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Friday March 29, 2024

BITS AND PIECES

By our correspondents
April 23, 2017

BITS AND PIECES

 

Clasico will not decide title race, says Zidane

MADRID: Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has dismissed suggestions that Sunday’s crucial clash against great rivals Barcelona will decide the Spanish title race.

Real currently sit top of La Liga, three points ahead of the Catalans with a game in hand, and victory at their Bernabeu stadium would be a huge step towards a first league title since 2012.

Zidane, however, is refusing to look that far ahead and claimed it would not have that big an impact on who goes on to become champions.

“Tomorrow’s game is one you need to fight in and work hard for. We’re not favourites. People could think that maybe we are — or they are. We’re playing against a great side,” he said.

“It won’t be decisive in the title race. We have seven games left this season in the league. We’re going game to game — they’re all important.

“We have a big one tomorrow, and we’re focused on that but it won’t be decisive in terms of who wins the title.”

Zidane confirmed that winger Gareth Bale would be included in the squad but would not say whether the Welshman was fit enough to start or if he would be named among the substitutes.

All eyes will be on Bale’s teammate Cristiano Ronaldo after his midweek heroics in the Champions League and the Real coach was effusive in his praise of the Portuguese.

“We always talk about Cristiano in big games and he showed it the other night. The energy he gives this team is so positive and amazing,” he said.

“Tomorrow is a great game. A massive game, everybody knows that. Everybody will be watching and I’ll be another spectator, too. My team will be the main act and hopefully will put on a great show.”

 

Rowing legend Grainger ‘thrilled’ by new challenge

LONDON: Britain’s most decorated female Olympic athlete Katherine Grainger says she is ‘thrilled’ with her appointment on Friday to be the chairwoman of UK Sport.

The 41-year-old — five times an Olympic rowing medallist including gold in London in 2012 — succeeds Rod Carr who steps down after a four-year spell in charge of the body which oversees how funding is distributed among sports.

Grainger’s appointment despite having no administrative experience was confirmed by the British Government on Friday — having received the seal of approval of Prime Minister Theresa May.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be appointed as the next UK Sport chair,” said Grainger, who will be paid £40,000 ($51,000, 47,800 euros) a year.

“I am also very honoured to be joining the team at UK Sport and building on the success and commitment to excellence that I have witnessed and enjoyed as an athlete.”

 

Cauley claws way into share of Texas Open lead

LOS ANGELES, California: Bud Cauley had to reach deep into his bag of tricks on Friday to shoot a bogey-free 66 and seize a share of the lead at the halfway mark of the Texas Open.

Cauley, who is seeking his first win on the US PGA Tour, missed eight of 18 greens but managed to scramble each time and make par.

He tallied six birdies and 12 pars in blustery conditions to finish in a tie with fellow American Tony Finau at eight-under 136 at the TPC San Antonio. Finau shot a seven-under 65.

This is Cauley’s 108th start on the Tour without a win and his first career co-lead or outright lead after 36 holes.

He can take comfort in the fact that four of the last six 36 hole leaders have gone on to win the Texas Open.

Finau had a roller-coaster ride on Friday with eight birdies, one eagle and three bogeys.

He made an excellent read on a downward sloping putt for birdie on the 10th hole and then got up and down from 83 yards for another birdie on the par-five 14th, the easiest hole of the tournament.