 Hoffenheim to make a move in 2007; while, in the same year, Senegal also came calling, with Ba scoring on his debut in a 1-1 draw with Tanzania. “I guess it was a slightly bizarre choice to go to Hoffenheim, because Real Valladolid also wanted me,” admitted Ba, who went on to score 37 times for the German outfit. “But I chose 1899 because I wanted game time. I didn’t have much experience, having only spent a year in professional football, so was conscious to take things one step at a time and felt La Liga was just too big a jump.” Ba’s sage approach has now taken him as far as Stamford Bridge (via West Ham and Newcastle), yet for humble Demba reaching the Premier League is not the Holy Grail. He relishes playing for Chelsea, but doesn’t want his choice of profession to define him as a person. First and foremost, he views himself as a Muslim – and thus, succeed or fail, he will always find serenity. As importantly, he is also able to use his religious beliefs to shape him as a footballer. This wasn’t always the case. In fact, it only became so after a fortuitous, but life changing, experience while on trial at Gillingham. Ba was staying with Mamady Sidibe – whose younger brother Lassana was a Montrouge teammate – and it was in his home that (the now devout) Demba became besotted with the Islamic traditions he had abandoned as a teenager. “I was born a Muslim, but I never kept very much,” revealed Ba. “When 24

SPORTS TALK

MAY 2013

QUICK QUESTIONS

In 2005, Sidibe left Gillingham for Stoke City, and three years later scored twice against Bristol City to send the Potters into the Premier League

Favourite music? Lil Wayne ---------------Favourite film? Scarface ---------------Most famous name in your phone? Patrick Vieira – a big friend and nice guy ---------------Who is your idol? Nelson Mandela ---------------Favourite holiday destination? Senegal – there’s no place like home! ---------------How do you unwind? I play darts – my second sporting love!

you’re young, you just want to act the same as all the other kids, and for me, like many, that involved kicking a football about. Yet when I saw the Sidibe family get up and pray together it touched me. I had an epiphany. I was like, ‘Dude, wake up!’. I realised I could be a footballer and a Muslim, so started praying with them, five times a day, and when I got back home I just kept going and have never stopped since. “My newfound faith made me understand that you can’t take anything for granted in life. I said to myself, ‘Who cares if I don’t make it as a footballer, I can still walk, eat, see and hear and have family and friends who love me.’ There are people starving all around the world, so I have a lot to be thankful for. I enjoy being spiritual. The more I worship Allah, the more I get back.” Ba’s faith clearly enriches his life, far more so than the £80k per week wages he receives at Stamford Bridge. In fact, Demba doesn’t even view this hefty sum as his own: as part of his commitment to Islamic principles he always makes charitable donations. “I find it easy to give away money,” he said. “I feel quite detached from it. I obviously try to look after my family first, but I can’t ignore those who struggle or suffer, who can’t afford to eat, or live in countries that don’t have basic amenities like clean water. The money I earn is not just for me. My parents help me distribute it to those in need, especially back home in Senegal.” Clearly Ba is not your typical egomaniacal Premier

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DEMBA BA

Ba’s wonder-goal against Manchester United set up an FA Cup semi-final with Manchester City, which he also scored in, but Chelsea still lost 2-1

League footballer. Admittedly, he does flaunt a gold Mercedes 6.3, but considering his past he can be forgiven for indulging in a few frivolous luxuries. However, he doesn’t booze or party, and religiously sets his alarm for five o’clock in order to make the morning prayer session. “The first one is always just before sunrise,” said Ba. “So I get up, pray, then go back to bed for a few hours. For the other four, I am up anyway and always try and get to the mosque so I can share the experience with my fellow Muslims and forge a sense of community. At Newcastle I would go with Hatem Ben Arfa, and when we couldn’t make it we’d pray together at the training ground. Islam has become the most important thing in my life. People sometimes have a bad image of it, but that’s more the product of their own minds than the reality. Everything I read in the Quran appeals to me. When I want an answer to something in my life, it is written there.” Ba frequently turns to the holy book during times of need and is even taking Arabic lessons so he can read the original text, as well as teach it to his children. “I have a one-year-old daughter and a five-year-old son, and I want them to learn Arabic,” he said. “They will both be raised as Muslims. I also can’t wait to take them on a pilgrimage to Mecca. I have been a few times and absolutely loved it: the atmosphere is just so positive. For Muslims there are three key places: Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem. I have been to the first two, but am yet to see Jerusalem. I need to go there!” Ba has spent his last two summers at Saudi Arabia’s most famous haunt, praying, meditating and seeking life advice. Part 26

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MAY 2013

WHEN I GO TO THE MOSQUE I DO EXACTLY THE SAME AS THE PERSON NEXT TO ME. WHETHER HE’S RICHER OR POORER THAN ME, AT THAT MOMENT WE ARE EQUALS, UNITED BY ALLAH. of the former requires ‘sajadat’ (prostrations) – a stance where the forehead, nose, hands, knees and toes must touch the ground together. Demba is often seen in this position after scoring goals, including during April’s 1-0 FA Cup quarter-final win over Manchester United. “When I score, I thank Allah, hence the celebration,” said Ba, who is joined at Stamford Bridge by fellow Muslim Eden Hazard. “Sajadats are great levellers. When I go to the mosque I do exactly the same as the person next to me. Whether he’s richer or poorer than me, at that moment we are equals, united by Allah. When praying, I am not Demba Ba, or a footballer – I am no better than anybody else.” Ba staunchly believes in equality, and thinks the way footballers are idolised borders on insanity. He is, however, glad to use the attention to try and set an example, but his daily prayer sessions ensure he (literally) keeps his feet on the ground. Demba’s dedication

DEMBA BA 1985: Born on 25 May in Sèvres ---------------2004: Spends five months at Watford but doesn’t do enough to earn a contract ---------------2005: Signed by Rouen and converted from midfielder to striker ---------------2006: Moves to Belgian side Mouscron but breaks two bones in his left leg after scoring in each of his first three games ---------------2007: Scores on his Senegal debut in a 1-1 draw with Tanzania, and nets 14 for Hoffenheim as they gain promotion to the Bundesliga ---------------2009: Stuttgart move collapses after a failed medical ---------------2011: Another failed medical prevents a switch to Stoke, but joins West Ham on a ‘pay-as-you-play’ deal, scoring seven goals in 13 games before leaving for Newcastle on a free transfer ---------------2012: Scores 29 goals in 54 appearances for Newcastle, and is voted the ‘Signing of the Year’ by the League Managers Association ---------------2013: In January, Chelsea invoke a minimum-fee release clause allowing a £7.5m switch to Stamford Bridge on a three-and-a-half-year deal

Demba enjoyed his return to Newcaslte, but couldn’t prevent Chelsea losing 3-2

to religion also helps him stay focused as a footballer. He is always striving to make improvements, particularly on the fitness front, having failed medicals at Stuttgart (2009) and Stoke (2011). His injury woes first occurred at Mouscron after he broke two bones (fibula and tibia) in his left leg in 2006. A pin was inserted to stabilise the fractures, but the surgery to remove it in 2009 was botched, resulting in tendon damage to his knee. Potters boss Tony Pullis claimed the problem was so severe that Ba was “little more than a ticking time-bomb”. 24 hours after his £6.7 million switch from Hoffenheim to Stoke collapsed, Ba met sports therapist Pedro Philippou, who concocted a tailor-made programme that proved pivotal in helping him pass his next medical at West Ham in January 2011. However, the Hammers remained paranoid about Demba’s brittle knees, so insisted on certain contractual stipulations. “With all the question marks over my fitness, West Ham inserted a clause allowing them to terminate my contract if I didn’t play at least 12 games that season,” revealed Ba. “My pay also varied depending on how involved I was. Nonetheless, I gambled and joined because I was 100 percent sure Pedro had got me fit again.” Ba’s ‘pay-as-you-play’ deal did contain one clause in his favour, though, since it gave him the opportunity to leave on a free transfer if West Ham got relegated – a scenario that came to pass despite Demba’s seven goals. He left for Newcastle that summer. Ba thus only spent five months at Upton Park, but will never forget his time there since it was his first taste of top-flight English football. “During my debut against Birmingham, I couldn’t stop looking at the Premier League badge on my arm and grinning,” laughed Ba. “I was like, ‘Dude, you’ve made it, you’ve made it!’ West Ham was also fun because I had a really good rapport with Carlton Cole and also enjoyed living in London. The capital was a major pull when Chelsea came calling.” So now Ba is back in the city where it all began, and could even end up playing under his managerial idol, Jose Mourinho, who just might return to Chelsea this summer. He has no regrets about leaving Newcastle – where he quickly became a cult figure after scoring 29 goals in 54 appearances – although he does miss his daily philosophical chats with French international midfielder (and close friend) Yohan Cabaye. “Yohan is a Christian, so we had a lot of good-natured religious debates,” he said. “I learnt a lot from him. When you speak to people with different beliefs you soon realise that all the major religions have more similarities than differences. Islam is essentially the same as Christianity and Judaism, in both its origins and rules. Do you know what the word ‘Muslim’ means? – ‘One who is submitted to God’ – so, by definition, practising Christians and Jews are ‘Muslims’ too. If I could convince everyone of this there’d be world peace!” Unfortunately, this is too lofty a goal for Ba to ever achieve, especially given Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea fans, who curse his every goal, would probably never accept him as a preacher! However, the manner in which he lives his life is commendable. Every day, for instance, Demba wakes up and recalls his favourite line from the Quran – surah 55, verse 60: “Is the reward for good anything but good?” (“ ”). That is the philosophy he lives by, and one that’s helped him shake off football’s ‘black sheep’ tag and find the club of his dreams. Chelsea would be ‘Barking’ mad to ever let him go! MAY 2013

SPORTS TALK

TREVOR SINCLAIR

IS PAOLO DI CANIO

A FASCIST? HIS OLD WEST HAM TEAMMATE TREVOR SINCLAIR ADMITS THE NEW SUNDERLAND BOSS IS JUST A LITTLE BIT CRAZY! What do you make of Paolo’s appointment as Sunderland manager? It was very harsh on Martin O’Neill, who is a top boss and has strong ties to the club. First and foremost, I was gutted he lost his job. Paolo is a brave replacement. Although he did well at Swindon, he certainly wouldn’t have been my first choice. He employs some pretty unconventional techniques, like literally kicking his players up the backside when they don’t perform! Hopefully his passion won’t get the better of him, like it did, most famously, for Sheffield Wednesday in 1998 when he pushed over a referee.

Is Di Canio a fascist? The notion Paolo is a fascist comes from his highly offensive salute for Lazio against Roma in 2005. I found that extremely disappointing and would like to see him apologise, even seven years on. I guess he hasn’t yet because he thinks doing so is an admission of guilt. Perhaps it’s for the best that he stays schtum, since if he doesn’t he might say something else stupid! Everyone knows what the sign he made means. It has fascist and Nazi connotations, and he did it more than once. Plus, straight after, he went on record and said he’s “a fascist not a racist”, although he later claimed he was misquoted. I honestly don’t know what to believe, but what I would say is, having spent a lot of time with Paolo, I definitely never found him to be a racist, or have a problem with black people. Quite the opposite: he was always a gentleman at West Ham. He looked after me when I went to Rome, and invited me into his home to meet his wife and kids. I am not convinced a fascist would do that. That said, he does sport a giant tattoo of Benito Mussolini on his back!

Do you find Paolo’s autobiography offensive?

EXCLUSIVE 28

SPORTS TALK

MAY 2013

His book clearly talks about a sympathy for Mussolini, but what do his political beliefs really have to do with being a football manager? They didn’t stop him taking Swindon into League One last season. There’s no denying Paolo is mad as a hatter – a really bizarre individual – but he is also likeable, a bit like Mario Balotelli. In terms of entertainment, with ‘Super Mario’ returning to AC Milan, perhaps Paolo can fill the void he has left in the Premier League. Personally, I don’t have a huge problem with Paolo’s autobiography. I am sure he wishes he could take back some of his quotes, but

they are there in black and white and we have to just move on. We clearly don’t want to encourage those kinds of elitist beliefs, which we banished from the terraces in the eighties under then prime minister Margaret Thatcher, but nonetheless Paolo should, for now, only be judged as a football boss.

Is it true Di Canio trashed his office after his acrimonious exit from Swindon in February? That is what some reports claimed, but I’m not so sure. He was frustrated with the board since they sold star winger Matt Ritchie to Bournemouth, so resigned. However, he left some personal items in his office, including pictures from Swindon’s promotion party. He thus went back to collect them. Some say he broke in, but I think he just borrowed a key from one of his coaching staff. I know former chief executive Nick Watkins called his style “management by hand grenade” – implying Paolo would wreak havoc and then leave him to mop up – but it was never dull at Swindon and they enjoyed a lot of success, so even if he did destroy his office his pedigree at the County Ground remains undamaged.

Why did Paolo specifically cite you as a character reference? He told people to speak to me, Chris Powell and Shaka Hislop, and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work out why: we are all black footballers. Paolo is basically

WHAT IS ITALIAN FASCISM? Fascism is a political ideology which came to prominence in Italy through the actions of Benito Mussolini, who ruled the county between 1922-1943 as leader of the National Fascist Party. Mussolini, and his ‘Blackshirt’ vigilantes, stamped down on left-wing politics and democratic values, as well as implementing patriotic policies that promoted Italian sovereignty. His alliance with Adolf Hitler’s Nazi party also saw him pass anti-Jewish legislation, before he was overthrown after the Allied invasion of the Italian peninsula during World War II.

MAY 2013

SPORTS TALK

TREVOR SINCLAIR

I AM FASCINATED BY MUSSOLINI. I THINK HE WAS A DEEPLY MISUNDERSTOOD INDIVIDUAL. HE DECEIVED PEOPLE. HIS ACTIONS WERE OFTEN VILE. BUT ALL THIS WAS MOTIVATED BY A HIGHER PURPOSE. (DI CANIO IN HIS 2000 AUTOBIOGRAPHY)

PAOLOISMS

Former foreign secretary David Milliband resigned from Sunderland’s board in protest at Di Canio’s appointment in late March arguing that if he was a fascist he might play football with us, but wouldn’t socialise off the field. You don’t have to get on with your teammates – former Manchester United duo Teddy Sheringham and Andy Cole didn’t even speak, but they formed a fearsome strike force – but, in Paolo’s mind, hanging out with us proves he’s tolerant of minorities. To an extent he is right – unless of course he is so calculated, knew he’d be a manager as a player, and his views might come back to haunt him, so said, “Right, I am going to have Sincs, Powelly and Shaka as my mates to cover my arse.” Paolo might be contrived in certain ways, but I doubt he’s that Machiavellian!

What was Di Canio like at West Ham? Unlike Ian Holloway, who wouldn’t say boo to a goose despite going on to become the world’s loudest manager, Paolo was always vocal in the dressing room. He was a scholar of the game, having had productive spells at AC Milan and Celtic. I have played with David Beckham and Paul Scholes for England and I can tell you Paolo was right up there with them. No one can question his talent, only his temperament. Harry Redknapp came out and said if a throw-in went against him in training he would storm off, and it’s true, he did chuck some crazy Italian hissy fits. Without them, I have no doubt he would have gone on to join Manchester United. Yet Wayne Rooney has the same tendency to throw a tantrum if something upsets him, and you can’t usually remove that quality and still keep the player.

Will Paolo keep Sunderland up? I hope so, but my head fears his appointment will eventually cost Sunderland their place in the Premier League – probably not this season, but next. It’s so risky plunging for a relative novice. He’s going to have to gel with the players very quickly and get them organised at the back. Luckily, he got off to a fantastic start, with a cracking 3-0 derby win at Newcastle, but once the honeymoon period is over the real hard graft will begin. 30

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On being appointed Swindon boss: A lion can’t stay in a cage. A lion has to be on the pitch. So, this is my job and this is my life. ----------------On his players: I can’t turn a Chihuahua into a Rottweiler. They might be proud Chihuahuas but they remain Chihuahuas. ----------------On being banned from the touchline by the FA: If they want to send me off in every game, no problem. I will win this league anyway. They say, “You move your arms too much,” but I will do what I want in the technical area. They can’t stop me. I will move my body, my arms, my shoulders, my legs; they can’t send me off every time. ----------------On promotion: The players were the protagonists, but I did a fantastic job. ----------------On his possible exit from Swindon: I am the manager and they are the fans. They just better hope I will stay their manager for the foreseeable future because it’s very difficult to find another one like me.

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OF F I CI ALMEDI APARTNER

DUBAI DARTS MASTERS

SPORTS TALK

MAY 2013

he Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters (23-24 May) is a significant step for a sport so often dubbed “golf for the working man”. It kicks off an inaugural World Series of Darts that will, in future years, see the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) also venture to Australia, China and Japan. Dubai just might help elevate darts’ reputation to something a little bit more chic, showcasing its boisterous charm to a broader demographic.

MAY 2013

SPORTS TALK

DUBAI DARTS MASTERS The tournament sees the world’s top eight go head to head at the Irish Village, battling it out for a healthy prize pool of $250k, with the winner pocketing $50k. It’s the first time professional darts has ventured to the Middle East, but given Dubai’s large expat population there’s no reason why the event won’t be a sell-out, especially with tickets starting from just AED 199. Of course, there are cultural sensitivities that the PDC must respect, but that shouldn’t stop a traditionally raucous rendition of Planet Funk’s ‘Chase the Sun’ echoing around the Dubai Tennis Stadium, or even the odd bleach-blonde hostess in a low-cut gown leading out the world’s finest arrow throwers. One of them is 46-year-old Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld. At world No.8, ‘Barney’ only just made the cut ahead of Justin Pipe and Dave Chisnall, but is nonetheless confident of etching his name onto the trophy. “I am always convinced I can win,” said van Barneveld, who has 67 career titles to his name. “There’s no point in competing if you don’t hold that view. If you’re throwing well, darts is more about you and the board, so there’s no need to overly focus on your opponent. That said, guys like Phil Taylor do add a lot of extra pressure, since you just know they’ll take 15 or less darts in pretty much every leg. However, I have been around long enough to be afraid of no-one, which is why I will arrive in Dubai expecting to win – as, I’m sure, the other seven guys will, too.” Although world No.1 Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor leads the PDC Order of Merit by over $500k, there’s actually very little between the world’s top eight players. World No.2 Michael ‘Mighty Mike’ van Gerwen is widely considered the sport’s most prodigious talent, No.3 Adrian ‘Jackpot’ Lewis is a two-time world champion (2010, 2011) and No.4 James ‘The Machine’ Wade is a former Premier League (2009) and UK Open (2008) winner. Meanwhile, world No.5 Simon ‘The Wizard’ Whitlock won last

DUBAI DARTS MASTERS

Where: Irish Village When: 23-24 May Website: pdc.tv Tickets: from AED 199 (itp.net/tickets) MARCH 2013

September’s European Championship, No.6 Andy ‘The Hammer’ Hamilton was the losing finalist in the 2012 World Championship and No.7 Wes ‘The Warrior’ Newton reeled off his first televised nine-dart finish at last year’s World Match Play. Then there’s van Barneveld, who might not boast 16 world championships like Taylor, but does have five to his name (the same number as his idol Eric Bristow) – four with the British Darts Organisation (BDO) and one with the PDC. Barney defeated Taylor to procure the latter at the Circus Tavern in 2007, coming from 3-0 down to miraculously triumph 7-6 in a sudden-death leg. “That victory over Phil was definitely the highlight of my career,” said van Barneveld. “I left the BDO in 2006 to beat the best and that’s precisely what I did. I was sick of the BDO. I had done it all and it was time to leave since some people were really irritating me. My maiden year was brilliant. I won the UK Open and was runner-up at the Las Vegas Desert Classic, then capped off a wonderful 12 months with victory at the World Championship. It was an epic final!” Even gracious Taylor called the darting duel the most dramatic he’s been involved in. The 52-year-old views van Barneveld as the ultimate professional. The Power is usually painted as the lone figure who transcends darts, but he thinks Barney has just as wide an appeal. “Raymond brings an army of support to every darts event,” Taylor told Sports Talk. “I do get recognised in the UK, but Barney is a god in Holland. I can’t compete with Wayne Rooney, Andy Murray or Jonny Wilkinson, but in his home country he’s held in the same esteem as guys like Robin van Persie or Johan Cruyff. “More significantly, like me, Raymond has really raised the professionalism of darts. We are very much leading the way in that respect. We put in the extra hours of practice, eat and drink the right things and have even taken to the gym to lose a few pounds.

Van Barneveld and Taylor dramatically clashed in the semi-finals of this year’s World Championship but have since kissed and made up

I HAVE BEEN AROUND LONG ENOUGH TO BE AFRAID OF NO-ONE, WHICH IS WHY I WILL ARRIVE IN DUBAI EXPECTING TO WIN. Hopefully that has set the right example to the younger generation, who are, to be brutally honest, still some way behind us. I wouldn’t go so far as to call Barney or me athletes, but we have raised the bar in darts, rather than just drunk from it!” Van Barneveld and Taylor are wrongly billed as nemeses (partly to put bums on seats), but in reality their rivalry is genial. The spurious notion they hate each other, though, was undoubtedly heightened after their PDC World Championship semi-final in January. Taylor won the tie 6-4 en route to his 16th title, although Barneveld clawed back from 5-1 down to almost spring an upset. At the end of a gripping encounter a fired-up Taylor, in a rare moment of petulance, stormed off, claiming Barney grabbed his hand too tightly. It called to mind the 2002 World Championship when Peter Manley refused to shake The Power’s hand after losing 7-0, later blaming the incident on an uncontrollable bowel movement which forced him to scoot off to the toilet – a (quite literally) cr*p excuse which, unsurprisingly, gained him little sympathy. “I don’t quite know what Phil was thinking, especially given he had just won,” said van Barneveld. “I think he felt I shook his hand too hard. It’s true, I do have a firm handshake, but he should be used to it by now! He apologised straight after, both in public and to me, and the incident is behind us. There’s absolutely no animosity between us. I really respect Phil. He is still the one to beat in darts, even at the age of 52. The fact he went on to defeat van Gerwen to secure a 16th world title proves he’s not fading with age.

“That said, I do think Michael will replace Phil as world No.1 quite soon. He is going to rule darts over the next few decades. He can definitely go on to win multiple world titles. Being from Holland, like me, I have been tipping him to do well for quite some time. He’s taken a little bit longer than I expected to come to the fore, since he struggled for a while to hit key doubles, but all that has changed over the last year, when he’s just caught fire. This season, he’s gone unbeaten in 19 matches, winning four out of six UK Open Qualifiers. That’s an incredible record and excellent for the bank balance, too! I think it is fair to call Mighty Mike the favourite in Dubai.” “I am in the form of my life,” added 24-year-old van Gerwen, who won the BDO’s World Masters aged 17 in 2006. “I enjoy being the young pretender to Phil’s crown. Coming up against him in big finals is why I got into darts. Hopefully, the Dutch fans will be out in force in Dubai and myself and Barney can paint the Irish Village orange!” Matt Lucas lookalike van Gerwen might be in red-hot form, but Dubai’s red-hot heat, combined with the (slightly contentious) outdoor venue, should make the Dubai Darts MAY 2013

SPORTS TALK

DUBAI DARTS MASTERS Masters pretty unpredictable. Although the oche will be covered, even the slightest breeze could play havoc with the flight of the arrows. “I was quite surprised when I discovered the venue was outdoors,” admitted van Barneveld. “In some senses we can’t win: if there’s wind, it’s cool, but it will make throwing very difficult. If there isn’t, that means the humidity might be a problem. Either way, the conditions will take some getting used to. I might look into a change of material for my shirts… or at least pack a few spare ones!” May’s sweltering temperatures will be quite the contrast to Barney’s last visit to Dubai. He came for a holiday in 2008, just as the recession hit, and it wasn’t only the financial sector looking gloomy. “When we landed it was raining,” he chuckled. “Me and my wife couldn’t believe it. It was absolutely tipping it down. Like most tourists, we had come for the sun and yet it was soaking wet for most of our eight-day stay. The local newspaper said that had never happened before. It was very odd!” Van Barneveld isn’t just hoping for warmer weather this time around – which he is virtually guaranteed in late May – but also to cross paths with UAE president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and deputy prime minister and Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He is keen to take the duo on at darts, potentially even on the Burj Al Arab’s iconic helipad. “Why not? Let’s stage the world’s highest game of darts,” said Barney. “I think we could have a lot of fun. First of all, though, we would need to think up nicknames for the sheikhs and find them some music to walk out to! More importantly, their involvement would spark huge Emirati interest, which is ultimately what we want. Obviously I can’t wait to see and interact with the ‘Barney Army’, along with all the Dutch expats in the UAE, but we also want to introduce darts to a brand new Arab audience. Plus, who knows, if one of the rich sheikhs takes a shine to me they might end up bankrolling me!” Given both are fanatical football fans, van Barneveld would have plenty to chat to Sheikh Mansour about – although he’d be wise to keep his love for Robin van Persie and Manchester United quiet! Away from the Premier League, Barney’s local team is ADO Den Haag, and he wholeheartedly lives by their motto, ‘Alles Door Oefening’ (‘Everything Through Practice’). He also religiously follows Holland’s national team, even travelling to South Africa to watch them lose the 2010 World Cup final to Spain in extra-time. “I was gutted when Andres Iniesta scored,” he said. “We shut Spain out of the game. Bert van Marwijk got his tactics spot-on. Had the game gone to penalties, I really fancied our chances, but it wasn’t to be. “I grew up watching loads of football. I was eight when Holland lost 2-1 to hosts West Germany in the 1974 World Cup final. We got an early penalty, but couldn’t hang on to the lead. Four years later, I cried as Argentina beat us 3-1 in the final. Even as an adult, seeing Holland lose still hurts, although it hasn’t all been heartache. In 1988, Ruud Guillit and Marco van Basten both scored as we defeated the Soviet Union 2-0 to win

the European Championship in Germany. I remember pushing through the jubilant crowds in Amsterdam to see the side parade the trophy on a boat. “I actually know quite a few international footballers, both past and present. Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten, Dennis Bergkamp, Rafael van der Vaart and Robin van Persie are all heroes of mine, and they’re big fans of darts too. I am also in regular contact with Ajax manager Frank de Boer. We often exchange texts and have a bit of banter when Ajax face ADO Den Haag.” During his youth, van Barneveld dreamt of becoming a footballer but, like most of us, lacked the talent to pursue the beautiful game as a serious career. He also dabbled in taekwondo before finally settling upon darts, having been introduced to the sport through his father. “My dad was a carpenter,” said Barney, who is a qualified joiner himself. “He did lots of work at bars, including The Entertainer in The Hague. Every Friday he’d go down there and sometimes bring me with him. That’s where I started playing and soon got hooked. Without sounding arrogant, as soon as I threw a dart it was clear I had potential. I sensed, as early as 18, that I could get to Lakeside and maybe win a world title. “The funny thing is, despite being naturally left-handed, I have always thrown with my right hand. I can’t explain why – it’s just weird! I used my right hand to deliver letters as a postman, and to saw things as a carpenter, but when I go to a sushi bar I hold chopsticks with my left hand. I guess I’m just ambidextrous. I have played darts before with my left hand. I was forced to, about 15 years ago, when I broke my right arm. I can hit a ton or ton-forty, but I miss a lot of doubles!” Shortly before his 20th birthday, van Barneveld resigned from his job as a postman to see if he could deliver on darts’ biggest stage. He joined the BDO in 1987, and secured his first major victory at the 1995 Zuiderduin Dutch Grand Masters. His maiden world title came in 1998, courtesy of a double eight in a 6-5 victory over Welshman Richie Burnett at Lakeside Country Club in Frimley Green. Three more triumphs followed (1999, 2003, 2005) before Barney left for the PDC in February 2006. Within 12 months he had climbed from the foot of the rankings to world No.2 and beaten Taylor to win his only PDC World Championship to date. His first significant PDC success came at Bolton’s Reebok Stadium, where he saw off Barrie Bates 13-7 to win the 2006 UK Open. He then became the first player to successfully defend that title, easing past Vincent van der Voort 16-8 a year later. In July 2007, Barney destroyed Terry Jenkins 13-6 to claim the Las Vegas Classic and by January 2008 he was world No.1. Since then, however, things have gone a bit quiet, which is why his gutsy 16-14 victory over van Gerwen at last year’s Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton was so significant. “That title was extremely important,” conceded van Barneveld. “It was my biggest since Las Vegas in 2007. In truth, it had been a frustrating five years. I had fallen to about 30th in the rankings, so it was encouraging to bounce back. I now know I can win again, having done so against arguably the best player in the

I DO THINK MICHAEL WILL REPLACE PHIL AS WORLD NO.1 QUITE SOON. HE IS GOING TO RULE DARTS OVER THE NEXT FEW DECADES.

SPORTS TALK

MAY 2013

DID YOU KNOW? When training, Barney tries to score as many points as he can with 30 darts. His record is 1,460!

MAY 2013

SPORTS TALK

DUBAI DARTS MASTERS

AT THE OCHE... PHIL TAYLOR Age: 52 Nickname: The Power World Ranking: 1 World Championships: 16 Order of Merit: $1.1m

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN

The Irish Village also hosts the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

Age: 24 Nickname: Mighty Mike World Ranking: 2 World Championships: 0 Order of Merit: $546k

ADRIAN LEWIS world right now, irrespective of what the rankings say… so there’s no need to start thinking about packing it in just yet!” Actually, Barney has given retirement plenty of thought. A few years ago, he simply wanted to keep playing for as long as possible, in case darts made it into the Olympics – but with London not even staging it as a demonstration sport it’s unlikely to be included anytime soon. Having turned 46 on 20 April, he is thus giving himself nine more years before calling it quits. “I will stop at 55,” revealed van Barneveld. “That said, you never know what the future holds. We are in a recession, and maybe at 55 I will need to keep going in order to provide for my family. Plus, the other factor to consider is the PDC’s prize pools are increasing. You can now win $20-50k in one weekend. Pretty soon, it’s not unthinkable that the PDC World Championship might be worth $1 million and I want to be around if that happens! “That’s what I don’t get about the BDO. The PDC is clearly the place to be. It’s time the two organisations merged, although I think politics will stop that ever happening. Yet the strange thing is, the players would happily unify. We all get on, but as soon as you start talking about working together people behind the scenes seem to find a reason not to. A few years back Barry Hearn offered the BDO over $3 million to join us – an astonishing figure – but they rejected it. I never understood why.” It is bold ventures like the Dubai Darts Masters that keep the PDC superior, and might one day render the BDO defunct, or just a feeder tour. Tireless promoter Hearn deserves huge credit for helping spread darts to new territories, citing the model of golf’s European Tour and tennis’ ATP and WTA Tours as evidence that top-notch sports events can be staged in emerging regions like the UAE. Lead sponsor Dubai Duty Free know all about the success of tennis, given they also headline the Dubai Tennis Championships. The company’s popular executive vice chairman Colm McLoughlin – a long-term friend of Hearn – has admirably stumped up the necessary (and not insubstantial) cash to bring darts to Dubai, backing up his faith in the PDC by penning a four-year deal. “This is the first time that a professional darts tournament has come to Dubai and the only occasion that the sport has been staged in an outdoor arena,” said McLoughlin. “We think darts, which is growing in popularity across the world, will prove a fun fixture on Dubai’s already busy sports and social calendar.” The Dubai Darts Masters is indeed a very welcome addition, and keeps the world-class sport going well into the summer. It means the calendar no longer ends in March after the Dubai World Cup: instead we move from jockeys to oches – two events that couldn’t be more different, yet are both spectacular in their own right. To borrow a racing analogy, Taylor and van Gerwen are currently the Black Caviar and Frankel of darts, so will be the ones to watch in Dubai, but van Barneveld is a dark horse very capable of stealing the limelight; and, win or lose, he’ll be a big hit, since the former postman is a first-class ambassador for his sport. 38

SPORTS TALK

MAY 2013

Age: 28 Nickname: Jackpot World Ranking: 3 World Championships: 2 Order of Merit: $532k

JAMES WADE Age: 30 Nickname: The Machine World Ranking: 4 World Championships: 0 Order of Merit: $514k

SIMON WHITLOCK Age: 44 Nickname: The Wizard World Ranking: 5 World Championships: 0 Order of Merit: $423k

ANDY HAMILTON Age: 46 Nickname: The Hammer World Ranking: 6 World Championships: 0 Order of Merit: $375k

WES NEWTON Age: 35 Nickname: The Warrior World Ranking: 7 World Championships: 0 Order of Merit: $374k

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD Age: 46 Nickname: Barney World Ranking: 8 World Championships: 5 Order of Merit: $295k

General Admission - Grandstand Day ticket AED199 Season ticket AED299 Corporate Hospitality Table of ten AED 11,995 one night - AED 19,995 season (Incl. unlimited selection F&B) Tickets on sale Now at www.timeouttickets.com or The Irish Village 04 2824750 Seats allocated on a first come first served basis.

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HALF-TIME TALK

BIG-NAME WRITERS » GUEST COLUMNISTS » DEBATE

THIS MONTH… 42 ANDREW STRAUSS

The ex-England captain is uncomfortable that England are such big favourites for this summer’s Ashes

44 ANNABEL CROFT

The former British No.1 explains why the French Open has a pantomine atmosphere

46 AWAY DRESSING ROOM

Sports Talk editor Ben Jacobs braves the brutal breeze to visit sporting city Chicago

ANDREW STRAUSS

AUSTRALIA DON’T KNOW WHAT THEIR BEST SIDE IS THE AUSSIES DON’T LOOK SETTLED GOING INTO THE ASHES, BUT THEY’LL BE DESPERATE TO PULL OFF AN UPSET, writes Andrew Strauss

Aussie skipper Michael Clarke would love to have Steve Waugh or Mark Taylor back in his side

inning the first of back-to-back Ashes series is going to be a real challenge for Australia, but we all know they won’t roll over, especially not against England. The Aussies lack experience, which is why they’ve brought in wicketkeeper Brad Haddin as vice-captain. He’s been out of the side for a while, but has played in nine Ashes and has always been a strong leader. The selectors had little choice but to go with veterans, given a lot of young players, like Moises Henriques and Steve Smith, have been given chances over the past year and not all of them have repaid that faith. For me, Australia’s selection policy is a touch disjointed, though. For example, bringing in 35-year-old lefty Chris Rogers – even though he’s a quality cricketer – isn’t a proactive move. It’s a reflection of others, ahead of him in the pecking order, letting the side down. I wouldn’t say Australia are in a state of panic, but they are definitely searching for answers right now.The best way to win an Ashes series is to go in settled, with everyone knowing their role and responsibility, and I think Michael Clarke’s men are some way off that state. England, on the other hand, are in excellent shape. My only concern is, I always feel a little uncomfortable when we are billed as the clear favourites (in any sport). I don’t think that puts us in the best frame of mind to perform at our peak.

SPORTS TALK

MAY 013

England’s squad is yet to be announced (and probably won’t be until the week before July’s First Test at Trent Bridge), but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work out who’ll be included, especially with opener Nick Compton doing so well in New Zealand. There may still be a bowling spot up for grabs, but the Aussies will have a fair idea of who they’ll be up against. England’s only real injury concerns are Kevin Pietersen’s bruised knee and Graeme Swann’s elbow strain. A lot has been made of KP’s fitness, especially after he was ruled out of June’s ICC Champions Trophy, but for me Graeme is more important, given the number of Aussie left-handers, a lot of whom fared poorly against spin in India back in March. Swanny’s offspin could really do some damage. You know what, I am really looking forward to watching an Ashes series without having to deal with all the pressure and expectation. I am like an excited schoolboy! Of course, if Alastair Cook or the players need any advice, I am always on the other end of a phone, but the England team has moved on and although I am in regular contact with the lads I will be just another interested spectator. This will make the event feel a bit less like a marathon.

ANDREW STRAUSS EX-ENGLAND TEST CAPTAIN

Speaking of marathons, I completed my first one ever in London last month. My wife and I raised just over £20k for the Lord’s Taverners – a charity which gives disabled and disadvantaged kids the chance to play sport. My target was 3hr 30mins and, slightly frustratingly, I came home one minute shy of it! In realty, I wasn’t too bothered, just elated to get over the finishing line. I can’t even begin to describe how painful the final 5k is! I think people just assumed, as an ex-cricketer, that I would clock a decent time, but actually runners of all shapes and sizes were overtaking me, while someone like Iwan Thomas – who holds an Olympic silver medal in the 400m – couldn’t break 4hr 30min. I don’t think being fit necessarily means you can run a fast marathon. Within the cricketing fraternity, I would say Cooky is England’s top athlete. He has phenomenal stamina and if he put his mind to it could possibly break the three-hour mark. KP is also very fit, but is quite a big bloke, so I’m not sure how he’d fare over 26 miles. What really kept me going was the 500,000-strong crowd lining the streets of London. It was an epic experience, and in light of the Boston bombings there was added poignancy to the run. I think everyone wanted to show their solidarity and demonstrate that none of us are cowering in fear after what happened. I will decide, a bit nearer the time, if I am going to run again next year. If I do, I’ll definitely want to beat my time, which will mean training even harder, and right now that’s not too appealing. Plus, I have to complete my second marathon, which is to finish my autobiography. I want that done by June. The book is an insight into my life as a cricketer. I don’t have any particular axes to grind. I want it to be a very personal account, since it’s about putting my career to bed, which is why I chose to write it myself. It will hopefully make an excellent Christmas present, so look out for it on the shelves this October!

ENGLAND ARE IN EXCELLENT SHAPE. MY ONLY CONCERN IS, I ALWAYS FEEL A LITTLE UNCOMFORTABLE WHEN WE ARE BILLED AS THE CLEAR FAVOURITES.

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ANNABEL CROFT

IT’S PANTO TIME!

IN TENNIS, SILLY SEASON OCCURS IN SUMMER AT ROLAND GARROS RATHER THAN IN DECEMBER, writes Annabel Croft

he French Open is a fabulous Djokovic, who still hasn’t won at Crucially, though, Novak did defeat tournament. The first Grand Slam Roland Garros, lost to the Spaniard Nadal (6-2, 7-6) to claim the Monte match I ever saw was the 1979 in last year’s final (6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5) Carlo Masters. final between Bjorn Borg and Victor despite dictating much of the play. He Despite that loss, Rafa has made a Pecci, with the former winning in four will be fired up to succeed in Paris, quite exceptional comeback from his sets (6-3, 6-1, 6-7, 6-4). Along with especially given his indifferent (by his knee injury, winning four titles already Pecci’s Paraguayan passion, jet-black high standards) start to the season. this year, including a three-set victory hair and diamond-stud earring, I also Novak cruised to victory in over del Potro in the final at Indian remember the crowd being not just Australia and Dubai, and for a while Wells. I never thought he’d find top form vocal but a touch intimidating. That’s we all thought Borg’s 49-game again so quickly. Nonetheless, having what makes the event so unique. There’s winning streak in 1974 was under been sidelined for seven months, he’ll no other atmosphere like it in tennis. threat, but a thrilling three-set loss only start as the fifth seed at Roland To fully enjoy it, and perform at their (4-6, 6-3, 6-4) to Juan Martin del Garros, so will probably have to beat a peak, the players must bring their sense Potro in the semi-finals at Indian few more big names than he’s used to if of humour on court. If they take Wells seemed to knock the stuffing he’s to retain his title. themselves too seriously, the French fans out of him. He was then comprehenSeeding is very important at the will destroy them.Their tennis knowledge sively beaten by Tommy Haas (6-2, Grand Slams, which is why Andy is second to none, but they don’t half 6-4) in the fourth round of the Sony Murray’s rise to world No.2 is so crucial. love to wind up the top stars. I think they Open – albeit in windy conditions, In some sports (golf, for example), genuinely revel in trying to break people, which the Serbian isn’t really a fan of. there’s little difference between being with those they don’t take a world No.2 or 3, but for Andy shine to getting the full climbing one place higher – pantomime villain treatment. combined with Rafa falling to Last year, when world No.3 No.5 – could give him a clear Victoria Azarenka questioned path to the final (at least on a call she was roundly booed. paper), with potentially only At one point she even started world No.4 David Ferrer in his jeering back, which took some half of the draw. Murray, though, stones! The locals responded does have a mediocre record on with their traditional “Allez, clay, having never got past the allez!” chant and seemed semi-finals at the French Open. pretty elated when Victoria Still, under the stewardship of crashed out in round four to coach Ivan Lendl, you have to Dominika Cibulkova. fancy his chances of putting in Considering Novak his best display there this year. Djokovic is nicknamed the In stark contrast, 2009 ‘Djoker’, he is probably the French Open champion Roger best equipped to deal with a Federer has a wonderful bunch of rowdy Parisians, record on clay but, as much although the world No.1 won’t as I hate to say it, does seem arrive at Roland Garros as the to be slipping away. He’s had favourite. This is partly down to reduce his schedule and to an ankle injury that he work that little bit harder just picked up while on Davis Cup to keep pace with his rivals. duty for Serbia, which could Yet, let’s not forget, he’s still make him a little rusty, but the reigning Wimbledon also due to Rafael Nadal’s champion and until he doesn’t Nadal boasts seven French Open titles and has won on his last three visits to Roland Garros hold a Grand Slam for at exceptional record on clay. 44

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ANNABEL CROFT FORMER BRITISH NO.1

THE PLAYERS MUST BRING THEIR SENSE OF HUMOUR ON COURT. IF THEY TAKE THEMSELVES TOO SERIOUSLY, THE FRENCH FANS WILL DESTROY THEM. THEIR TENNIS KNOWLEDGE IS SECOND TO NONE, BUT THEY DON’T HALF LOVE TO WIND UP THE TOP STARS.

With a capacity of 14,840, Court Philippe Chatrier was built in 1928 to help France retain their 1927 Davis Cup crown (which they did) and has remained the centrepiece of Roland Garros ever since

least a year should be viewed as a serious contender. What you need to remember is, Roger is basically a rock star. He’s treated like a demi-god wherever he goes and relishes living up to that reputation. As a result, every slip-up he has, however minor, leaves certain critics claiming he’s on the decline but, as former British No.1 Greg Rusedski rightly pointed out, 99 percent of tennis players would bite his hand off to be at his current level. Along with Roger, I will also be intrigued to see how Ferrer fares. He won seven titles last season – more than anyone else on the ATP Tour – so is certainly a dark horse for the men’s title. Succeeding on clay is essentially about getting as many balls back as you can, so David should do pretty well. He always makes opponents bleed to beat him! As for the women’s event, defending champion Maria Sharapova or world No.1 Serena Williams are the favourites, although don’t rule out Azarenka or 2011 champion Li Na. Even at the age of 31, Serena is still dominating the WTA Tour. She can produce winners from anywhere and her serve is devastating. She is physically imposing and virtually unplayable when on song. She will be desperate to make amends for last year, when she crashed out in round one to unheralded Frenchwoman Virginie Razzano (6-4, 6-7, 3-6) – the only time the American has ever fallen at the first hurdle in a Grand Slam. She was in control until she lost the second-set tiebreak. The partisan crowd then turned on her and by the end she was in tears. It was one of the most dramatic matches I have ever seen. Clay isn’t Serena’s favourite surface, since her game is neutralised

FRENCH OPEN When: 26 May-9 June Where: Roland Garros, Paris Website: rolandgarros.com Tickets: rolandgarros. fft-tickets.com TV: Ten Sports

Imperious Sharapova beat Italian Sara Errani (6-3, 6-2) to ensure a maiden French Open victory last year

by it. Her serve doesn’t have as much potency and her movement is a bit less fluid, which is probably why she has only won the French Open once (2002). With this in mind, Sharapova just might have the edge. She has been excellent this year, particularly at Indian Wells, where she thrashed Caroline Wozniacki in the final (6-2, 6-2). I really admire Maria: the longer she’s been out there the better she’s become. Last year there were question marks going into the clay court season about her movement, but she has now learnt how to slide. Her serve is far more secure as well. How well she does, however, may depend on the wind because she still struggles with the toss in gusty conditions. With considerably better clay facilities in place compared to in my day (including two new courts at the National Tennis Centre in London), I fancy the British women to do pretty well at the French Open. If anything, my generation were forced to learn tennis backwards. You should always start on clay, since it exposes virtually every technical flaw, then move on to a faster surface once you have grasped the basics. The Brits of my era were pretty hopeless on clay, probably because we had to travel to places like Houston just to find a court! One of my biggest regrets was never mastering it. Since retiring I have done precisely that, and now it’s actually my favourite surface. I think clay suits Heather Watson more than the comparatively wild Laura Robson, but then Laura really excels at Grand Slams. She took down Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova (2-6, 6-3, 11-9) in January’s Australian Open and beat both Kim Clijsters (thus sending her into retirement) and Na at the 2012 US Open. A bit like Petra, she has so many

weapons and always seems geed up for the big occasion. The honest truth is, Heather is struggling at the moment. She doesn’t possess Laura’s raw power so gets fewer cheap points. She kind of reminds me of American Pam Casale, who I lost to in round two of the 1986 French Open. As my coach, Owen Davidson, pointed out, Pam had very few weapons, but was a grafter who just kept getting balls back and thus went on to have a decent career. Overcoming a lack of talent with mental resolve and tactical astuteness is a skill in itself. Clay will at least allow gritty Heather to slow her opponents down, but the bigger issue is how unhappy she looks on court. In a weird way, I think she’ll be relieved that some of that is down to having glandular fever, since it must have been frustrating, before she was diagnosed, to have felt burnt out and not known why. Illness aside, though, the grind of the WTA Tour has clearly got to her. I can empathise with what both she and Laura are currently going through because I also shot through the rankings quickly and was world No.21 by the time I was 18. Having risen so fast, it is really tough to consolidate the following year, especially with the rest of the Tour more familiar with your game. Heather will use her time on the sidelines to take stock. It will either make her realise how much she misses tennis or she will relish the time away from the travelling circus and decide, like I did when I retired at the age of 21, that she prefers sleeping in her own bed. Heather and Laura will do extremely well just to reach round three at the French Open, but the fact both girls are in the top 50, along with Murray at world No.2, proves British tennis is in decent shape. MAY 2013

SPORTS TALK

CHICAGO

Chicago

BEN JACOBS BRAVES THE BRUTAL BREEZE TO SAMPLE SPORTING CITY CHICAGO 46

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MAY 2013

ears, Cubs and Bulls… it can only be Chicago (or possibly London Zoo!). Illinois’ largest city is besotted with sport. Thousands of baseball nuts make regular pilgrimages to Wrigley Field, while Soldier Field, home of NFL outfit Chicago Bears, is more than just a stupendous stadium – it’s a tourist attraction in its own right. When the Bears play there Chicago comes alive (even if, traffic-wise, it grinds to a complete halt). The sheer variety of sport on show is exceptional: if you’re not a Cubs fan, you can instead pledge your loyalty to the (markedly better) White Sox or, if you’re feeling particularly treacherous, cross the state border to Missouri and follow 2011 World Series champions, the St Louis Cardinals – although there’s no guarantee Chicago will let you back in afterwards! If you're not a baseball fan, you can trek to the suburbs to follow the Chicago Fire, one of America's top Major League Soccer teams, while back in the captivating centre, who could forget NBA giants the Chicago Bulls or – if you get off on heavily padded men bludgeoning each other to death on ice – 2010 Stanley Cup champions the Chicago Blackhawks. Both play at the Union Center. If all that’s not enough, charismatic Chicago also houses the bucolic Medinah Golf & Country Club, host of last September's Ryder Cup, and the venue of arguably the most sensational comeback in sports history. Europe trailed 10-6 going into the final day yet heroically, led by Chicago resident Luke Donald and matchplay maestro Ian Poulter, roared back to triumph 14½-13½. Away from the sport, Chicago isn’t too dissimilar from the UAE. For a start, it is constantly evolving. To quote American humourist Mark Twain, the place “has a novelty: she is never the Chicago you saw when you passed through the last time.”

The Cubs and Bears are the best-supported teams in Chicago, often attracting crowds of over 40,000 MAY 2013

SPORTS TALK

CHICAGO The skyscraper-strewn skyline is also eerily similar to Dubai, but that’s no huge surprise given the 160-storey Burj Khalifa was built by Chicago-based architecture firm Owings and Merrill. Chicago even boasts its own monster turret, Willis Tower. At 1,451 feet it is currently the tallest building in America (and was the highest in the world until 1998), yet is still a full 50 storeys shorter than the Burj! As the hub of the Midwest, Chicago is pretty easy to find – its futuristic skyline is clearly visible across the calm, clear waters of Lake Michigan, which are well worth a dip in. The city just has a swagger – but that doesn’t mean the locals are surly. Quite the opposite! Despite having an unwanted

DEBUNKING THE MYTH

reputation of being populated by ruffians (1907 Nobel Prize winner Rudyard Kipling once wrote: “I have struck a city – a real city – and they call it Chicago… I urgently desire never to see it again. It is inhabited by savages!”), Chicagoans, at large, are a charming, friendly rabble. With a wealth of iconic sights and neighbourhoods, it can take months to thoroughly explore Chicago, so if you’re there for a short break prepare to cover a lot of ground. If you go over Christmas, remember to pack a duffle coat too! It might be a balmy 30 degrees for most of the year, but thick snow and a chilling draught submerge Chicago during the winter – though don’t be fooled into thinking that’s how the city got its ‘Windy City’ nickname!

the is not called lief, Chicago be r la ory pu st po hi ind. As Contrary to its whipping w of e us ems ca st be ly y al er actu Windy Cit irm, the monik nf of co rt lly pa fu y ee rl the ea buffs will gl ’ politicians. In ag led db ow in pr ‘w s ’s at ty s bureaucr from the ci ou al ze er ov the century, ing Chicago as the nineteenth usly proclaim ro they te is ed bo m t, ai cl as ctors the east co e world. Detra th of d l an ta y, pi ur ca a cent investment forward half ce wind”. Fastin a bitter ra d le oi were “full of k were embr ing or Y gu Ar ew n. N io d it an Expos Chicago an bi um ol C ’s ld or of 93 Wor A. Dana, edit to host the 18 Apple, Charles ig B e ical th ns se of the “non in favour vised against ad , un t hold a S no k d or people coul the New Y se ho w y, it C idely Windy editorial is w claims of that ey won it.” His th e, if m en na ev ck ir ni dy City world’s fa rising the Win la ! pu er po th h ea it w w e credited to do with th lutely nothing which has abso

Wrigley Field Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, was built in 1914 by fast-food magnate Charles Weeghman. Fittingly, the stadium was speedily constructed in just six weeks. It cost $250k – the equivalent of $5.3 million today. It is known for its ivy-covered brick outfield wall, the iconic red marquee over the main entrance and the hand-turned scoreboard, as well as for the unusual wind patterns off Lake Michigan. Cubs fans are notorious for singing ‘Take Me Out to the Ball Game’ halfway through the seventh inning of every game – a tradition started by Hall of Fame announcer Harry Caray in 1982, who had previously made it the signature song of the White Sox, where he spent seven years. The Cubs’ choice to embrace it is a bit like if Everton suddenly adopted ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’! 48

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DID YOU KNOW? The Potawatomi Indians were the first folks to discover Chicago, giving it the name ‘Checaugou’ – or wild onions! Needless to say, they weren’t best impressed when the first settlers kicked them out in 1803.

Where to stay

Palmer House’s (not so)Secret Brownie Recipe

Ingredients 3 cups of semi-sweet chocola te chips 2 cups of unsalted butter, cut into chunks 1 cup of all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon of baking pow der 5 lightly beaten eggs 4 cups of chopped walnut 1 tablespoon of water 2 tablespoons of apricot preserves

PALMER HOUSE HILTON Restored to its glittering 1925 glory, the Palmer House Hilton is close to most major attractions. The chocolate fudge brownie was invented here and is still made to the original recipe. AED 450 per night 17 East Monroe Street  +1 312 726 7500  hilton.co.uk/palmerhouse

THE JAMES, CHICAGO Chicago’s hottest boutique hotel has 46 minimalist luxury rooms and suites, most with stunning views, especially from the upper floors. AED 600 per night 55 East Ontario Street  +1 312 337 1000  jameshotels.com

Instructions 1. Pre-heat oven to 325F . 2. Using a double boiler, melt the chocolate and butter in a glass bowl set ove r simmering water. 3. Sift together the flour, sug ar and baking powder. Stir the chocolate into the flour mix, then whisk in the eggs. 4. Pour contents into a 12x 9-inch baking pan. Sprinkle the walnuts on top , pressing them lightly into batter. 5. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the edges become crispy. Cool for 30 minutes. 6. Mix the water and apricot preserves in a medium-sized saucepan, whi sking well. Boil for two minutes using medium -high heat. 7. Glaze the brownies with a pastry brush. 8. Place brownies in a freezer for four hours, then remove, slice into 24 pieces, and tuck in!

MAY 2013

SPORTS TALK

CHICAGO

Where to go?

Where to eat ?

ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO

CAFÉ SPIAGGIA

Works on show range from Grant Wood’s 'American Gothic', which captures the vivacious essence of the Midwest, to Edward Hopper’s 'Nighthawks', a (slightly depressing) portrayal of urban loneliness. There are also plenty of European masterpieces, including Georges Seurat’s 'A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte' – a painting prominently (if a little bizarrely) featured in hit US comedy Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

Chicagoans are massive food junkies, although the Windy City epithet is nothing to do with their poor digestive systems! If you love Italian, try Café Spiaggia - known for its wood-roasted guinea fowl wrapped in pancetta and seared deep-dish pizza at its 1943 for hile, Meanw s. scallop birthplace, join the gigantic queue outside Pizzeria Uno (unos.com) where you’ll receive a meal guaranteed to please your palate and clog your arteries! m 980 North Michigan Avenue  +1 312 280 2750  spiaggiarestaurant.co

111 South Michigan Avenue  +1 312 443 3600  artic.edu

ROSEBUD STEAKHOUSE

BUDDY GUY’S LEGENDS Chicago has forged its own brand of blues and jazz, and if you swing by Buddy Guy’s Legends you just might cross paths with the gruff guitarist who inspired Eric Clapton. Kingston Mines (kingstonmines.com) is another authentic blues club worth checking out. June (8-10) also sees the Chicago Blues Festival – the largest free blues bonanza in the world (chicagobluesfestival.org).

You simply can’t leave Chicago without having a steak... even if you’re a vegetarian! The wetaged ones at the 1930s-style Rosebud Steakhouse are not just tasty but tremendous value, especially the signature AED 150 bone-in filet mignon. Look out for some high-profile celebrities in the booths. Barack Obama sometimes eats here - just don’t approach him with your mouth full! 192 East Walton Street  +1 312 397 1000  rosebudrestaurants.

com

700 South Wabash  +1 312 427 0333  buddyguys.com

MAGNIFICENT MILE Before opening his store in London, a fresh-faced Gordon Selfridge learned his trade in Chicago, and the city is still famous for shopping. The Magnificent Mile – a 13-block stretch of North Michigan Avenue, running from the banks to Chicago River to Oak Street – houses the likes of Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue. North Michigan Avenue  themagnificentmile.com

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, offer direct, daily flights to Chicago, a route they first launched in 2009. America’s third largest city is their second American destination and has already become as popular as Etihad’s daily flight to New York. Flights to Chicago O’Hare, which is only 30 minutes from the town centre, take just over 15 hours. However, the mammoth journey will fly by thanks to Etihad’s first rate hospitality, which is easily the best in the business. Along with all the usual trappings, like a welcome drink and a free newspaper, Pearl Business and Diamond First also offer free anytime dining, so fear not if you wake up in the middle of the night with an unquenchable craving for a steak sandwich or some cookie dough ice-cream! The A340-500 aircraft is spacious, elegantly decorated (in Manchester City blue) and extremely comfortable – the

SPORTS TALK

MAY 2013

high-tech seats even have a massage facility! The in-flight entertainment is unparalleled, and you don’t even have to wait for the plane to take off to start watching it. We recommend Moneyball, which tells the story of the Oakland Athletics’ remarkable 20-game winning streak under analytical general manager Billy Beane (Brad Pitt), and HBO’s Chicago-based dark drama, The Boss, which charts the mental decline, from Lewy Body Dementia, of hard-nosed mayor Tom Kane (Kelsey Grammer). Watch it en route and you’ll also gain an authentic sense of the city by the time you land.

AUH-ORD-AUH Coral Economy: AED 4,890 Pearl Business: AED 23,260 Diamond First: AED 40,490

TRAINING GROUND

TOP TUITION » SPORTS NUTRITION » GYM ROUTINES

THIS MONTH… 54 RASHED AL QUBAISI

Al Forsan International Sports Resort’s deputy general manager explains the art of karting

56 DAFYDD JAMES

The former British & Irish Lion shares a TRX circuit to get rid of your jelly belly

58 JOHN BAKER

The Bespoke Wellness physiotherapist shows you how to avoid back problems

RASHED AL QUBAISI

TH E AR T OF KA RT IN G IF YOU WANT TO BE A FORMULA ONE STAR, KARTING IS THE WAY TO START, writes Al Forsan deputy general manager Rashed Al Qubaisie

THE TRACK International circuit National A

e have all played Mario Kart on the Nintendo, and real-life karting isn’t too dissimilar! It’s fantastic fun, but also a challenge – both against yourself to beat your fastest lap, and against the other drivers you’re trying to overtake. When starting out there’s a few key things you need to grasp in order to stay safe and speedy. Once you have mastered the basics, you’re well on your way to becoming the next Lewis Hamilton!

National B START/FINISH

PIT GARAGES

START/FINISH

SPORTS TALK

MAY 2013

RASHID’S TIP

Look out for marks on the track to help guide you when to brake.

SAFETY

CONQUERING CORNERS It is very important, before you even set foot in the kart, to carefully study your racing line. Every track has a map, so you can work out precisely where to drive. To master a corner you should plot an ‘outsideinside-outside’ path, thus effectively flattening out each bend. The idea is to hit the apex (the geometric centre of the turn), since this allows you to take the straightest path and maintain the highest possible

OVERTAKING Passing other drivers is not only incredibly satisfying, but also pretty easy. The biggest thing that holds most people back is usually just fear of spinning or crashing. Luckily, there’s some simple ways to eradicate such paranoia. For a start, keep reminding yourself that if you’re about to overtake it’s because you’re going faster than the person in front. Decide early which corner you want to make your move on and build up to it. Ideally, you should place your kart on the inside of the corner, brake later than the other driver, use the positional advantage you have over them to force them to slow down and then accelerate faster than they do as you exit the corner. The basic rule is, once you’re on the inside you have the advantage. If you’re on the outside, you must keep looking to your inside to check if you need to give way. Since your kart doesn’t have mirrors, if you don’t do so manually you risk causing a crash.

speed. Try to drive ‘in slow, out fast’. Brake nice and early so you can accelerate out of the corner. Always brake in a straight line, before turning into the corner, so you can control your speed with the throttle. If you wait until you’re midway through the corner you are far more likely to spin. If this does happen, don’t just panic and slam on the brakes. Lift off the throttle and steer gently into the slide.

SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT, AND SOMETHING WE TAKE EXTREMELY SERIOUSLY AT AL FORSAN INTERNATIONAL SPORTS RESORT. KARTING REQUIRES A HELMET, GLOVES, JUMP SUIT, PROTECTIVE PADDING AND RACING SHOES, ALL OF WHICH WE’LL PROVIDE.

✔

RASHID’S TIP

Don’t bump into another kart or you could get a bla ag t better to ull out of a manoeuvre than risk a needless penalty.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH...

Karting is one of 18 sports at the 2013 Abu Dhabi Corporate Games. It will be staged at Al Forsan International Sports Resort between 13-14 December and costs AED 1,980 per driver.To enter, or for more information, call +971 2 404 8821, email abudhabi@corporate-games.net or visit corporate-games.net.

MAY 2013

SPORTS TALK

DAFYDD JAMES

TWIST & SHOUT! THIS FUNCTIONAL TRX CIRCUIT WILL GET RID OF YOUR JELLY BELLY, writes ex-Lions star Dafydd James

assing a rugby ball, hitting a forehand, swinging a golf club… so much sport involves twisting. The better you do it, the more speed and power you can generate, and thus the more you and your teammates will have to shout about. In sport you need a strong core, yet most of us neglect working on this area in favour of building up the arms and legs. The core is the root of all strength and balance. Imagine a blob of jelly. Stick a pencil in it and it will wobble all over the place. However, freeze it and it goes rigid. This 35-minute TRX circuit, which is full of combination exercises, will help you firm up your core and, in doing so, shed your jelly belly!

Exercise Bike

WARM-UP

(5 MINS)

Start with a gentle, two-minute warm-up on a bike. This will increase your body temperature and make your muscles nimble, thus helping to prevent injury. Next, do some dynamic lunges (six on each leg), squats and a few press-ups from the plank position. Grab a quick drink of water and then you’re ready to go!

DAF’S TIP

The TRX is so portable that you can whip it out in the gym, your bedroom or even outdoors. I recommend taking one with you to the rugby or football field to use after training. It is also perfect if you travel a lot for business and need a quick workout in your hotel between meetings. 56

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FUNCTIONAL TRX CIRCUIT 1. WARM-UP (5 MINS) 2. SQUATS TO ROWS (10 REPS); SINGLE LEG SQUATS TO REVERSE LUNGES (5 REPS); ATOMIC PRESS-UPS TO PIKES (10 REPS); EXPLOSIVE ‘YS’ (10 REPS) 3. ALTERNATING TWISTS (10 REPS); ABDOMINAL ROTATIONS (5 REPS); PRONE PLANKS (10 REPS) 4. HANDSTAND PRESS-UPS (10 REPS, OPTIONAL) 5. WARM-DOWN (5 MINS)

PHASE 1 The aim is to do this four-exercise mini-circuit three times, with a one-minute break between each round. Start with 10 squats to rows. Either aim for a fast time or go slower and generate as much power as you can. Next, do some single leg squats to reverse lunges – an exercise that helps correct imbalance. These will work your quads, glutes and hips as well as strengthening your legs. Do five reps on each leg and, if feeling adventurous, even throw in some pistol squats too. After that, move on to an atomic press-up (from the plank position) into a pike. These use your core, biceps, triceps and back, while the pike will contract your lower abdomen, thus ‘freezing’ your jelly or, to move away from the (slightly tenuous) analogy, give you a six-pack. Finally, do 10 explosive ‘Ys’. Adopt the squat position and then explode up onto your toes. This helps strengthen the shoulder girdle. Once you have completed this circuit three times, take a two-minute break and then end with 10 pectoral flies, which are perfect for toning the chest.

Alternating Twists

Explosive ‘Ys’ PHASE 2

The next step should be carried out twice, with a one-minute break between. Start with 10 alternating twists, using only one arm. This will really test your core and biceps. Set up the TRX into a one-handle grip and assume the squat position. Rotate your body so you look back over your right shoulder, pull yourself back, touch the floor with your right hand and then twist the other way. Next, take a two-hand grip and do some abdominal (or rip) rotations. Again, squat down before twisting your body first left then right. This will give your love handles plenty of action! Do five on each side. Finish with a prone plank. Stay on your elbows and make sure you really stretch your hips and spine.

Handstand Press-up THE JOKER

Prone Plank

If you’re feeling up to it, you can finish with my joker – but I warn you it is not for the faint-hearted! If you have enough stamina, end with 10 handstand press-ups. Make sure your feet are firmly in the stirrups and, remember, the more vertical you are the harder it will be. This testing finale will engage your core, back, chest and shoulder muscles. Once you have tried this (and only do as many reps as you feel comfortable with) close with a standard warm-down. If not too shattered, you could also grab a rugby ball or pop to the range and see if you notice a difference in the speed of your pass or power of your swing!

Dafydd James is now a Dubai-based personal trainer. For inquiries about private sessions with him, please contact Daf on dj@dafydd-james.com or visit dafydd-james.com. MAY 2013

SPORTS TALK

JOHN BAKER

W HY PO OR PO ST UR E W IL L CO ST YA ! EVERYONE WANTS TO AVOID BACK TROUBLE, BUT SURPRISINGLY FEW OF US MANAGE TO ESCAPE IT, writes Bespoke physiotherapist John Baker

orrect posture will not only improve your looks, but help you perform better at sport. Just ask Tiger Woods or Roger Federer, who have both battled severe back pain in the past, but have taken proactive steps to bounce back stronger. Working on your posture increases

muscle tone, makes breathing easier and is one of the top ways to stave off those irksome aches we so often encounter after a long day or prolonged exercise. Sitting a little straighter now? Excellent! Here’s some advice and exercises to ensure optimum posture.

WHAT CAUSES THE PROBLEM? If you spend all day at a desk, drive a lot or enjoy winding down in front of the TV, you are likely to encounter back, shoulder or neck pain at some point. Those in high-pressure office jobs (so most of us in the UAE!) are especially at risk. We all spend a large proportion of our lives in the flexed position, with the body bent, which constricts our largest and most powerful muscles (thighs, hamstrings, abdominals and chest). When the back is slouched, the neck and head arch forwards. This places prolonged pressure on the spinal ligaments and inhibits circulation to the surrounding muscles, leading to that numb aching feeling we all encounter from time to time.

CAUSES OF PAIN IN THE LOWER BACK Bone tumour of the spinal column Tumours of the ilium or sacrum

Tuberculosis of the spine Osteoarthritis causing bone spurs Ankylosing spondylitis

Protruding intervertebral disc Spondylolisthesis Intrapelvic mass (polyps or tumours)

Occlusion of vessels Arthritis of hip

WHAT IS THE CURE? The solution, for most, is a ‘do it yourself’ one – in both the office and the gym. Your back has three curves: cervical (neck), thoracic (chest) and lumbar (lower back). When we slouch in a chair or bend forward over work, they are thrown out of balance. To fix this, when sitting or driving for long periods, place a cushion or rolled-up towel between the curve of your lower spine and the back of your seat. Supporting your lower back will maintain your spine’s natural curve and help the shoulders fall naturally into place. You can also ask your HR department if they have an ergonomics expert (most large companies do) who can assess your work space. They will ensure your desk, PC and keyboard are at optimal height. The top of your computer screen should be at (or slightly below) eye level and the desk height must allow your forearms to rest comfortably at a 90-degree angle. In addition, whether you work in an office or from home, remember to get up and stretch at least once per hour. Sitting for long periods puts pressure on your discs and fatigues your muscles.

GYM EXERCISES All sport, gym and weightlifting activities rely heavily on the strength and stability of our postural muscles, especially the transverse abdominis (the stomach’s deepest muscle). In a large proportion of people this tends to be weak and under-engaged. To strengthen it you can try these three exercises using either a Swiss or BOSU (‘both sides up’) ball. Both will help correct or maintain posture and ensure those annoying little niggles don’t cost you on or off the sporting field.

1. BRIDGE Bridging with a Swiss ball gives the lower back a decent workout. Lie flat on the ground with your legs straight and your calves resting gently on the ball. Your arms should hang at the side with your hands flat on the floor. Clench your buttocks and lift them up off the floor in order to straighten the back, keeping the abdominal muscles as tight as possible. Hold for five seconds before returning to your starting position. Do five reps. You can make this exercise more difficult by lifting your arms off the floor, and harder still if you raise one leg up at a time, a couple of inches off the Swiss ball.

2. PRONE PLANK

3. BOSU SUPINE BRIDGE

Executing a prone plank using a Swiss ball is fabulous for shoulder stabilisation. The aim is to load up each shoulder independently while maintaining a strong core, as well as contracting the postural muscles, which keep your hips strong and body aligned.

The BOSU ball, as its name suggests, can be used both sides up and is perfect for balance, core and abdominal exercises. Place your feet on top of it. Your knees should be directly above your ankles. Position the round side of the ball face-up, although you can flip it upside down if you want to make the exercise more challenging. Draw in your core as you lift your hips up towards the ceiling. Don’t bend your back at any point. The goal is to primarily use your glutes. You can either perform this as a static or dynamic drill. For the former, squeeze your buttocks and hold at the top position for several seconds before easing back down. For the latter, slowly lift and lower your hips.

John Baker is a physiotherapist at Bespoke Wellness. You can contact him about private sessions via john@bespoke-wellness.com or visit bespoke-wellness.com.

MAY 2013

SPORTS TALK

Ph y s i o t h e r a p y

SECOND HALF

AWARDS » DREAM PRIZES » RIB-TICKLING HUMOUR

THIS MONTH… 62 JOEL SJOHOLM

We take the charismatic Swedish golfer ray-feeding at Atlantis’ Aquaventure

66 DANIELLE WYATT

The England cricketer and staunch Stoke fan is this month’s Woman of the Match

70 DRIVE HOME

Shahzad Sheikh thinks Buzz Lightyear would probably drive the Infiniti QX56

JOEL SJOHOLM

SJOHOLM Sweet SJOHOLM SWEDISH GOLFER JOEL SJOHOLM TELLS BEN JACOBS FIVE-STAR RESORT ATLANTIS IS HIS HOME FROM HOME

f golf gave out Majors for drive (instead of drives), approachability (instead of approaches) or wholesomeness (instead of holing out), Joel Sjoholm would undoubtedly be the Swedish Tiger. The 28-year-old is easily the most loveable pro on Tour, which is why Atlantis chose to adopt him. Sjoholm is used to multiple homes – not just through the constant (and, for most, arduous) travel associated with being a professional golfer. Born in an inauspicious corner of Santiago, Chile, he was adopted by Swedish parents at the tender age of three months and taken to Gothenburg – a fortuitous move that would redefine his life. “I was very lucky to be rescued by such wonderful parents,” said Sjoholm, who finished 66th in last season’s Race to Dubai rankings. “They adopted my brother from Bolivia and, two years later, found me in Chile. My dad is a fanatical golfer. He has been playing for 55 years. He first took me on a course when I was three and I immediately fell in love with the sport. I used to drive my nanny up the wall because I wasn’t the best-behaved child, but when my father put a club in my hand I immediately felt at peace. I guess a driver for me had the same effect as a dummy for most babies!” Sjoholm’s upbringing has unquestionably given him a lust for life. He has no airs or graces – just an endearing genuineness to complement his larger than life personality. The world No.316 might not have won a European Tour event (yet), and narrowly missed out on qualifying for last November’s Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates, but, a little like John Daly (just without the foul temperament), you simply can’t take your eyes off him. A self-assured introvert, albeit with a wacky side, Sjoholm isn’t interested in parading outlandish pink pants, but his clothing is nonetheless unique. The sanguine Swede always takes to the course

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MAY 2013

in plus fours – trousers made famous on the fairways by his idol, Payne Stewart. However, his baseball-like attire – which is apt considering he is a fanatical Atlanta Braves fan – is far more than just a sentimental tribute to golf’s past. “It’s a statement,” revealed Joel, who once bought 20 Atlanta Braves caps in a single shopping spree! “Payne didn’t just win three Majors, he was also a delightful character. I was attracted by the way he dressed. He always tried to wear the same colours as the American football team of the city where he was playing. This season, I am going to attempt to theme my plus fours around the flags of every country I compete in. It’s my way of giving back to the fans – a thank you to them for taking the time to watch me. “I also wear plus fours so that I am easily recognisable. I love getting strange looks too! People see me and often double take. I am sure they probably think, ‘Hang on, he can’t seriously be a pro!’ I relish the chance to prove them wrong. I basically want my clothing to elicit a reaction: love it, hate it, that’s totally up to you – just as long as you notice it!” Joel’s obvious selflessness and infectious inimitability make him a perfect fit for ambitious Atlantis, who are keen to strengthen their ties with golf. The iconic Palm-based resort is already an official partner of the Tour Championship, while they have recently launched their own ‘Race to Atlantis’ concept. This will see them venture outside the UAE to stage eight international tournaments, aimed at giving amateur golfers across the globe the chance to gain Pro-Am spots at the European Tour’s season-ending event. Sjoholm is the face of all this coverage and was specifically chosen because of both his golfing potential and affable demeanour. “Joel is a fantastic character,” said Carl Palmlund, vice-president of group sales at Atlantis. “He is extremely passionate and keen to

JOEL SJOHOLM help us grow grassroots golf in the region. He has a big future ahead of him and we are ecstatic to have him representing our brand. We simply couldn’t find a better ambassador. Atlantis, a little like Joel, has evolved very quickly, but we are still relatively new and want to, through creative channels, help consolidate ourselves as the leading tourist hotspot in Dubai. Golf is certainly one way to do that.” One of Sjoholm’s biggest strengths is his unquenchable energy, which is partly why his fellow pros call him the ‘Swedish Toro’ (Spanish for ‘Bull’): he has a raging appetite – especially off the course! Eating out comes with the territory in golf, so it is fortunate Joel is a bit of a food junkie. His favourite restaurant is Atlantis’ Japanese eatery Nobu, where he frequently devours the signature black cod. “That dish is insanely good,” he smiled. “It has a meat-like texture, and so much taste, plus it’s impeccably presented. You only have to look at me to know I enjoy snacking. However, I still haven’t picked up a single cheque at Atlantis because I’m too scared of it!” One thing jovial Joel clearly isn’t scared of is a new challenge. He is the antithesis of analytical Padraig Harrington, who frequently wakes up in a cold sweat obsessing about nothing but golf, or Tiger Woods, who rarely embraces other sports or leisure activities for fear of breaking a nail (or, worse still, snapping his dodgy Achilles’ heel). The peppy Swede will bite your hand off for a fresh escapade, so it was poetic (if a tad hazardous) that Sports Talk decided to give Aquaventure’s stingrays the chance to bite back! Atlantis’ memorable food-feeding experience, which in reality is so safe that even small children can participate, further proved what a ray of sunshine Sjoholm is. “It was the first time I had been ray-feeding,” said Joel, who also fancied a go on the water park’s ‘Leap of Faith’ slide, which has a daring 27.5-metre near-vertical drop. “I saw loads of different species, but I was far too terrified to memorise their names! Once I shook off the initial nerves, though, it was brilliant fun! “You get given a handful of shrimps, clutch them between your thumb and index finger and slowly lower the snack underwater. The rays then come hurtling towards you, like tiny water puppies.

JOEL SJOHOLM Born: Santiago, Chile Age: 28 Height: 5ft 10in Weight: 95kg Turned Pro: 2008 Clubs: TaylorMade

SPORTS TALK

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2012

They suck the shrimp right out of your hand… usually without biting off your finger! They were really happy, hungry and just a little greedy – a bit like me! It is crucial to try these kinds of activities. They help me forget about my woes and forge a full life away from the course. Golf takes a lot out of me, so it is important to maximise the small amount of free time I get.” Despite narrowly missing out on a top 60 finish in last season’s Race to Dubai, Sjoholm still earned €412,376 – an ample sum to live comfortably. However, the nagging question remains, is his commendable life philosophy entirely conducive to golf? Sadly, the answer is an emphatic no since, like with most sports, sacrifices are essential to reach the very top. Swing tweaks (which turned Nick Faldo from an uninspiring plodder to a five-time Major champion) and weight loss (which catalysed Lee Westwood’s rise from world No.256 to No.1) are both necessary if 95-kg Sjoholm is to break into the world top 50. Being intelligent, he realises this, but is reluctant to smother his life with golf in case that kills his infatuation with the sport. “I am almost schizophrenic,” he conceded. “One voice is telling me to relax and have fun, but the other wants to win at all costs. There are times when I am furious with my game and then, amidst the anger, I fully accept I may need some additional coaching, or to shed a few pounds, in order to succeed. Yet, at the same time, I must never forget I was born on the streets of Chile and am so grateful to my parents for the upbringing they gave me. Had they not taken me to Sweden I might be dead now – who knows. I could easily have endured a horrible life, but instead I am living out my dream.” Sjoholm’s top European Tour finish to date is third place at the 2011 Sicilian Open, while his most lucrative payday (and arguably the best performance of his career) was joint fourth in last October’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. He also contended at the 2012 Dubai Desert Classic, finishing joint ninth, five shots adrift of Spanish winner Rafael Cabrera-Bello. However, by Sjoholm’s own admission, he has struggled for consistency. Perhaps this is because, for him, golf is more about feel

Sjoholm sank a huge par putt on the 18th to tie for ninth in the 2011 Desert Classic and will be back at Emirates Golf Club again next year

THERE ARE TIMES WHEN I AM FURIOUS WITH MY GOLF GAME AND THEN, AMIDST THE ANGER, I FULLY ACCEPT I MAY NEED SOME ADDITIONAL COACHING, OR TO SHED A FEW POUNDS, IN ORDER TO SUCCEED. than science, so he rarely analyses his swing. Of course, Bubba Watson, who claims never to have had a proper golf lesson, proved you can win a Major that way at last year’s Masters, but Joel isn’t content with one spontaneous if glorious triumph. He is desperate to eradicate the erraticness from his game. “Last season, every time I put in a quality display, the next tournament my golf was a pile of… you know what!” he admitted. “I think that’s because when I played well I shot up the rankings, so it felt like I’d won. I thus relaxed and stopped practising as hard, which can’t happen. The kids in Sweden can’t see this kind of attitude since it looks like I am just taking the money and then crawling back into my own shadow, which couldn’t be further from the truth. “The aim, in 2013, is to develop a steadier game and hopefully climb into the world top 50. That would open up doors to all the Majors and really help me move to the next level. It haunts me that I haven’t yet won and, to do so, I need to start feeling I belong as a professional golfer. I think the top players are able to flick a switch and suddenly become a killing machine on the course. I am going to work my backside off to try and be like that.” Sjoholm also harbours loftier ambitions, the biggest of which is to be a part of both the 2016 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Club and Sweden’s Olympic golf team in Rio. He fantasises

about forming an Olazabal/Ballesterosesque partnership for Europe alongside his best friend, Thorbjorn Olesen – a prodigious Danish talent who Joel is tipping to be a multiple Major-winner. The pair are known as ‘Batman and Robin’ on the European Tour. “Thorbjorn is one to watch,” predicted Sjoholm. “He is the complete package. He has the game, personality and looks to be a global star. I can definitely see him winning Majors in the future. He could rival Rory McIlroy one day. I really hope the two of us can have a number of friendly battles in the future and also team up to play Ryder Cup golf. “Normally I don’t like setting long-term targets, but it is pretty hard to ignore the Ryder Cup and Olympics in 2016. There is no reason why I can’t be part of both events. Golf is going to make a huge impact in Rio and we Swedes must do our bit by shouting and screaming about it now. “I have spoken quite a bit to Thomas Bjorn about the magic of the Ryder Cup. We are neighbours at our summer cottage and he has also recently moved to Gothenburg. He has taken both myself and Thorbjorn under his wing, so once again I am adopted! Thomas has really helped set me straight and, given he has the trust and respect of all the European Tour golfers, deserves to be Ryder Cup captain one day. One thing most people don’t know about him is that he’s featured in five Ryder Cups, including twice as a player, and has never lost. For me, that proves his worth.” Sjoholm is always quick to compliment others (and makes a powerful argument in relation to Bjorn), but perhaps he needs to start showering more praise on himself. It seems he doesn’t yet quite appreciate his own rare talent. For instance, in typical self-deprecating manner, he refers to 23-year-old Olesen as being at a “totally different level” to him, perhaps without contemplating just how far he has come since gaining his maiden European Tour card in 2011. Maybe the Swedish Bull needs to stop waving the red (Danish) flag and start following his own yellow (Swedish) brick road to success. One hopes signing with a five-star resort like Atlantis will make humble Joel realise what a five-star guy he is, and what a five-star golfer he can become. MAY 2013

SPORTS TALK

DANIELLE WYATT

DA N I E L L E W YAT T THIS MONTH’S WOMAN OF THE MATCH IS ENGLAND CRICKETER AND STAUNCH STOKE FAN DANIELLE WYATT, WHO CLAIRE BLOOMFIELD CAUGHT UP WITH AT THE BRITANNIA STADIUM

anielle Wyatt is one of England Women’s most promising cricketers. The 22-year-old opener was an integral part of January’s ICC World Cup in India. Although she couldn’t help England recapture the trophy they won in 2009, the girl they call ‘Waggy’ still caught the eye – particularly with a gritty 40 in the six-wicket victory over the West Indies in Mumbai. Away from the crease, Wyatt is a massive football fan, but don’t let her hometown, Newcastle-under-Lyme, fool you into thinking she supports the Toon: Danielle bleeds red and white, not black and white! Wyatt, who played football for Staffordshire as a teenager, is an avid Stoke City fan – an allegiance that doesn’t go down too well with her family. “My mum encouraged me to follow the Potters,” said Wyatt, who grew up idolising Chris Kamara, the manager in charge during her first visit to the Britannia Stadium. “However, the rest of my family support Port Vale. My dad calls me a glory hunter but, as I keep reminding him, Stoke have never won a top-flight title or FA Cup, and our only League Cup victory was back in 1972 long before I was born!” Even though their Premier League status is secure, Stoke have endured a pretty patchy season. The Potters have struggled on the road but, as ever, the Britannia remains a fortress. Only Aston Villa (3-1), Chelsea (4-0), Manchester City (1-0) and West Ham (1-0) have won there in the league this campaign. Thankfully Wyatt has enjoyed a far smoother season, although England have struggled to win trophies, finishing third in the World Cup and enduring a heartwrenching four-run loss to Australia in the final of the World Twenty20 last October. “It’s been a fantastic year for me, but not for the team,” conceded Danielle, who has recently switched from Staffordshire to Nottinghamshire. “The World Cup was a massive disappointment, as was our narrow defeat to Australia in the World Twenty20 final. However, I did really well in the warm-up games against the West Indies and Pakistan, and then my performances in the tournament itself were some of the best of my career.” Wyatt hit an unbeaten 33 as England beat Australia in the group stage in Galle, then took 2-15 in a one-sided rout over New Zealand in Colombo. Although she is still better known as an opener, Danielle has some pretty nifty spin in her armoury. Former England captain Andrew Strauss and current skipper Alastair Cook are two cricketers she’d love to clean bowl, but it’s Stoke striker Kenwyne Jones who would be her prize wicket.

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MY MUM ENCOURAGED ME TO FOLLOW THE POTTERS. HOWEVER, THE REST OF MY FAMILY SUPPORT PORT VALE. MY DAD CALLS ME A GLORY HUNTER BUT, AS I KEEP REMINDING HIM, STOKE HAVE NEVER WON A TOP-FLIGHT TITLE OR FA CUP.

DANIELLE WYATT • Born in Newcastle-under-Lyme on 22 April 1991 • Made her County Championship debut for Staffordshire aged 14 • Awarded an MCC Young Cricketers contract in February 2010 • Made her England debut v India in March 2010 • Opened for England at the 2013 ICC World Cup

MAY 2013

SPORTS TALK

DANIELLE WYATT

“Big Trinidadian Kenwyne is my favourite footballer,” she grinned. “I would love to try and bowl him out – more so than any established cricketer. Meanwhile, if I was batting, I would relish facing Ryan Shawcross, although I fear his delivery might pack quite a punch! “Ryan is obviously one of the first names on the teamsheet, but sadly Kenwyne isn’t, and it’s about time he started up front. I was disappointed during the January transfer window to hear rumours that he might leave. It wouldn’t surprise me if he goes this summer, but if that’s the case I hope we can get a decent fee in return. If the budget became available, I would love to see us bring in someone like Christian Benteke, who has been on fire of late for struggling Aston Villa.” Despite her busy schedule, Wyatt still tries to see Stoke at least ten times per season and knows a lot of the players personally, having trained alongside them in 2010 at the Total Fitness gym. She adores screaming until hoarse from the (often frozen) terraces, although she can also occasionally be seen from the warmer comfort of 16-time darts world champion Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor’s hospitality box. “Phil is a family friend and a tremendous ambassador for Stoke,” she said. “He has invited us to his box a couple of times. He’s great fun to be around, and doesn’t half shout a lot! When I first sat with him I was a little bit worried about making too much noise, since you’re surrounded by people in suits or fancy clothes, but once he started yelling I realised I could be as loud as I liked!” This season both Wyatt and Taylor have had good cause to vent their frustration. Although Stoke’s no-nonsense (and according to Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger “ugly”) approach to the beautiful game won them plenty of plaudits when they first graced the Premier League in 2008, there are now calls for manager Tony Pulis to step aside, especially with the likes of Martin O’Neill and Mark Hughes currently free agents. “No one can deny the contribution Tony has made to Stoke, but in the same way some people are hoping Wenger finally leaves Arsenal, there is a feeling that change might be necessary at the Britannia – to turn us from, at best, a mid-table Premier League side to one that can push for Europe,” conceded Wyatt. “The never-say-die attitude that Stoke are traditionally notorious for has been absent for much of this season. We have thrown away a lot of points and, more damningly, had real issues scoring goals. Peter Crouch has hardly been firing on all cylinders and Michael Owen, who has now announced his retirement, has barely been seen in a Potters shirt.” If the summer does see Pulis go, Wyatt hopes recently culled Sunderland boss O’Neill replaces him. She will certainly be keeping a close eye on the ins and outs during the off-season; although as the Premier League draws to a close the domestic cricket season begins, affording her a little less time to focus on her beloved Stoke, especially with it being an Ashes year. “I have so much to look forward to in the next few months,” she enthused. “Our domestic season starts in May, and the Aussies are coming over in August for three One Day Internationals, a Twenty20 game and, most importantly, the Ashes. Perhaps I can encourage a few Stoke fans to come down and cheer us on. I have three ultimate aims: to win the Ashes and the World Cup… and for Stoke to qualify for the Champions League!” Given Wyatt’s talent and versatility as a cricketer, two of those three goals are very realistic… but the Potters versus Barcelona is a potty fantasy, although Danielle can be forgiven for dreaming! 68

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MAY 2013

19 years before Wyatt was born, Terry Conroy and George Eastham both scored as Stoke beat Chelsea 2-1 at Wembley to win the 1972 League Cup – the only major piece of silverware in their 150-year history

Ph y s i o t h e r a p y

DRIVE HOME

INFINITI AND BEYOND!

IF BUZZ LIGHTYEAR DROVE A CAR, IT WOULD PROBABLY BE THE INFINITI QX56,

writes Shahzad Sheikh

oy Story’s congenial space ranger, Buzz Lightyear, is big, white and sturdy, a bit like the Infiniti QX56. The car is gargantuan – the love child of a limousine and a bus. In truth, you have to be a bit of a cowboy to drive it, so Sheriff Woody Pride would probably fancy a crack behind the wheel too! Alas, though, big is not

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MAY 2013

always beautiful. The QX56 has the surreal feel of a luxury bomb shelter. Aesthetically, it fails to mask some ungainly curves. Its grille sharply sticks out at each corner and there’s a totally pointless bulge at the base of the rear window. Yet, to continue the (slightly tenuous) Toy Story analogy, this is the ‘Big Baby’ of cars. Presence is one thing it definitely doesn’t lack.

MAY 2013

SPORTS TALK

DRIVE HOME

The current generation of QX was launched in 2011 and modelled on the (then also newly released) Nissan Patrol. Unsurprisingly, to power its obese frame it is fitted with a pretty chunky power unit. There’s a 5.6-litre V8 engine that produces 400bhp and 413lb ft of torque, giving this ‘white whale’ a 0-100kph acceleration time of 6.5s and a top speed of 210kph. Once behind the wheel, the Infiniti QX56 feels surprisingly (in fact, jaw-droppingly) swift. Driving something of this scale is often like starting up a rusty old steam engine: there’s huffing, puffing and churning, then, after an infuriatingly slow start, an unstoppable motor-hulk is born. This is not the case with the QX56. It rattles through its seven-speed automatic gearbox with a real sense of urgency… almost as if it senses Lotso, the bear who smells like strawberries, is about to be shredded by a garbage disposer (no wait, that’s Toy Story again!). The Infiniti not only has five off-road modes, but intelligently channels drive to the wheels in various proportions depending on the terrain. The steering is light and lacks feel, but then this isn’t a sports car. The helm is slyly designed to lure you into thinking the QX56 is easy to manoeuvre or park; and to an extent it is, thanks to a relatively tight turning circle and cameras at the front, back and sides. These are helpful, if a touch Orwellian! Yet, despite its agility, and a bit like Diego Maradona, you never lose sight of the Infiniti’s considerable bulk. For a start, the lofty driving position is a giveaway. Plus, despite a suspension 72

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MAY 2013

INFINITI QX56 Price: AED 304k Engine: 5.6-litre V8, 400bhp @ 5,800rpm, 413lb ft @ 4,000rpm Transmission: 7-speed auto, four-wheel drive Performance: 0-100kph in 6.5s, 210kph, 12.5L/100km Weight: 2,767kg

Shahzad Sheikh is editor of Motoring Middle East. For more information about his work go to motoringme.com or email him via shahzad@motoringme.com.

The car is gargantuan – the love child of a limousine and a bus. In truth, you have to be a bit of a cowboy to drive it.

that’s brainier than Toy Story’s wise-cracking piggybank Hamm, it inevitably does lean and lurch. The low-profile tyres also pick up road imperfections and slightly taint the ‘floating carpet’ feel the creators envisaged. I am not saying there’s anything wrong or bad about the way the QX56 handles corners or pummels surfaces into submission, I just expected better. It’s fairly competent, and thankfully the brakes keep the beefy exterior in check, but this isn’t a car that’s going to get the cowgirls fawning hopelessly over you. That’s OK, though, since you’ll still derive immense pleasure from the silky feel of the leather and timber-lined furnishings, which are positively lavish. There are also tons of toys inside (and not of the kids variety). If you do have children, you’ll also have no problem cramming their junk inside, since the QX56 can house up to eight seats. The final row is hemmed into the super-sized luggage bay only to emerge, Transformers-style, at the click of a button. This is a cool feature, but not really a deal clincher. Sorry, Infiniti… if you’re after a humongous Japanese 4x4 that’s supreme at delivering space, comfort and all the techy stuff that we crave in cars these days, don’t look past a Nissan Patrol.

Forget the agricultural and Spartan model of old, Nissan’s latest offering is easily as high-end as the QX56, yet starts from just AED 196k instead of 304k. Granted, you get about 80bhp less from the detuned 5.6-litre V8 engine, but you’re unlikely to miss it. If you do, for a bit more dough you can always opt for the full-fat 400bhp Patrol and still pay way less than for the Infiniti, which is beyond… overpriced!

MAY 2013

SPORTS TALK

CLASSIFIEDS

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Yamaha’s Jorge Lorenzo celebrates victory in April’s season-opening Qatar MotoGP at Doha’s Losail International Circuit

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MAY 2013

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 +974 4 4960 7777 * info@dohagolfclub.com  dohagolfclub.com DUBAI CREEK GOLF & YACHT CLUB The wettest track in the UAE Location: Dubai Creek  +971 4 295 6000 * info@dubaigolf.com  dubaigolf.com MANCHESTER UNITED SOCCER SCHOOL Learn football the United way Location: Airport Road  +971 2 449 8480 * muss@manutdsoccerschools.ae  manutdsoccerschools.ae SOCCER CIRCUS The world’s first football-themed tourist attraction Location: Mirdif  +971 4 231 6275 * info@soccercircus.com  soccercircus.com

GOLF ABU DHABI CITY GOLF CLUB Boasts the UAE’s first two-tiered range Location: Al Mushrif  +971 2 445 9600 * office@adcitygolf.ae  adcitygolf.ae

THE ELS CLUB Els, Westwood and McIlroy all train here Location: Dubai Sports City  +971 4 425 1010 * golf@elsclubdubai.com  elsclubdubai.com EMIRATES GOLF CLUB Home of the Desert Classic since 1989 Location: Emirates Hills  +971 4 380 2222 * info@dubaigolf.com  dubaigolf.com JEBEL ALI GOLF RESORT & SPA Unique, affordable and enjoyable Location: Jebel Ali  +971 4 883 6000 * jagrs@jaihotels.com  jebelali-international.com

AL BADIA GOLF CLUB Golf with a festival atmosphere Location: Festival City  +971 4 601 0101 * albadiagolf@ichdfc.ae  albadiagolfclub.ae AL HAMRA GOLF CLUB Excellent value and an even better course Location: Ras Al Khaimah  +971 7 244 7474 * info@alhamragolf.com  alhamragolf.com ARABIAN RANCHES A true desert challenge Location: Emirates Road  +971 4 366 3000 * golfacademy@arabianranchesgolf.ae  arabianranchesgolfdubai.com DOHA GOLF CLUB Qatar’s hidden gem Location: Doha

THE WAVE MUSCAT A Greg Norman links course that is making waves Location: Muscat  +968 2 452 4649 * info@thewavemuscat.com  thewavemuscat.com TOWER LINKS The most underrated club in the UAE Location: Ras Al Khaimah  +971 7 227 8555 * membership@towerlinks.com  towerlinks.com YAS LINKS The UAE’s top track Location: Yas Island  +971 2 810 7777 * info@yaslinks.com  yaslinks.com

HORSE RIDING HOOFBEATZ Horses and humans in harmony Location: Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club  +971 5 0181 0401 * info@hoofbeatz.com  hoofbeatz.com

ABU DHABI GOLF CLUB Unleash the Tiger in you Location: Sas Al Nakhi  +971 2 558 8990 * info@adgolfclub.com  adgolfclub.com AL AIN EQUESTRIAN, SHOOTING & GOLF CLUB Shoot balls and bullets Location: Al Ain  +971 3 768 4888 * info@aesgc.ae  aesgc.ae

THE ADDRESS MONTGOMERIE Address your golf swing here Location: Emirates Hills  +971 4 390 5600 * info@themontgomerie.ae  themontgomerie.com

MARTIAL ARTS

JUMEIRAH GOLF ESTATES The Race to Dubai ends here Location: Dubai Sports City  +971 4 390 3333 * info@jumeirahgolfestates.com  jumeirahgolfestates.com ROYAL GOLF CLUB Bahrain’s premier golf destination Location: Riffa  +973 1 775 0777 * golfevents@theroyalgolfclub.com  theroyalgolfclub.com

SAADIYAT BEACH GOLF CLUB One of Gary Player’s finest creations Location: Saadiyat Island  +971 2 557 8000 * info@sbgolfclub.ae  sbgolfclub.ae SHARJAH GOLF & SHOOTING CLUB Where golf is never over-Sharjed Location: Sharjah  +971 6 548 7777 * info@golfandshootingshj.com  golfandshootingshj.com

DUBAI AIKIDO CLUB Live the Samurai dream Location: Al Wasl Road  +971 5 0795 2716 * aikido.jr@gmail.com  aikido.ae DUBAI LADIES CLUB Fight in a tranquil ambience Location: Jumeirah Beach  +971 4 349 9922 * marhaba@dubailadiesclub.com  dubailadiesclub.com

* info@shotokanuae.com  shotokanuae.com

MOTOR SPORTS FERRARI WORLD Ride the world’s fastest rollercoaster Location: Yas Island  +971 2 496 8001 * sales@faraleisure.com  ferrariworldabudhabi.com YAS MARINA CIRCUIT Home of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Location: Yas Island  +971 6 559 9999 * customerservice@yasmarinacircuit.com  yasmarinacircuit.com

POLO DUBAI POLO & EQUESTRIAN CLUB The place for camel polo Location: Dubai Studio City  +971 4 361 8111 * info@poloclubdubai.com  poloclubdubai.com DUBAI POLO ACADEMY Learn the world’s oldest team game Location: Arabian Ranches  +971 5 0887 9847 * info@dubaipoloacademy.com  dubaipoloacademy.com

RUGBY ARABIAN POTBELLIES True barbarian rugby in the Middle East Location: Jebel Ali  +971 5 6603 1989 * francoscott@hotmail.com  arabianpotbellies.com DUBAI EXILES An ‘exilent’ club Location: Al Ain Road  +971 5 0459 5693

MUAY THAI War on the shore Location: Sheikh Zayed Road  +971 5 5311 3503 * info@muaythai.ae  muaythai.ae ORIENTAL KARATE & KOBUDO CLUB Kicking ass since 1987 Location: Airport Road  +971 2 445 7375 * karate@emirates.net.ae  orientalkarate.com SHOTOKAN KARATE UAE’s first Japanese sports centre Location: Sharjah  +971 6 554 6160

MAY 2013

SPORTS TALK

CLASSIFIEDS

SPORTS CALENDAR 3-12 MAY, TENNIS: MADRID MASTERS

18 MAY, RUGBY: HEINEKEN CUP FINAL, DUBLIN

4-5 MAY, RACING: GUINEAS MEETING, NEWMARKET

19 MAY, FOOTBALL: LAST DAY OF THE PREMIER LEAGUE

4-26 MAY, CYCLING: GIRO D’ITALIA

23-24 MAY, DARTS: DUBAI DARTS MASTERS, IRISH VILLAGE

9-12 MAY, GOLF: PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP, FLORIDA

23-26 MAY, GOLF: BMW PGA CHAMPIONSHIP, WENTWORTH

10 MAY, ATHLETICS: DIAMOND LEAGUE, DOHA

24-28 MAY, CRICKET: 2ND TEST, ENGLAND V NEW ZEALAND, HEADINGLEY

11 MAY, FOOTBALL: FA CUP FINAL, WEMBLEY

25 MAY, FOOTBALL: CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL, WEMBLEY

11-19 MAY, TENNIS: ROME MASTERS

26 MAY, CRICKET: INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE FINAL, KOLKATA

12 MAY, FORMULA ONE: SPANISH GRAND PRIX, BARCELONA

26 MAY, FORMULA ONE: MONACO GRAND PRIX, MONTE CARLO

15 MAY, FOOTBALL: EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL, AMSTERDAM

26 MAY-9 JUNE, TENNIS: FRENCH OPEN, PARIS

16-20 MAY, CRICKET: 1ST TEST, ENGLAND V NEW ZEALAND, LORD’S

27 MAY, FOOTBALL: CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYOFF FINAL, WEMBLEY

* chairman@dubaiexiles.com  dubaiexiles.com DUBAI FROGS ‘Oui nide iou’ Location: Umm Nahad  + 971 5 0452 9596 * im@aen90.com  dubai-frogs.com DUBAI HURRICANES Cooking up a rugby storm Location: Al Ain Road  +971 5 0578 1479 * hurricanepauly@hotmail.com  dubaihurricanes.com JEBEL ALI DRAGONS Play with fire Location: Jebel Ali  +971 5 0657 9827 * woodtj@emirates.net.ae  jebelalidragonsrfc.com SHARJAH WANDERERS Over 700 active members Location: Sharjah  +971 6 566 2105 * swsc@eim.ae  sharjahwanderers.com

SAILING ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL SAILING CLUB A cosmopolitan sailing experience Location: Abu Dhabi Corniche  +971 2 681 5566 * sailing@adimsc.com  adimsc.com ABU DHABI SAILING CLUB Your home from home Location: Meena Zayed  +971 2 673 1111 * info@the-club.com  the-club.com

SPORTS TALK

MAY 2013

DUBAI OFFSHORE SAILING CLUB Internationally acclaimed sailing club Location: Umm Suqeim 1  +971 4 394 1669 * administration@doscuae.com  dosc.ae

SWIMMING AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL SWIM SCHOOLS Get an aquatic education Location: Fairmont Dubai  +971 4 386 5718 * swim@aiss.ae  aiswimschools.com

CLUB JOUMANA Caroline Wozniacki sometimes swings by Location: Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa  +971 4 814 5555 * jagrs@jaihotels.com  jebelali-international.com THE RITZ-CARLTON DUBAI BEACH CLUB Tennis in a five-star environment Location: Ritz Carlton Dubai  +971 4 399 4000 * dxbrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com  ritzcarlton.com

WATERSPORTS

HAMILTON AQUATICS Learn to swim Location: Jumeirah  +971 5 0250 5216 * info@hamiltonaquatics.ae  hamiltonaquatics.ae MUSHRIF PARK Dubai’s largest, oldest park Location: Mirdif  +971 4 288 3624 * info@mushrifcentralpark.ae  mushrifcentralpark.ae STA AL WASL SWIMMING ACADEMY Become a stronger swimmer Location: Al Wasl Club  +971 4 446 7400 * swimming@vipeduc.com  vipeduc.com

TENNIS CLARK FRANCIS TENNIS An ace academy Location: Garhoud  +971 5 6719 7042 * tennis@clarkfrancistennis.com  clarkfrancistennis.com

AL BOOM DIVING Leading dive operator in the UAE Location: Al Aqah Beach Resort  +971 4 342 2993 * abdiving@emirates.net.ae  alboomdiving.com CLUB MINA 500m private beach and club Location: Le Meridien Mina Seyahi  +971 4 399 3333 * club@lemeridien-minaseyahi.com  lemeridien-minaseyahi.com DUBAI AQUARIUM An underwater zoo Location: Dubai Mall  +971 4 448 5200 * enquiries@thedubaiaquarium.com  thedubaiaquarium.com DUBAI WATER SPORT ACADEMY Try your hand at some of Dubai’s

wackier water sports Location: Dubai Marina  +971 5 0478 0114 * info@bristol-middleeast.com  bristol-holding.com EASY DIVERS EMIRATES Enjoy an underwater adventure Location: Emirates Hills  +971 4 447 2247 * info@easydiversemirates.com  easydiversemirates.com EMIRATES DIVING ASSOCIATION Inspiring people to care about our oceans since 1995 Location: Dubai Creek  +971 4 393 9390 * diving@emiratesdiving.com  emiratesdiving.com GLOBAL SCUBA DIVE Go on a diving break to Oman Location: Oman  +968 2 469 2346 * enquiries@global-scuba.com  global-scuba.com MONTY’S ROWING SCHOOL Getting fit is just a stroke away Location: Al Boom Tourist Village  +971 5 0738 0910 * details@montysrowingschool.com  montysrowingschool.com NAUTICA 1992 Fish, windsurf, paraglide and kayak Location: Mina Siyahi Beach  +971 5 0426 2415 * info@nautica1992.ae  nautica1992.ae 7 SEAS DIVERS UAE’s oldest dive centre Location: Khor Fakkan  +971 9 238 7400 * bestdive@emirates.net.ae 7seasdivers.com

DURING MAY, ENJOY SOME GOLF WITH YOUR FREE BREAKFAST.

During May at The Track, Meydan Golf, you can enjoy a free breakfast when you play 9 holes, Sunday to Thursday from 6.30am - 12pm for just AED 195 per person.

Offer valid from 1st - 31st May Terms & Conditions apply.

www.meydangolf.com Book online or call us now on +971 4 381 3733 for tee time bookings. Like us on facebook.com/TheTrackMeydanGolfClub Follow us on @thetrackmeydan