FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 4 RUGBY | Page 8 Poacher Australia crush Costa sends New Zealand To Advertise here Chelsea top in Four Call: 444 11 300, 444 66 621 of the table Nations fi nal

Monday, November 21, 2016 GOLF Safar 21, 1438 AH Fitzpatrick holds GULF TIMES his nerve to claim $1.33mn Dubai win SPORT Page 5 QATAR STARS LEAGUE 10-man Lekhwiya leave it late to draw Rayyan 2-2 Lekhwiya’s El Arabi scores the equaliser after Tresor is sent off ; Tabata, al-Harazi score for QSL champions Romarinho scores brace as Jaish brush past Shahania

El Jaish’s Romarinho (left) in action against Al Shahania during their Qatar Stars League match yesterday.

brace by Romarinho proved by Moutouali. to be the diff erence as table- In the 6th minute, Al Wakrah’s A toppers El Jaish brushed Hamood al-Yazidi broke free off aside the Al Shahania challenge 3-1 his marker and charged into the in their round seven match of the Al Sadd box in what was the first Qatar Stars League yesterday. serious attempt at either goal. In The soldiers stamped their author- a hurried attempt at Al Sadd goal, ity with their first goal courtesy of al-Yazidi unleashed a shot that was their Brazilian sensation Romarinho. punched away by Sadd goalkeeper Lekhwiya’s Yusef El Arabi (second from right) celebrates with his teammates after scoring the equaliser for his team in their Qatar Stars League match against Al Rayyan The striker won a free kick outside Saad al-Dosari. at the Lekhwiya Stadium yesterday. the box; the resulting strike from Playing in all-white, Al Sadd looked Romarinho saw the ball sail over the tad edgy with hosts Al Wakrah By Sports Reporter wall into the top left corner of the mounting attacks on the former QSL Doha goal to give Jaish an early lead. champions in the first 10 minutes Then towards the end of the first of the round 7 clash at Al Wakrah half, Sabri Lamouchi’s side doubled Stadium. However, the momen- 10-man Lekhwiya scored their lead. Murrad Naji’s spectacular tum swung towards Al Sadd soon deep in second-half stop- long-range strike swerved in the afterwards. page time to secure a 2-2 draw air before finding the back of the In the 15th minute, Al Sadd’s against reigning QSL champi- net. El Jaish controlled most of the defender Pedro Correia charged Aons Al Rayyan in an exciting matchup at first half and Shahania had a couple into Al Wakrah box from the the the Lekhwiya Stadium yesterday. of chances but did little to trouble flank before slipping in a neat ball Rodrigo Tabata drew fi rst blood for Saoud al-Khater in the El Jaish goal. to Baghdad Bounedjah. Stationed The Lions as he converted the spot kick The second half was much more inside Al Wakrah box, the 24-year- before Luiz Martin equalised for the positive for Shahania as they old Algerian deflected the ball over Cops towards the end of the fi rst half. pushed forward looking to get some the crossbar with home goalkeeper The second half saw an amazing solo goals. They were rewarded for their Mohmad Enyas well beaten. goal from Al Rayyan’s Abdulrahman eff orts when in the 54th minute Two minutes later, Al Sadd’s number al-Harazi. Lekhwiya where down to ten Mohamed Tiaiba won a penalty for three Abdulkareem Hassan showed men when defender Mohammed Tresor Shahania after he was fouled by brilliant pace to beat his marker and was given a second yellow, and Djamel Abdurahman Abubakar in the box. charged into the Al Wakrah box. Belmadi’s side showed plenty of spirit Tiaiba then stepped up to take the Once in the box, Hassan – the Qatar to fi nd a last gasp equaliser though Mo- penalty and while his initial eff ort Under-23 team captain – fired a pow- roccan attacker Yusef El Arabi. was saved by El Jaish’s keeper al- erful shot that was well pouched by Al Rayyan opened the scoring from a Khater, the ball ricocheted off the goalkeeper Enyas. converted spot kick in the 32nd minute. keeper’s back and Tiaiba scored at Al Sadd were the dominant side in Tresor brought down Sergio Garcia the second attempt. the first half, and could have headed after Tabata sent a ball over to Garcia. Later on, in the 80th minute, El Jaish into the break with a lead, but Last season’s top scorer Rodrigo Tabata won a penalty of their own after Bagdad Bounedjah’s free-kick sailed stepped up for the penalty and sent the Romarinho was brought down by over the Wakrah crossbar at the ball into the bottom left corner. Alvaro Meijia. The Brazilian then end of the half. The first half ended Sergio Garcia had a chance to double scored his second of the night after honours even at 0-0. al Rayyan’s lead in the 36th minute but converting from the spot, slotting At the half-hour mark, Al Sadd drew his overhead kick was blocked by Chico the ball to the right as the keeper first blood. Jugurtha fired home Flores on the goal line. went the wrong way. from close range after a loose ball Towards the end of the fi rst half, El The visitors received their second dropped dead in front of him fol- Arabi drove the ball inside the Al Rayy- penalty of the night in the 87th lowing a goal-line melee after an an Box and passed the ball to Ismail minute after Abdulrahman Issa indirect free-kick. It was Jugurtha’s Mohamed who guided it into the path gave away the spotkick. However, second goal of the season that of Luiz Martin, who scored after hitting the Oryxes could not capitalise as came at the right time for Al Sadd. the ball fi rst time. Martin hit the ball Fahad Khalfan sent the ball over the Despite dominating the game, Al low and hard into the far corner to level bar to keep the score at 3-1. Sadd handed Al Wakrah a lifeline in the score at the stroke of half-time. the final minutes of the tie, conced- Lekhwiya had an advantage in terms of WAKRAH, SADD SHARE POINTS ing a penalty. possession and shots on target in the fi rst Al Rayyan’s Rodrigo Tabata (left) scored the first goal of the match after converted a spot kick. A late penalty by Mouhcine Mou- Moroccan striker Mouhcine Mout- half but Al Rayyan was the more clinical touali yesterday evening helped ouali stepped up for his side. Mouta- side forcing mistakes from their oppo- towards the goal evading two defend- spirit as they scored deep into the sec- path of El Arabi, who tapped it home to Al Wakrah snatch a point against ouali held his nerve and chose to go nents and making their chances count. ers before sending the ball into the goal ond half stoppage time. El Arabi got his end the game at 2-2. former QSL champions Al Sadd. Al left of al-Dosari as Al Wakrah and The half ended with both sides level. past Lekhwiya keeper Amine Lecomte. name on the scoresheet for the eighth The result meant that both the teams Wakrah, trailed by a goal follow- new coach Kais Yaakoubi snatched Al Rayyan regained their advantage Tresor received a red card in the 69th time this season as he was in the right gained a point each and remain in the ing a strike by Al Sadd midfielder a point in the dying moments of the in the 59th minute after a spectacular minute after a second yellow, leaving place at the right time and ensured a same positions in the table. Al Rayyan Jugurtha Hamroun, but eventually game leaving a forlorn looking Al solo goal from al-Harazi. The young his side playing with ten men against point for his side. Nam Tae Hee sent are fourth with thirteen points from drew level with a penalty on the Sadd coach Ferreira with hands on Qatari midfi elder intercepted a cross the champions. a cross towards Ismaeel Mohamed, seven games, while Lekhwiya are third 90th minute, which was dispatched his hips. on the half way line and then sprinted Belmadi’s side showed their fi ghting who’s header came off the post into the with 15 points. Gulf Times 2 Monday, November 21, 2016 FOOTBALL

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Roar end Sydney’s winning start to Toure back to stay, A-League season

AFP over win-less defending Sydney champions Adelaide United in Perth. Adelaide’s Spanish coach Guillermo Amor was ydney FC lost their six- banished to the stands after says Guardiola match winning run as protesting a goal in his side’s Brisbane Roar fought loss. Amor was left fuming back from a goal down after Irishman Andy Keogh’s ‘His physical condition, his weight is better than ever and I’m so happy for him’ toS snatch a 1-1 draw in Austral- fi rst goal was allowed to stand ia’s A-League this weekend. in the 67th minute despite Graham Arnold’s Sky Blues Adelaide goalkeeper Eugene still remain unbeaten but were Galekovic being badly imped- denied all three points by a ed by a heavy clash with Ros- brilliantly taken strike from tyn Griffi ths. Dane Thomas Kristensen just A ten-man Central Coast before half-time. held off strong-fi nishing Josh Brillante had put Syd- Newcastle to claim a share of ney ahead with his fi rst-ever the points in an entertaining A-League goal in the 13th 1-1 local derby on Sunday. minute. The Mariners looked headed Sydney FC lead the compe- for their fi rst derby win in six tition after seven games by six games thanks to Jake McGing’s points from Melbourne City, fi rst-half diving header before who were held to a 1-1 draw by the game turned in the space the Western Sydney Wander- of two minutes in the second ers in Sydney on Friday. half. A stoppage-time own-goal First Jets Danish striker from City midfi elder Neil Kil- Morten Nordstrom fi nished kenny locked up the scores off a one-on-one with Mari- after Socceroo star Tim Cahill ners goalkeeper Paul Izzo be- celebrated his comeback to his fore Nordstrand, Aleksandr home city by delivering a 55th- Kokko, and Johnny Koutrou- minute goal. mbis all drew late saves from Cahill’s goal came just four Izzo. minutes after Western Syd- Fifth-placed Melbourne ney striker Kerem Bulut was Victory’s match in New Zea- robbed of a goal when he was land against Wellington Phoe- incorrectly ruled off side. nix was postponed following Perth Glory moved to fourth the eff ects of earth tremors in with a controversial 3-1 win the capital.

Malaysia survive Cambodia scare in Suzuki Cup Yangon: Malaysia saw off Cambodia in their opening game of the Suzuki Cup yesterday, coming from behind to clinch a 3-2 victory thanks to the boot of Amri Yahya. Cambodia went up within seven minutes through a controver- sial goal by Chan Vathanaka at the match in Myanmar’s com- mercial capital Yangon. The Cambodian was called off side by the linesman but the referee allowed play to continue, judging the through ball had come off a Malaysian player. The 2010 champion’s defence could only look on as Vathanaka dribbled around the keeper and easily slotted the ball home. Malaysia’s Syazwan Zainon puts his team back in the game Manchester City’s Ivorian midfielder Yaya Toure (C) celebrates with Manchester City’s Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne (L) and Manchester City’s Brazilian midfielder Fernand- shortly before half-time but Cambodia’s Vathanka struck once inho (R) after scoring their second goal during the English Premier League match against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in south London. (AFP) more after the break. It was left to rising star Yahya to save the day. AFP line-up on Saturday and he re- formance. Now he is ready as his team level on points with game that was very much in the He comfortably slotted home a Hazwan Bakri cross in the 69th London sponded in style. the player who can play with us Liverpool at the top of the Pre- balance. It really could have gone minute and followed up eleven minutes later with a second “I would say that Yaya’s per- again. mier League, Palace manager our way today. successful strike. formance is not about my de- “I am happy that is comfort- Alan Pardew admitted his side’s “Obviously it hasn’t and we Myanmar, co-hosts of this year’s tournament alongside the ep Guardiola declared cision. It is about his quality,” able for him, and especially his fi fth consecutive league defeat have to accept that and try and Philippines, lost at home on Sunday to Vietnam 2-1. Yaya Toure is back to Guardiola said. family, his wife. Yaya is a very was worrying. improve. That’s all we can do.” stay in the Manches- “Yaya’s a normal guy. His special player. We are very happy “The priority for us is getting With Palace dangerously close ter City squad after the emotions are quiet so he was he is staying with us and he can points on the board. We really to the relegation zone, Pardew Pmidfi elder’s two goals earned a calm before the game. play for us like he did today.” gifted Man City two goals today knows his position will come un- 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace. “Yaya has trained really well Toure was applauded back from mistakes that led to the der scrutiny, but he is confi dent Guardiola had been scathing for the last month-and-a-half, into the City changing room fi rst goal and the second goal,” there is time to steady the ship. about Toure’s fi tness levels ear- two months. His physical con- after the match by every mem- he said. “Our set-up at corners “I’m comfortable that it’s so lier this season and had not given dition, his weight is better than ber of the squad, a reaction that wasn’t completed and should early in the season and we’ve got the Ivory Coast midfi elder even ever and I’m so happy for him Guardiola described as normal. have been better. a good distance to get this team one minute on the pitch since a and especially his family. “We should be a top three in a good place. They are not far Champions League preliminary “I’m so happy because he’s Relaxed place set piece team in both from it,” he said. round tie in August. now a real part of the team. He “Yaya is a guy who was here boxes and we’re probably in the “We have games coming up With the likes of David Silva can help us to achieve our targets for fi ve or six years. He has a lot bottom three so that’s an area we where we need to take some and Ilkay Gundogan returning because we need all our players of experience and a lot of qual- must improve on. points. The position in the tired from international duty in order to achieve our targets. ity,” he said. “The Premier League is unfor- league will put that little bit of and with a vital Champions “And now we have Yaya. He “His teammates and the staff giving. We got proof of that to- added pressure on us and hope- Muhamad Syazwan Zainon (L) of Malaysia plays against League week coming up, the was in training every day with appreciate him a lot. So that’s no day. We made a couple of errors fully doesn’t force mistakes Chhin Chhoeun (R) of Cambodia during the AFF Suzuki Cup City boss handed Toure a belated us and I’m so happy for that, so doubt why they were so happy.” and got punished for it. like we have seen in the last two Group B match in Yangon yesterday. Malaysia won 3-2. (AFP) chance in his Premier League glad, not (just) for today’s per- While Guardiola relaxed with “From the sidelines it was a games.”

EPL Klopp salutes Liverpool despite Saints stalemate

AFP should have won than that you should have Southampton lost. “We could have scored, we perhaps should have scored, but that’s the way football is. urgen Klopp praised Liverpool’s per- Very often in my life I have lost games like formance in the goalless draw against this when my team has been so much better Southampton even though the Reds and had so many more chances.” missed the chance to cement their Perhaps the best chance fell late on to right positionJ on top of the Premier League. back Clyne as Liverpool threw men forward. Manchester City drew level with Liver- “It was intense. We could have scored pool by winning 2-1 at Crystal Palace and are with a brilliant situation, but perhaps un- only in second place on goals scored. Klopp fortunately for Clyney he wasn’t perhaps the watched Liverpool dominate at St Mary’s, right person,” Klopp said. but although Southampton goalkeeper Fra- Southampton played defensively although ser Forster made one excellent save in the at home, which Klopp noted, while paying a fi rst half to foil Sadio Mane, Liverpool were back-handed compliment to their manager wasteful with Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Claude Puel’s set-up. Firmino and Nathaniel Clyne all culpable in “It was a really good performance against the second half. a good side,” Klopp said. The Reds boss conceded his side’s failings “Southampton are one of the best-or- in front of goal, but was philosophical about ganised teams in the league and I think the outcome, especially after his three for- they adapted their style a little bit to our wards — Coutinho, Firmino and Mane — had strength.” all returned from long-haul trips in midweek Puel’s explanation for keeping 10 men be- after representing their countries. hind the ball for most of the match was, in “We had enough chances to win the game, turn, a compliment to Liverpool. especially in the second half,” Klopp said. “It is not our tactic, it is just that we played “But I’m fi ne with the performance, abso- a very good team with good, physical players lutely. “Two things are important in football: who are also technical and they have a good the result and the performance. The result spirit,” he said. was not perfect but the performance was “It was important to keep our organisa- better than we could have expected when we tion and make good work. think about our preparations, when Phil and “It is very diffi cult to play against this Robert came back late on Thursday. team, they score lots of goals and it is very “It’s nearly the same for all teams but for diffi cult to develop our game. players from South America it’s a little bit “It is a good point and it is deserved for my more because they have long fl ights. And players because of their attitude and their when you play a draw it’s better that you quality.” Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp and Philippe Coutinho after the game against Southampton. (AFP) Gulf Times Monday, November 21, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Klinsmann remains certain US will qualify for Russia

Reuters The US and Trinidad and Tobago are both dressed but there is no reason to exag- he felt 2016 had been a solid year — “ex- Berlin pointless after two games. gerate them or panic,” he added. “I’ve cept for the fi nish” — and called the US “It’s important to put this in the right been doing this for 35 years and there are team’s wins against Costa Rica, Paraguay, perspective,” he said. “We lost the two always many reasons why certain things Ecuador at the Copa America to reach the nited States coach Juergen opening games and played the two best happen, both positively and negatively. last four a seminal moment for US soccer. Klinsmann remains “1,000 % teams right away. We have eight more “It’s important to have the end result “We had a maturing process at the sure” his side will qualify for the games to get the points needed to qual- in mind. And the big picture is the overall Copa America that was outstanding,” he 2018 World Cup despite a 4-0 ify. We’ve always reacted strongly when development of the team in the four-year said. Urout at Costa Rica last week. things were nerve-wracking. cycle between two World Cups. You have “We wanted to have younger players He even has the support of President “This team is always capable of react- to be ready to take some setbacks during becoming more powerful and confi dent Barack Obama, the coach told a gala din- ing. We’ll correct this with the two games that phase.” and got that. There is a real dynamic go- ner in Berlin. in March (against Honduras and Panama) Klinsmann said the players were also ing on with players like Bobby Wood, In an interview with Reuters, Klins- and we’ll take one game at a time from confi dent that they had learned impor- John Brooks, Jordan Morris and Christian mann said he was disappointed “and even there to get our points. I’m 1,000 % sure tant lessons from the two losses, includ- Pulisic.” angry” that his team had lost their fi rst we’ll qualify.” ing failing to capitalise on their scoring Klinsmann quoted President Obama two World Cup qualifi ers in the space of Klinsmann said he was aware of the chances against Mexico and then con- telling him at a three-hour brainstorming fi ve days, having let in a late goal against criticism in the media and calls for his ceding a late goal at a corner kick due to meeting that also included a Nobel Prize the run of play to lose 2-1 at home to dismissal after fi ve years in the job, but he poor marking. winner, leading scientists and astronauts, Mexico. will not jettison his plan to patiently de- “Sometimes you learn more from de- that there was still a long way to go on the But he added that the team had played velop a team that would peak at the right feat than wins,” he said. road to Russia. well at times during 2016 and would time at Russia 2018. “Not everything will go perfectly in “He said, ‘Coach, it didn’t go well in bounce back and win at least 15 points from “When things go slightly wrong, there 2017 on the path to the World Cup. The Costa Rica, but it’s only the start of the the 24 available in the next eight qualify- are some people who come out and are team is still in the process of fi nding it- World Cup qualifying and you’ll get back ing games, which should enable the US ready to chop your head off ,” he said. self. We’ve seen strong improvements of on the right track.’ to qualify from the CONCACAF region. “In the long run, that’s going to make some young players this year but we’re “He understands that it’s a long quali- The top three of the six teams go through, the development of the team diffi cult. It’s still hoping one or two younger players fying process. He also understands dy- with the fourth-placed country going important to stay calm and be patient. will emerge.” namics of soccer as a global sport and into a playoff against a team from Asia. “There are defi nitely issues to be ad- With 12 wins, six losses and one draw, how it builds bridges.”

SPOTLIGHT Super subs save the day for Rangers Rangers manager Mark Warburton hailed the con- tribution of his substitutes as they helped his side secure a 1-0 stoppage time win over Dundee at Ibrox. Ballon d’Or just reward In what has become a familiar scenario this sea- son, Rangers dominated possession on Saturday but could not find a way to convert their chances and breach a well-organised and determined Dundee for hat-trick hero defence. In a last throw of the dice Warburton threw on attacking players Harry Forrester, Joe Dodoo and Barrie McKay in search of a winner. However, the Glasgow giants seemed to be head- Ronaldo, says Zidane ing to their sixth draw of the season before super sub Forrester popped ‘He showed it all last season, There is so much expected of him, but he is ahead of the rest’ up in the third minute of stoppage time to head home Dodoo’s cross. And AFP outstanding Isco in his natural role just be- Warburton couldn’t hide Madrid hind the Portuguese. his delight at the impact “I am left with Isco’s performance, he was his subs had made. phenomenal. In the fi rst-half he didn’t lose a “We had a strong bench eal Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane single ball,” added Zidane. today attacking wise and insisted he has no doubt Cristiano “That position is his position and with I thought the subs made a Ronaldo will be the deserving win- him behind Cristiano we were very well bal- diff erence,” the Gers gaff er ner of a fourth Ballon d’Or come anced.” said. “They came on and January,R but his hat-trick in a 3-0 defeat of However, Zidane refused to admit Ron- brought energy and pace. Atletico Madrid on Saturday may convince aldo would be retained as a centre-forward I had no problem with the others. once Karim Benzema and Alvaro Morata are boys coming off but it was Ronaldo returned to haunt Atletico just fi t again. “He is comfortable in that position done for a bit of variety. fi ve months after scoring the winning pen- and we know that, but we will see what hap- “Barrie McKay has been alty in Real’s second Champions League vic- pens in the coming games.” out of the firing line for tory over their city rivals in three seasons. A third league defeat in four games leaves two or three games and In the fi nal La Liga derby at Atletico’s Vi- Atletico’s title credentials hanging by a was keen to make an cente Calderon, Ronaldo’s defl ected free- thread. Diego Simeone’s men slip to fi fth and impression. kick opened the scoring before he doubled are now a massive nine points adrift of Real. “Joe Dodoo came on and the lead from the penalty spot and com- “Above all in the fi rst-half they were bet- Harry will admit himself pleted his 39th Real Madrid hat-trick with ter than us,” admitted Simeone. that he has been below a simple fi nish from Gareth Bale’s fi ne cross. “For the fi rst 20 minutes of the second- his level in training. He’s “I never had any doubt. It is not his three half we created chances, played in their half picked it up over the last goals that are going to change my mind,” said and controlled the game, but then came the couple of weeks and Zidane on Ronaldo’s case to be crowned the penalty which took the wind out of our sails. today he got his goal. I’m world’s best player for 2016. “It is clear that we need to fi nd better solu- delighted for him. “He showed it all last season, he shows it tions for the players to improve and maintain “We have to recognise in every game. There is so much expected of that 20-minute spell in the second-half.” that frustration can’t win him, but he is ahead of the rest. Simeone’s surprise selection of Fernando the day. “Three goals in a match like this may make Torres ahead of Kevin Gameiro up front “We could have been two everyone agree, but for me there is no debate. failed to pay off as Torres was easily control- or three up at half-time but The Ballon d’Or will be his.” led by Madrid’s makeshift central defensive we weren’t. We recognise Victory extends Real’s lead at the top of partnership of Raphael Varane and Nacho. that. We dominated the La Liga to four points from Barcelona, who However, Simeone defended his decision ball possession-wise which missed the ill Lionel Messi in a 0-0 draw at to start Torres in a bid to counteract Real’s doesn’t mean a great deal home to nine-man Malaga earlier on Satur- threat from set-pieces. without the end product. day. Madrid are now unbeaten in 29 games in “We were looking for more penetration “We’re never going to be all competitions stretching back to April, but and aerial play,” added Simeone. long ball that’s not how we this was Zidane’s men’s best display in that “With Torres, Saul (Niguez), (Diego) Go- play. We got the rewards run. din and (Stefan) Savic will also balanced up and it’s a big three points Ronaldo’s record-breaking treble took their height at set-pieces which is some- for us.” him to 18 goals in the derby fi xture, one more thing important to consider.” Goal-scorer Forrester has than the late Real great Alfredo Di Stefano. Despite enduring his worst start to a cam- found his chances limited The performance was even more impressive paign since joining Real, Ronaldo is now joint at Ibrox this season and given Madrid were missing six key players top scorer in the league on eight goals along- his manager said that the through injury. side Barcelona pair Lionel Messi and Luis former Doncaster Rovers Atletico fans unfurled a banner before the Suarez. player would find himself fi nal derby at the Vicente Calderon stadium “Tonight Cristiano shut the mouths of Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates on the bench until he before they move to a new venue that read those that doubted him,” said Real winger aft er scoring a goal during the LA Liga match improved his fitness. “our legacy will be eternal”. Lucas Vazquez. Full back Marcelo said: “I against Atletico in Madrid. (AFP) “He has to work on his However, those absences forced Zidane to have no words left to say about him, all you fitness levels. He has a had change his system to devastating eff ect with need to do is watch a replay of tonight’s a few niggles. It’s about Ronaldo playing as a centre-forward and the game” working with these boys,” Warburton said. “Harry won’t be pleased FOCUS with the remark but at the minute he is a more eff ec- tive sub. He needs to make sure he can deliver over 90 minutes.” The win was only Rangers’ Gayle brace fi res Newcastle fi ve points clear sixth of the season and keeps them in third spot, AFP put Newcastle ahead in the 23rd Sky Sports. “It’s good and all we the play-off places in seventh out a league game in almost six in front of him, allowing the op- a point behind Aberdeen. London minute and netted the visitors’ have to do is keep doing the same place. “We gave them a goal, so years. portunistic Gayle to stab home. The Ibrox club trail league second early in the second half to thing, keep playing with the obviously that against a good Green produced an alert early Leeds responded positively, leaders Celtic by 11 points take his tally for the campaign to same intensity, no complacency. side makes it diffi cult,” said block to deny Gayle from Jonjo with Newcastle goalkeeper Karl and the Rangers support- wight Gayle scored 13 goals. “We know that until the end Leeds manager Garry Monk. Shelvey’s quick free-kick, but Darlow saving smartly from ers were vocal in their twice as Rafael Be- It was Newcastle’s eighth everything can happen, so we “I’m happy with my team’s ef- midway through the fi rst half Luke Ayling and Eunan O’Kane displeasure when it looked nitez’s relentless New- straight win in the English sec- have to approach every game the fort. Obviously I’m disappointed the former England goalkeeper’s either side of half-time. like they were going to Dcastle United won 2-0 ond tier, keeping them on course same.” with the result, but it doesn’t blunder gifted Newcastle the But Gayle doubled Newcas- drop further behind their at Leeds United yesterday to for an immediate return to the Benitez’s men are fi ve points change anything for us.” lead. tle’s lead in the 54th minute, Old Firm rivals as the move fi ve points clear at the top Premier League. clear of second-place Brighton The meeting of two of Eng- Forced back onto his goal-line sliding in to touch home Vurnon game against Dundee of the Championship. “The performance of the and Hove Albion and nine points land’s fallen giants brought a by Jack Colback’s lofted ball, Anita’s low cross after a slick headed into stoppage time Gayle punished a howler by team defending and attacking above third-place Reading. crowd of 36,000 to Elland Road Green appeared caught in two move down the visitors’ right goalless. Leeds goalkeeper Rob Green to has been brilliant,” Benitez told Leeds remain a point outside -- the fi rst time Leeds had sold minds and dropped the ball right fl ank. Gulf Times 4 Monday, November 21, 2016 FOOTBALL

EPL BUNDESLIGA Hoff enheim held by winless Hamburg Poacher Costa sends DPA Wagner sticking out a foot Berlin to net from just inside the six-yard box. Hoff enheim then punished nbeaten Hoff enhe- Hamburg four minutes after im were pegged 2-2 the break with Pavel Kader- by bottom side SV abek’s cross from the right met Hamburg yesterday fi rst time by Zuber. The visi- Chelsea top of table Uin a boost for Hamburg coach tors responded well and were Markus Gisdol on a fi rst return back on level terms just after to his old club. the hour, helped by a mistake ‘If you have the possibility to kill the game, it’s important to kill the game’ Werder Bremen meanwhile by Suele who passed the ball sank to their fourth straight straight to Matthias Ostrzolek league defeat after conced- near the half-way line. ing a goal in the last minute in Kostic broke down the left a 2-1 home defeat to Eintra- and his cross was met at the cht Frankfurt. At Hoff enheim, far post by Mueller who beat Hamburg led with a Filip Ko- the diving Baumann with a stic goal but conceded either shot into the roof of the net. side of half-time through San- “That is a fi rst very, very big dro Wagner and Steven Zuber step in the right direction,” before Nicolai Mueller levelled Gisdol said. just after the hour. “We’ve seen a very interest- The draw leaves Hoff en- ing game of football. Neither heim fi fth on 21 points, level team gave anything away. I with Borussia Dortmund, Co- was impressed with how our logne, Hertha Berlin and Ein- team reacted to the setbacks.” tracht Frankfurt, six points Hoff enheim coach Julian behind leaders RB Leipzig and Nagelsmann said his team three adrift of Bayern Munich. had three or four good scor- Hamburg, still looking for a ing chances while dominating fi rst league win of the season, the opening 20 minutes before stay bottom on three points Hamburg came into the game. from 11 games. “After scoring in the second Hamburg are two points half we did very well, then we behind Ingolstadt and four conceded the equaliser and adrift of Werder Bremen, with then we didn’t do it well any the northern derby against more,” he said. In Bremen, Flo- Bremen coming up next rian Grillitsch gave the home weekend. Gisdol could take side the lead in the 38th minute. plenty of positives from a The Austrian controlled a long vastly improved performance pass from Niklas Moisande just on his return to Hoff enheim, inside the area and hooked the where he coached between ball into the top right-hand 2013 and 2015. corner of the net. His side were rewarded in Frankfurt captain Alexan- the 28th minute with a fi rst der Meier came off the sub- away goal in fi ve games. A stitutes’ bench at half-time to four-man move ended with notch the equaliser in the 52nd Kostic cutting in past Ermin minute, and substitute Bicakcic to shoot through the Aymen Barkok curled a legs of keeper Oliver Bau- left-foot shot into the net for mann, with Niklas Suele un- a last-minute winner. Bremen able to clear on the line. 16th on seven points while Hamburg though were un- Frankfurt are seventh, level on Chelsea’s Brazilian-born Spanish striker Diego Costa (C) celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the English Premier League match against Middlesbrough at Riverside able to take the lead into the points with Dortmund, Co- Stadium in Middlesbrough yesterday.(AFP) half-time break, failing to deal logne, Hoff enheim and Hertha with a stoppage-time corner Berlin but bejhind only on goal AFP “If you have the possibility to I would worry, but if the per- fault for failing to come off his falling behind they rarely looked from Kerem Demirbay, with diff erence or goals scored. Middlesbrough, United Kingdom kill the game, it’s important to formances are good then we will line. His indecision was in stark like troubling Chelsea’s three- kill the game. But I’m pleased start to win games.” contrast to earlier in the half man back line. because Middlesbrough showed Costa rewarded Chelsea’s when the former Barcelona man Having not conceded a league iego Costa scored his themselves to be a good team.” dominance as the Spain striker produced a stunning fi ngertip goal since September 24 – almost 10th goal of the season Only the woodwork prevent- put the visitors – unchanged save to defl ect a fi rst-time Pedro 10 hours of football – Chelsea are as Chelsea won 1-0 ed Chelsea from winning by a for the fi fth consecutive league shot over the bar. on their best defensive run for at Middlesbrough to more handsome margin as Pedro game – ahead four minutes be- It was one of few clear-cut six years. recordD a sixth consecutive vic- Rodriguez hit the bar midway fore the end of the fi rst half. chances before the interval as Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois tory and take over at the Premier through the second half, dur- It stemmed from a disputed Boro were largely successful preserved their latest shut-out League summit. ing which Middlesbrough were corner, Middlesbrough claim- in their attempts to negate the late on when he parried a power- Costa struck for the third forced to hang on for long spells. ing debutant full-back Fabio da threat of Conte’s side by packing ful Negredo volley as the hosts straight game with half-time ap- Aitor Karanka’s side retained Silva had not touched the ball as midfi eld and looking to counter- belatedly pushed bodies for- proaching in yesterday’s game as hope while the defi cit remained it ran out of play. attack. ward. Antonio Conte’s side underlined at a single goal, but the gulf in The out-of-touch Alvaro Ne- The majority of chances ar- their title credentials by posting class between the sides was Fingertip save gredo wasted their two main rived at the other end. a sixth clean sheet in a row. clear. Eden Hazard’s in-swinging openings, fi rst fi ring across the Alonso almost doubled the It took them a point clear of It leaves Boro one point above set-piece looped into the air face of goal and then heading visitors’ advantage within sec- Liverpool and Manchester City, the relegation zone in their as Calum Chambers and Gas- wide from Antonio Barragan’s onds of kick-off in the second and three ahead of fourth-place fi rst season back in the Premier ton Ramirez challenged Marcos deep cross. half, the Spaniard forcing a fi ne Arsenal. “It was a good perform- League following promotion. Alonso at the near post. Ramirez shot over early in low save from Valdes after Haz- ance against a very strong team,” “I am really pleased with the Despite the hosts having the second half after Negredo’s ard helped on Victor Moses’s Chelsea manager Conte told Sky attitude of my players,” said Ka- numbers back to defend, Costa dummy created space on the cross. Sports. ranka. “I am not worried about reacted fi rst to volley the loose edge of the box for the Uruguay The second goal failed to ma- “Don’t forget Middlesbrough the look of the league table at ball home from inside the six- international, but it was a rare terialise, but Chelsea closed out drew with Arsenal and Man City the moment because all I am yard box, taking him to double threat from the hosts. their latest victory with relative away. For this reason I’m pleased concerned about is the perform- fi gures for the campaign. Boro have forced draws ease to secure another valuable Hamburg’s midfielder Nicolai Mueller (2nd R) celebrates scoring for the performance and attitude ances. Middlesbrough goalkeeper against Arsenal and Pep Guar- three points towards their grow- the 2-2 goal with his teammates during their Bundesliga match of my players. “If the performances were bad Victor Valdes was partially at diola’s City this season, but after ing title challenge. against TSG Hoff enheim in Sinsheim yesterday. (AFP)

SERIE A Spot-on Kessie dents Roma hopes at Atalanta

AFP conjured their equaliser on the hour tus. Milan in bizarre circumstances. “We spent the fi rst half watching Roma goalkeeper Wojciech Szczes- Roma, who had a few chances, but I ny was forced into action to thwart a asked the lads to take it up a notch in 90th-minute penalty from Kessie cross but palmed it on to Mat- the second,” said Gasperini, who ad- Ivorian teenager Franck Kes- tia Caldara’s face, the ball ricocheting mitted their purple patch has lifted sie gave Atalanta a 2-1 home into the net. the whole town. Awin over wasteful Roma yes- Roma were stunned, but Atalanta “It’s really pleasing to see how en- terday, leaving coach Luciano Spallet- were revived. thusiastic everyone is. We haven’t ti ruing the missed chance to cut the A Kessie drive was blocked and seen anything like it in Bergamo for seven-point gap to top spot. when Alejandro Gomez went on a years.” “On account of our second half mazy run he left Kostas Manolas Roma’s fi rst defeat in seven games display, we deserved to lose,” Spalletti grounded before seeing his cross nod- gives AC Milan the chance to move up candidly told Sky Sport. ded out of danger by Antonio Rudiger. to second place if they beat city rivals Roma travelled to Bergamo under Dzeko has been in fi ne form for Inter in the derby later Sunday. pressure after Juventus opened up a Roma with 10 goals in 12 games Elsewhere, Felipe Anderson’s 11th- sizeable gap at the top of the pile with but the towering Bosnian’s appeal minute strike set Lazio up for a 3-1 a 3-0 rout of league newcomers Pes- for an unlikely penalty was waved home win over Genoa, who saw Lucas cara on Saturday. away when he clashed with Roberto Ocampos level on 52 minutes before But Spalletti’s men were incred- Gagliardini. Lucas Biglia, from the spot, and Wal- ibly profl igate in a dominant fi rst half It was another sign of Roma’s des- lace added two more for the hosts. in which Edin Dzeko and Mohamed peration, and Atalanta continued to Bologna moved up to mid-table Salah missed a number of chances press. position with a 3-1 win over Palermo, before Diego Perotti put the visitors Remo Freuler’s defl ected strike on while Italy striker Andrea Belotti’s ahead from the spot on 40 minutes. 76 minutes came off the near post and purple patch continued with a brace Salah spurned a potential game- into the welcome arms of Szczesny in a 2-0 away win at basement side changer minutes later after he ran and Gagliardini’s drive was goalbound Crotone that kept Torino seventh. on to another great delivery by Radja until Federico Fazio got in the way. Fiorentina are just two points be- Nainggolan only to fi re straight at The hosts were not to be denied, hind Torino in eighth after a 4-0 Etrit Berisha from point-blank range. though. romp at Empoli, where Federico Ber- Roma’s reputation for running out When Leandro Paredes tripped nardeschi and Josip Ilicic, with one of steam after such one-sided open- the lively Gomez in the area, Kessie, from the spot, hit a double apiece. ing halves gave ideas to the hosts. 19, stepped up to send Szczesny the Earlier, Fabio Quagliarella scored Spalletti added: “They were angry wrong way to secure Atalanta’s sixth his 100th Serie A goal and set up Luis at the end of the fi rst half but Atalanta win in their past seven outings. Muriel for an unlikely, late double as did well to lift the pace of the game in It moved Gian Piero Gasperini’s Sampdoria completed a dramatic 3-2 the second period.” men up to fi fth, one point ahead of come-from-behind win at home to AS Roma’s forward Stephan El Shaarawy (L) fights for the ball with Atalanta’s midfielder Franck Kessie of Ivory Coast during the Atalanta were indeed fi red up, but Napoli and only eight behind Juven- Sassuolo. Italian Serie A match in Bergamo. (AFP) Gulf Times Monday, November 21, 2016 5 GOLF

FOCUS Swede Stenson tops European Tour money list Reuters authority on proceedings early on day four. Dubai Ultimately, Stenson’s main challenge on the fi nal day came from the man with the smallest chance of overtaking him: world number two, weden’s Henrik Stenson has won Eu- and 2015 order of merit winner, Rory McIlroy. ropean Tour’s Order Of Merit for the Needing to win the Dubai tournament, which second time after none of his challeng- would also give him the world number one spot, ers could replace him at the top of the and hope Stenson fi nished near the bottom of moneyS list on the fi nal day of the DP World Tour the fi eld, McIlroy had left himself too much to Championship in Dubai yesterday. do after a sub-standard fi rst day. The title caps a special year for the 40-year- One of the Swede’s playing partners on Sun- old, who claimed his maiden major title at the day, the Northern Irishman tore up the front British Open in July as well as a silver medal at nine with an eagle and fi ve birdies. He fi nished golf’s fi rst showing at the Olympics for 112 years. at seven-under for the day, tied with Stenson “It’s been an amazing year. I didn’t think I overall for the tournament. was going to be able to top 2013 but I think, as “He (Stenson) is one of the most consistent a whole, I think I have done that,” Stenson told players in the world for nearly 10 years,” McIlroy reporters, referring to the year of his fi rst Race told reporters. “It was great to see his consist- to Dubai win. ency rewarded, not just with the Race to Dubai He added while he had not played consist- but with a major championship as well.” ently throughout the year, “at the right times Fellow Swede Alex Noren, seven-under over- I’ve played some great golf”. night, had possibly the best chance of beating Stenson fi nished the tournament in some Stenson on the fi nal day. Despite three birdies style, carding a seven-under round of 65 which on the back nine, he could not do enough to rein included a run of fi ve birdies in the opening sev- in Stenson and concluded the tournament with en holes, as well as one on the fi nal hole. a double-bogey at the last. “I felt like if I was going to be crowned Europe’s England’s Danny Willett, second in the mon- number one, I might as well play some golf the ey list going into Dubai, fell out of contention Henrik Stenson poses with his trophy after winning the last day, and I certainly did that,” Stenson said. after a four-over third round. Race to Dubai at the end of the World Tour Championship Stenson’s performances up until mid-way He carded a two-under fi nal round but was in Dubai yesterday. Stenson won the it for the second through day three had opened the door for one clearly struggling with his right shoulder, in time in his career as the Swede shot a seven-under par of his rivals for the money-list title to poten- particular off the tee. Willett told reporters he 65 on the final day to finish on a 12-under par total, with tially sneak ahead, but a string of birdies on the had slept awkwardly on it last night and woke up none of his rivals doing any better than that. (AFP) back nine on Saturday teed him up to stamp his in discomfort.

WORLD TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT Hull grabs LPGA Tour Fitzpatrick holds Championship lead AFP Miami

ritain’s Charley Hull, who has not won in more than two years, fi red a six-under-par his nerve to claim 66B to grab a one-stroke lead af- ter Saturday’s third round of the LPGA Tour Championship. The 20-year-old from Eng- land birdied the course’s four par-5 holes — the fi rst, sixth, 14th and 17th — and the par-4 10th and 13th as well in a bogey- $1.33mn Dubai win free round to stand on 13-under 203 after 54 holes in the season- ‘It means the world. To win one of these Final Series events is really special, and this ending event. “Just kind of kept in the zone,” one in particular, obviously the last tournament of the year. Four-footers aren’t Hull said. “I felt like I hit it pretty decent. I holed a few putts and got showings this season. She found normally what you want for the win but to finish it off like that makes it a lot sweeter’ up and down when I needed to.” the course vulnerable while oth- American Brittany Lincicome ers struggled. also fi red a 66 at Tiburon Golf “It was scorable out there,” Club to stand second on 204 Hull said. “I don’t understand alongside South Korean Ryu So- why everyone has dropped back.” Yeon, who shot 69 on the Na- Hull, ranked 29th, seeks her ples, Florida, layout. fi rst title since winning the New Zealand’s world number Ladies European Tour’s La- one Lydia Ko had a chance to grab lla Meryem Cup at Morocco in a share of the lead with a birdie on March of 2014 at age 17. But she the closing hole but took a bogey will try to play the fi nal round to fi nish a round of 73 and share like any other. “Just as another fourth on 205 with South Korea’s normal round. Just keep in the Chun In-Gee, Thailand’s Ariya zone, keep on quite straight in Jutanugarn and Americans Jen- my tempo,” Hull said. nifer Song and Lizette Salas. Lincicome, whose most re- “It’s not far off . I had plenty cent win was the 2015 Inspira- of quality shots. The feel is still tion crown, birdied the second, there,” Ko said. “Hopefully a fourth, sixth and eighth holes couple balls on the range and I’ll before a bogey at the ninth. On be able to have that feeling back.” the back nine, she birdied three The stumble left Ko, 19, sec- of the fi rst fi ve holes and an- ond in the race for the $1 mn swered a bogey at 16 with a birdie playoff bonus behind Ariya en- at the 17th. tering the fi nal round. Ko also “It has been pretty yucky, so must win to overcome world to fi nish even in the top 10 this number two Ariya for LPGA week would be a pretty fantastic Player of the Year honors. way to cap off the year,” Linci- “No matter what position I’m come said. in, I’m the chaser,” Ko said. “I Ryu birdied the second hole Reuters last tournament of the year,” Fitzpatrick the same sand-trap, only to then hole his a place to level with Charl Schwartzel in third. think that almost puts less pres- but took her lone bogey at the Dubai told reporters. “Four-footers aren’t nor- second exit attempt to rescue a par. The South African made eight bird- sure on me, where I’m not think- third before bouncing back with mally what you want for the win but to Instead, it was left to Fitzpatrick to ies on his way to a fi ve-under-par 67. In- ing about where I am exactly. I’m birdies at six and seven. She fi nish it off like that makes it a lot sweeter.” craft his own piece of sand escapology in stead, the Belgian shared a fi ve-way tie for trying to make as many birdies birdied the par-3 12th and closed ngland’s Matthew Fitzpatrick He edged out compatriot Tyrrell Hat- the desert emirate, chipping his third shot fourth along with overnight leader Victor as I can and give myself those with six pars in a row to stay on sank a knee-knocking birdie putt ton, who led the fi eld down the stretch on 18 from a bunker to within a few feet Dubuisson of France, Francesco Molinari opportunities. It’s going to be a Hull’s heels. from four feet on the fi nal hole to until he found water with his 18th tee and holding his nerve to seal only his third of Italy — the co-leader after 36 holes — very interesting fi nal round.” Ko, who led after a course- seal the DP World Tour Champi- shot, with the resultant bogey ultimately ever win on the European Tour — and, by as well as Austria’s Bernd Wiesberger and Ariya says she will be pleased record 62 Friday, also went bird- onshipE in dramatic conclusion yesterday. costing him the tournament by one shot. far, the most lucrative. Denmark’s Soren Kjeldsen. no matter what happens in the fi - ie-bogey at two and three but The $1.33 mn fi rst prize for the season- “It’s a fairly diffi cult tee shot but I just Sitting tied for second overnight with Earlier in the day, Henrik Stenson nal round. “This year is like great could not recover as well, tak- ending tournament in Dubai meant the leaked it a little bit right and paid the price Hatton and Belgium’s Nicolas Colsaerts, sealed the European money-list title to for me,” Ariya said. “I know to- ing bogey at the seventh before 22-year-old from Sheffi eld, who carded for that,” Hatton told reporters. “Obvious- Fitzpatrick had himself led earlier in the day add to his British Open crown and Olym- morrow there’s going to be a lot a birdie at the par-3 eighth. She a fi ve-under-par 67 to fi nish the tour- ly it’s a bitter pill to swallow, but it’s been thanks to three birdies in the opening seven pics silver medal already achieved in 2016. of pressure, but I’m just going to made another bogey at 15 but nament 17-under, roughly doubled the a great week and, for me, it’s been the best holes before Hatton seized the initiative on The Swede carded a seven-under par do my best and whatever going to responded with a birdie at 17 be- amount he had won combined from his year of my life. So I can’t get too downbeat.” the back nine with birdies on 10, 12 and 14. 65, the same as playing partner and 2015 happen I still love my year.” fore a closing bogey. other 25 events this year. It had seemed set up for Hatton after a Colsaerts fi nished tied for fourth after Race to Dubai winner Rory McIlroy, to Hull recorded her best career Ko won her second major ti- “It means the world. To win one of remarkable escape on the 17th. Attempt- posting a one-under fi nal round, although snuff out any chance of being usurped as major fi nish this year, shar- tle this year at the Inspiration these Final Series events is really special, ing to play off the back lip on a greenside a long eagle putt on 18 — just prior to Fitz- Order of Merit winner by his three poten- ing second at the ANA Inspira- and took her third New Zealand and this one in particular, obviously the bunker, he duff ed the shot into the front of patrick’s dramatics — almost moved him up tial challengers. tion, the best of her four top-10 Women’s Open crown as well. KOEPKA SURVIVES IKEDA CHARGE TO WIN DUNLOP PHOENIX

Reuters responded to the challenge, firing his tee It is the seventh career victory for enough rest in the coming days to help “I’m done,” Pieters said after finishing sleep,” said Pieters, when asked how he Miyazaki shot to three-feet at the par-three 17th to 26-year-old Koepka, who has won once Belgium to victory at the World Cup of with a two-under round to end four- could lift himself for the contest. “I hope regain the lead with a birdie, moments on the US PGA Tour, once on the main Golf next weekend. under for the tournament. “I came in I sleep a bit on the plane and then give it after his Japanese opponent had missed European Tour and four times on the The 24-year-old was a sensation at knowing I was running out of energy my best next week.” ong-hitting American Brooks a six-footer. secondary European Challenge Tour. the Ryder Cup in Hazeltine in October, already. It’s just one of those weeks, you One thing which should help Pieters, Koepka staved off a sizzling Koepka then sank a six-foot birdie at Koepka, ranked 21st in the world, becoming the first European rookie to know, you just can’t wait for the season and Belgium, is the performance in the Lfinal-round charge by Yuta Ikeda the par-five 18th to edge Ikeda, who also finished second at Las Vegas two ever secure four points in his debut to end to be honest.” Middle East of World Cup playing part- to secure a one-stroke victory at the birdied the last for a magnificent round weeks ago. appearance. The end-of-season programme ner Nicolas Colsaerts. Dunlop Phoenix tournament in Miyazaki of 10-under 61. However, his performance in Minne- has been gruelling for Pieters, with He went into the final round at Jumeirah yesterday. “To watch (Ikeda) fire 10-under was Pieters running on empty sota belied what has been a lean period tournaments on four continents in the Golf Estates tied for second, one shot off Koepka started the day five strokes very impressive. I just hung in there and ahead of World Cup of Golf for Pieters on the circuit since winning last month. He now heads to a fifth to the lead. “Of course,” said Pieters on the ahead of Ikeda, who reeled off 10 birdies it was nice to finish with two birdies com- the Made in Denmark event in August, compete in the World Cup of Golf in impact of Colsaerts’ Dubai form. “We have in 15 holes to tie it up with three holes ing in,” Koepka said after carding 65 to Thomas Pieters says he cannot wait for and he was off the pace again in Dubai at Melbourne, Australia. a good shot at contending and maybe left at Phoenix Country Club. But Koepka finish at 21-under-par 263. the season to end but is hoping to get the DP World Tour Championship. “You can’t do much, anything but winning it, so it’s very exciting times.” Gulf Times 6 Monday, November 21, 2016 SPORT

FOCUS Raonic proud despite agonising loss to Murray grand slam fi nal, pushed Novak Djoko- Reuters Canada’s Milos Raonic London vic hard in a fi ercely-contested match earlier this week and will fi nish the year looks dejected after at a career-high third in the rankings losing a close match ame opponent, same old story providing Kei Nishikori does not win to Great Britain’s Andy for Milos Raonic but despite the title here. Murray in the semi- a sixth defeat of the year by With serial major winners Roger Fe- finals of the Barclays Andy Murray at the ATP World derer and Rafa Nadal starting to slide, ATP World Tour Finals TourS Finals on Saturday, the Canadian Raonic has emerged as the man most at the O2 Arena in underlined he will be a player to fear likely to begin his Grand Slam collec- London on Saturday. in 2017. tion in 2017 as long as the injuries that Raonic’s heartbreaking 5-7, 7-6(5), have nagged his progress stay away. Raonic’s heartbreak- 7-6(9) semi-fi nal loss made it a hat- “The goal is going to be to continue ing 5-7, 7-6(5), 7-6(9) trick of reverses in London alone this to stay healthy. That’s the one thing loss made it a hat-trick year against Murray, following two in that’s been sort of my kryptonite,” he of reverses in London quick succession at the Queen’s Club said. “Rather than making momen- alone this year against and Wimbledon fi nals. tum and progress I can sometimes take Murray, following two This one was particularly galling myself two steps back. I sort of have to in quick succession at as he frequently outplayed the world reset myself, whether that be through the Queen’s Club and number one and had a match point injuries or other issues.” Wimbledon finals. This in the fi nal-set tiebreak before bow- One thing he proved was his fi ghting one was particularly ing out after three hours and 38 min- spirit. Twice he broke Murray’s serve to galling as he frequently utes of toe-to-toe combat against the stay alive in the decider and he saved home favourite. three match points before the weary outplayed the world “I have to be proud I fi nished the year Scot fi nally prevailed. number one and had with giving it every ounce of energy I “The thing I’ll probably be most a match point in the had. I’m pretty sure I’m going to feel proud of when I sit down and talk with final set tiebreak before like crap tomorrow,” said Raonic who is my coaches is just the way I kept fi ght- bowing out after three still without a career win against a resi- ing through,” he said. “I’ll probably hours and 38 minutes dent world number one. “But I’ll look feel like crap for the next few days but of toe-to-toe combat back at 2016 with a lot of pride.” at least mentally I’ll be proud of the against the home The 25-year-old, who this year be- way things fi nished. That was the best favourite. (Reuters) came the fi rst Canadian man to reach a match I’ve ever competed.”

GOLF Milan to host ATP’s Next Gen meet in 2017 Reuters Spieth wins Australian London ilan will host a new men’s tourna- Mment showcas- ing the young guns of world tennis starting next November, the ATP said yesterday. The inaugural Open for second time Next Gen ATP Finals will be held over five days at the Fiera Milano stadium The American’s victory is his first since May and comes two years after his scintillating final round from Nov 7-11 and will be staged there until 2021. 63 at the Australian Golf Club in 2014 which gave him his first Australian Open victory by six shots Only players aged 21 and under will be eligible with qualification being decided Jordan Spieth poses with his trophy on ATP Race rankings. The alongside his girlfriend Annie Verret top seven points earners (left), his caddie Michael Greller (right) in the age bracket will be and Greller’s wife Ellie. (Reuters) joined by one wildcard. “What we need to do as the ATP, we have a responsibility to market many more players to a much wider audience,” ATP chief Chris Kermode told a news conference in London. With the likes of Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal, who have 31 majors between them, starting to slow down and Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic both 30 next year, Kermode said it was important to prepare for the inevitable changing of the guard. “We have superstars in the game that have tran- scended the sport over the last 10 years, reached be- yond tennis and become global sporting icons, Roger, Rafa, Novak and Andy in particular,” he said. “Changing of the guard is coming. We have a duty to start highlighting and really bringing to life characters in the game that are coming through with immense talent. This event will provide a plat- form for the stars of the future to showcase their talents on a global stage.” The tournament is expected to be used as a trial for various rule changes and innovations. “People throw out ideas, getting rid of this, making it quicker, longer, whatever you have to say,” he said. AFP that mattered,” American former world how important this event is to us.” seven-under after a fi nal round 69. After his brilliant 2015, two wins on “I think we have to put it in Sydney number one Spieth said. Hall and Smith both secured starts in Spieth has always said his fi rst Austral- the US PGA tour this year was consid- an event and test case all “I had a chance last year on 18 (to force a next year’s Open Championship at Royal ian Open triumph in 2014 taught him how ered a modest dividend for the former this stuff . Until you see it, playoff ) and didn’t hit a great putt and this Birkdale, while the third spot in golf’s to close out a tournament and the 23-year- world number one. it’s diff icult to see whether wo-time major champion Jordan time I had that same chance with a very oldest major went to fellow countryman old expects to reap an equally important While he was certainly not going to some ideas work or not.” Spieth won the Australian Open similar putt in the playoff and capitalised Jason Scrivener. dividend from his second victory. start predicting major successes for next With several players for the second time in three years so I drew back on that a little. I didn’t have He fi nished at 10-under in a tie for The 23-year-old American’s win two season, he did feel he would be able to aged under 21 already after defeating Ashley Hall and much confi dence in my swing on the last fourth with Australians Rod Pampling, years ago was the springboard to a stellar draw on this experience. making inroads at the top TCameron Smith in a sudden-death play- couple of holes today in regulation and Aaron Baddeley and Geoff Ogilvy, and 2015 in which he won fi ve tournaments, “I think a lot can be drawn back on of the rankings, it is pos- off in Sydney yesterday. was able to calm down in-between.” New Zealander Ryan Fox. including his fi rst two majors. 2014 into 15. The way we played the play- sible the likes of German Spieth won at the fi rst playoff hole The 2015 US Masters and US Open Ogilvy — who carried a two-shot lead Spieth was particularly pleased that off , I think it’s going to do wonders for with a 12-foot birdie putt on the 18th champion carded six birdies and three into the fi nal round — led for most of the he managed to get his swing right un- me,” he added. teenager Alex Zverev, green at Royal Sydney Golf Club as Hall bogeys in his fi nal round and moved to day and was spurred on by a chip-in ea- der pressure, especially after leading by “I’ve been in a little bit of a stall hit- who finished the year was unable to convert from eight feet to 12-under when he holed a 40-foot birdie gle at the par-fi ve seventh. fi ve shots going into the back nine on the ting the shots when they mattered. To ranked 24th, could qualify extend the playoff . putt at the par-fi ve 16th. But the 39-year-old’s quest for a sec- last day of this year’s US Masters before hit those two shots in there right where I for both end of season The world number fi ve shot a fi nal Spieth’s victory is his fi rst since May ond Australian Open title fell fl at with a blowing up and relinquishing his title. wanted to hit them and then to make the events next year. round three-under-par 69 to join club- and comes two years after his scintillat- double bogey at the par-fi ve 16th as he “You can’t practice for being very putt with it, is something I can draw on “We’ve said that if a house leaders Hall and Smith at 12-under- ing fi nal round 63 at the Australian Golf slumped to a fi nal round one-over 73. nervous,” he said. “You can’t get on all next year.” player makes the ATP par, needing a par putt from seven feet on Club in 2014 which gave him his fi rst Local favourite Adam Scott started the range and say okay, get nervous. It After two victories and a second place World Tour Finals, they the 72nd hole to get into the playoff . Smith Australian Open victory by six shots. four shots off the pace but the 2013 US doesn’t work that way. It just comes in his three trips Down Under, Spieth sug- don’t have to play,” Ker- — who shot a fi nal round 66 — missed a “The way we played the playoff , I Masters champion fi red a one-over 73 to through experience. It’s easier when gested he would be back at The Austral- mode said. “I’ve spoken to 40-foot birdie putt in the playoff . think it’s going to do wonders for me,” drop into a tie for 14th at six-under. you’re fi ve or six up coming into the last ian Golf Club to defend his title next year. two players that said they Hall, the world number 902, made Spieth said. “I’d been in a little bit of a Low amateur honours went to reign- few holes, you can trust anything, there’s “Certainly plan on it, it’s hard to tell a year would play if they made eight birdies on Sunday to card a 66, but stall hitting shots when they mattered. ing US Amateur and Asia-Pacifi c Ama- no nerves, you’ve already closed it out. from now,” he said. “But how can you ar- both. I’ll believe it when I could only make par at the playoff hole. I’ve cut out a lot of overseas travel this teur champion, 20-year-old Australian But it’s moments like today where you gue with coming here and gaining the con- see it, but they said it.” “We made the putts at the very end year but we still came here because that’s Curtis Luck, who fi nished tied 11th at can really take it going forward.” fi dence that we’ve had out of this event?” Gulf Times Monday, November 21, 2016 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT INJURY Daniel Suarez is fi rst foreign-born driver to Mikkelsen wins win NASCAR series Rally Australia as VW sign off in style ‘The plan was to try and win the power stage because I would like to try and beat Thierry for that second place. But I’m still happy about this’ Daniel Suarez celebrates with the trophy in Victory Lane. MCT ly in each run between pit stops, Miami Suarez’s relevant advantages came in four new tires and the good fortune to be in the right n Homestead, the centre line on the fi nal restart. of South Florida’s Mexican Applying the Sprint Cup’s population, Monterrey na- Chase format to the Xfi nity Se- Itive Daniel Suarez made ries for the fi rst time injected NASCAR history by running Sat- “You watching this?” drama into urday’s Ford EcoBoost 300 as if the series fi nale. As will be the he had a home-track advantage. case in Sunday’s Sprint Cup Ford Suarez led 133 of 200 laps from EcoBoost 400, the top fi nisher the pole to win both the race and of the Xfi nity Chase’s fi nal four the Xfi nity Series championship – Suarez, Jason Allgaier, Elliott at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Sadler and Erik Jones – would get Suarez became the fi rst foreign- the season championship. born driver to win a NASCAR “The fun part was between series title and the fi rst graduate the four of us, there was a lot of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity of respect and a lot of hard rac- programme to win a series title. ing,” Allgaier said. “I don’t think “To win here at Homestead, anybody else let anybody have to have a lot of fans and people anything on each other, but there from Latin America, Mexicans, was just a lot of really good hard is something great for me,” Sua- racing and from the driver’s seat, rez said. “Besides that, I have my it was fun to watch.” Mom, my Dad, my family from Allgaier spent the day in the top Houston, my friends from Mex- fi ve, dicing with Suarez, Kyle Lar- ico, my friend I used to race karts son, Ty Dillon and Jones when he with when I was 13 years old, a lot wasn’t playing tag with the wall. of friends were here. More than After sitting 10th to 15th most 30 people were here to just have of the day, Sadler made a run to fun with me and enjoy this week- the lead pack that got aborted by end. And what a way to fi nish. ... a rather hard wall smack. Jones’ I’m just very proud of my team race featured complaining verging and everyone who has helped me on whining about his car’s power to be in this position.” in the fi rst 50 laps, then, later, a Through a stunned chuckle, charge to the front with a dialled- Suarez said, “It’s still hard to be- in Toyota. lieve this. It’s still hard to believe “Didn’t have the car we need- this.” ed to at the beginning of the day Despite leading the most laps and really through the mid part and having the strongest car ear- of the race,” Jones said.

Andreas Mikkelsen of Norway leaps over a jump in his Volkswagen Polo WRC car during the second day of the World Rally Championship (WRC) event, the Rally of Australia. FORMULA 1 AFP had nothing to lose. race for the lead and virtually handing the 7. Ott Tanak-Raigo Molder(EST/Ford Fiesta Coff s Harbour, Australia “During all this year I really drove for rally to his teammate. RS) at 3:04.3, the championship, but coming here I just Ogier would have also dropped out of 8. Esapekka Lappi-Janne Ferm (FIN/ went for the win. the top two if not for a puncture suff ered Skoda Fabia R5) at 7:32.3, Ecclestone proposes ndreas Mikkelsen ended “The plan was to try and win the power by the then-third placed Paddon. 9. Jari-Matti Latvala-Miikka Anttila (FIN/ Volkswagen’s FIA World Rally stage because I would like to try and beat The Kiwi suff ered external damage on VW Polo-R) at 7:56.9, Championship era with a victo- Thierry for that second place. But I’m his Hyundai and shredded his left rear after 10. Lorenzo Bertelli-Simone Scattolin (ITA/ two-race format ry at Rally Australia yesterday, still happy about this.” going wide on a turn, costing him 73 sec- Ford Fiesta RS) at 8:00.1. butA failed to secure the runner-up slot for Ogier won the fi nal power stage to onds and bumping him back to fi fth place. himself in this season’s championship. claim three bonus points. It pushed Neuville into third, assuring FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS: The Norwegian won the fi nal round Neuville took two points for second, him of second spot in the drivers’ cham- 1. Sebastien Ogier (FRA) 268 points of the 2016 season by 14.9 seconds from while Spanish team-mate Dani Sordo se- pionship after the season-ending round. (champion), team-mate Sebastien Ogier, who spun cured the fi nal point. 2. Thierry Neuville (BEL) 160, away his own chances at Coff s Harbour Ogier and New Zealander Hayden 3. Andreas Mikkelsen (NOR) 154, in northern New South Wales. Paddon had their victory hopes dashed FINAL STANDINGS 4. Hayden Paddon (NZL) 138, It was a perfect farewell for the Ger- on a dramatic fi nal morning of the rally. 1. Andreas Mikkelsen-Anders Jaeger 5. Dani Sordo (ESP) 130, man carmaker, which bowed out of the The race was delayed on the 21st stage (NOR/VW Polo-R) 2hr 46min 5.7sec, 6. Jari-Matti Latvala (FIN) 112, series after a dominant four-year period. for almost half an hour when Frenchman 2. Sebastien Ogier-Julien Ingrassia (FRA/ 7. Mads Ostberg (NOR) 102, But Mikkelsen’s win in a Polo R was not Eric Camilli rolled his M-Sport vehicle VW Polo-R) at 14.9sec, 8. Ott Tanak (EST) 88, enough to secure the runner-up spot in onto its side and then its roof, before a 3. Thierry Neuville-Nicolas Gilsoul (BEL/ 9. Kris Meeke (GBR) 64, the drivers’ championship. small fi re broke out in the car. He retired Hyundai i20) at 1:12.6, 10. Craig Breen (IRL) 36. Third place for Belgium’s Thierry Neu- from the stage but appeared unhurt. 4. Hayden Paddon-John Kennard (NZL/ ville in a Hyundai i20, a further 57.7sec Mikkelsen started the day just two sec- Hyundai i20) at 1:26.7, FINAL TEAM STANDINGS: 1. Volkswagen back, secured the position behind the onds clear of teammate Ogier but the gap 5. Dani Sordo-Marc Marti (ESP/Hyundai Motorsport 377 points (champions), 2. already-crowned Ogier. was extended on the fi rst stage of the day. i20) at 1:28.3, Hyundai Motorsport 312, 3. Volkswagen “It’s been such a perfect end to the The Frenchman spun on the 20th 6. Mads Ostberg-Ola Floene (NOR/Ford Motorsport II 163, 4. M-Sport World Rally File picture of Bernie Ecclestone. season,” Mikkelsen said. “Coming here, I stage, costing him 19.6 seconds in the Fiesta RS) at 1:41.5, Team 162, 5. Hyundai Motorsport N 146. AFP be attractive to viewers, the TV London companies, the sponsors, and BOTTOMLINE advertisers would love it. “Cars would qualify on a Sat- ormula One supremo urday as usual for the fi rst race Bernie Ecclestone be- and that would set the grid for lieves the sport could be the second. It would shake things made more attractive by up with lighter, faster cars. ditchingF the current one-race “But I don’t know if we have Qatar set for thrilling WTCC fi nale format for two shorter races, he the courage to change. Times By Sports Reporter special moment.” when the Manufacturers Against said in a newspaper interview change though and it is some- Doha For López, the WTCC’s desert the Clock team trial takes place. yesterday. thing we must look at. duel also marks the end of an New for 2016 and timed by Ecclestone, 86, believes F1 “All American sports have era. After claiming a hat-trick TAG Heuer, the WTCC’s Of- would appeal more to mod- time-outs built in, mainly be- here will be a duel in the of drivers’ titles and breaking fi cial Timing Partner, the Tour ern audiences, sponsors and cause American audiences can’t desert when the 2016 the record of most wins in one de France-inspired competi- advertisers if there were two concentrate. They grow up with FIA World Touring Car season (10), the Argentine ace tion puts squads from Citroën, 40-minute races, separated by a everything in 15-minute seg- Championship reaches has chosen the FIA Formula E Honda and LADA against the gap during which drivers could ments on TV. People are the Tits climax at WTCC DHL Race Championship for his next mo- clock over two timed laps of the be interviewed. same everywhere now.” of Qatar on Friday 25 November, torsport challenge although he Losail International Circuit. The But he questioned whether the Ecclestone was also critical of as second and third in the fi nal admits a WTCC comeback is three makes (Polestar will par- sport’s decision-makers have F1’s current rules, saying they standings are decided at the Lo- part of a long-term plan. “It’s ticipate when it enters a third the “courage” to make such a prevent drivers from being able sail International Circuit. not a goodbye but a ‘see you lat- Volvo from 2017) nominate three seismic change to the traditional to race properly. But while the thrilling on- er’,” he said. “I am still young and drivers to take part in WTCC schedule. “The regulation book should track battle for positions will I can be back if I have still the MAC3, which follows Qualifying “People have a much shorter be retitled ‘Don’t Race’,” he said. take centre stage during the pair doors open, which I think I will Q3 once all cars have been refu- attention span and a lot of sports “They are written in such a of night races, two motorsport have. I think one day if I have the elled and fi tted with new Yoko- are looking at introducing short- convoluted way and there are greats will sign off from WTCC opportunity I will be back.” hama tyres. Running in reverse er forms of their games,” Eccle- so many that nobody, includ- duty. Although José María López While second in the fi nal ta- Manufacturers’ championship stone, the F1 chief executive, told ing the drivers, knows the right hopes to return to World Tour- ble remains Monteiro’s target, order, as soon as a team’s three the Sunday Times. thing to do. ing Car action in the future he will also be keeping an eye cars leave the grid side by side, “The television audiences “The proper drivers are frus- having made it three consecu- on fellow factory Honda drivers the clock starts and stops once went up for Brazil. We had a long trated; so are the viewers, and so tive WTCC titles this season, Norbert Michelisz and Rob Huff , the last car completes two fl ying race with the heavy rain and a am I. It is crazy. Yvan Muller will retire from the File picture of the 2015 FIA WTCC race at Losail. who are 14 and 24 points behind laps. Failure to get all three cars couple of crashes, but that meant “We need to make it easier for championship following un- respectively. “I lost quite a lot of over the line – or if the second or we had two starts because of the drivers to race fairly. I don’t think precedented success. tends to go out with a bang rather driver, Muller has high hopes: points in China, but I’m not go- third car doesn’t fi nish within a red fl ags and people tuned in. they should deliberately bang No driver has won more titles than a whimper by beating Tiago “I realise it’s a special race and ing to give up,” said Monteiro. maximum of 15 seconds after the “We need to look at the tradi- wheels, but if they are racing (four) and races (48), claimed Monteiro to the coveted runner- there might be some emotions. fi rst car – means no points. And tional concept of one long race. each other and they go close and more pole positions (29), set up spot in the fi nal standings It’s also more than a race be- WTCC MAC3 MAGIC in what is a team-based compe- Two 40-minute races with a touch, so what? more fastest laps (38) or led more behind his Citroën team-mate cause I want to be second for my There will be more on-track tition, a mistake by one member 40-minute break in the middle “I often wonder if some of races (571) than the 48-year-old López. With a 31-point advan- team. It’s always good to race at drama in store from 16h00 lo- can have serious consequences when the drivers could be inter- these guys want to race or just be French legend. And Muller in- tage over the Portuguese Honda night so I hope it will be another cal time on Friday 25 November for the rest of the squad. viewed, cars worked on, would out there in an F1 car.” Gulf Times 8 Monday, November 21, 2016 SPORT

RUGBY INSPIRED Grit behind Scots’ Australia crush narrow win: Cotter New Zealand in

Four Nations fi nal Scotland’s Greig Laidlaw (2nd L) celebrates with teammates. AFP with the two teams on the brink Edinburgh of their fi rst-ever draw. Josh Dugan scored two tries and Johnathan Thurston kicked three conversions and Argentina centre Matias Or- lando and Scotland wing Sean two penalties as Australia claimed their fourth victory over New Zealand in 2016 cotland coach Vern Cot- Maitland scored tries, while ter saluted his side’s “grit Laidlaw kicked three other pen- and character” of his alties and a conversion and fl y- players after their dra- half Nicolas Sanchez landed maticS 19-16 win over Argentina three penalties and a conversion at Murrayfi eld on Saturday. for the Pumas. This result could now have “What I really liked was that a vital bearing on Scotland’s they (Argentina) scored a try and chances of being among the we scored a try straight back,” teams in the top two tiers of said Cotter.”That was important. the May pool draw for the 2019 “It’s nice to come away with a World Cup in Japan. win in the 83rd minute. I’m very Scotland looked like they would proud of the way the players be stay in ninth place in the world went about the business.” rankings when captain Greig Laidlaw hit a post with a late pen- ‘DON’T PANIC’ alty and fl y-half Finn Russell had a Laidlaw, who leaves English Pre- drop goal charged down. miership side Gloucester to join But with the match go- Clermont in the French Top-14 ing beyond the usual full-time in June, said: “The boys have 80-minute mark as the ball was been giving me stick for taking still ‘live’, scrum-half Laidlaw two penalties to win it at the end. landed the decisive penalty three I was pretty happy to see the sec- minutes after hat should have ond one go between the posts. been the fi nal whistle with the “As Vern said, it was credit to last kick of the game. the whole team. After Argentina That was enough to ensure scored, the message under the Scotland would snatch eighth posts was: ‘don’t panic; we can place from Argentina in the score tries. We hit straight back World Rugby standings. and scored and pegged them “What we saw was a lot of back. That, psychologically, was grit and character,” said Cotter, a massive blow. whose side conceded a late con- “We’re still annoyed from verted try to lose their opening that Australia game if we’re be- November international 23-22 ing honest so we’re delighted to against Australia at Murrayfi eld. come and just get on the right “The guys got what they went side of a tight game.” for with that determination. Laidlaw added: “It’s mas- “It wasn’t perfect but the re- sively important to come out on sult at the end was just a refl ec- the right side. It gives the players tion of that determination and confi dence. It’s important before character, and of the work that we play Georgia next week. And these guys Greig and his team it’s important to win here before have been putting in,” the New we come back here in the Six Zealander added. Nations. We’re aware we’ve got Australia’s hooker and captain Cameron Smith (C) holds the trophy after winning the rugby league Four Nations Final match between Australia and New Zealand yesterday. Laidlaw’s winning kick came three games at home.”

AFP Four Nations holders and the number one Following a fi rst-minute scrum be- alty before the 33-year-old’s deft kick set Liverpool team in the world. neath the posts, Mal Meninga’s side up Dugan’s second. NHL Blake Ferguson needed just three min- seized the initiative with Ferguson going Thurston hit the post with his kick, utes to open the scoring for the Kangaroos over, unchallenged, on the right fl ank. but it was hardly a blemish in a fi rst half ustralia demolished New Zea- and New Zealand crumbled thereafter. Thurston, in his last appearance on that ended with Australia a mammoth 24 land 34-8 in yesterday’s Four Dugan followed over twice, either English soil in a Kangaroos jersey, added points to the good. Blackhawks fi ght Nations series fi nal at Liv- side of a Trent Merrin score, and with the conversion. A promising New Zealand start to the erpool’s Anfi eld stadium to Thurston’s kicking assured, Australia On the quarter-hour, centre Dugan second half came to a halt through an- avengeA their loss to their trans-Tasman took in a 24-0 lead at the break. burst through a beleaguered New Zea- other sloppy penalty before Australia back for 4-3 victory rivals in the 2014 decider. Australia’s pace slowed in the second land rearguard after taking Boyd’s pass to fl yer Boyd, spotting a sliver of space, bar- Josh Dugan scored two tries and half, despite Darius Boyd’s try, as the stretch the Australian advantage. relled through and over the try-line. Johnathan Thurston kicked three con- game ambled to an inevitable conclusion. Despite missing the resulting conver- Some of the loudest cheers of the af- versions and two penalties as Australia To their credit, the Kiwis regrouped sion Thurston soon tapped over an easy ternoon were reserved for Kahu in the claimed their fourth victory over New through a Jordan Kahu double, but Boyd penalty to put the Aussies 12 points in 57th minute as Kevin Proctor’s smart of- Zealand in 2016. Cordner had the last say for the victors. front before the fi rst quarter was up. fl oad released the full-back for New Zea- Australia started as strong favourites, As well as a third Four Nations title in They went over again almost imme- land’s fi rst score. having won all three of their group-stage seven years, Australia had eyes on the diately after, Merrin this time taking ad- Jason Taumalolo then crashed past two games, while New Zealand were held to a Kiwis’ number one world ranking. vantage after New Zealand had cheaply defenders and the ball made its way to shock draw by rank-outsiders Scotland. In front of Anfi eld’s famed Kop in the given up possession. Kahu again to touch down over the white- England were the other team. fi rst half, Australia looked every bit the Australia showed no signs of relenting. wash, but Cordner took on Thurston’s It leaves Australia as world champions, world’s best. Thurston slotted another simple pen- pass to add more Australian gloss.

NBA

The Chicago Blackhawks celebrate the win against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena.

Durant inspires Warriors to win Winger Loui Eriksson sent MCT Vancouver home a slick backhand past Scott Darling following a rebound off a shot from Sven Baertschi at fter a furious comeback 13:49. over Bucks, Clippers down Bulls in the third period, the The Hawks had seven shots on Chicago Blackhawks goal in the period but mounted AFP teams, you just want an oppor- “Huge diff erence, off ensively erased a three-goal defi - few serious threats. tunity,” Kidd said. “We had our and defensively,” Davis said of Acit to send their game against the The Hawks lost control of Los Angeles opportunities tonight. They just Holiday. “He brings a presence Vancouver Canucks to overtime. the game rather quickly late in didn’t fall for us.” to the team, energy and eff ort. In a bonkers extra session, the second period with a short- evin Durant scored 33 The Clippers, meanwhile, en- When he is on the fl oor, we play Marian Hossa scored his second handed goal taking the wind out points as the Golden sured they have the best record very well.” game-winning goal in as many of their sails. State Warriors held in the NBA, improving to 12-2 Langston Galloway also con- nights to give the Hawks a 4-3 The sequence began when off a late rally to beat at the Staples Center after over- tributed 23 points, including fi ve victory. Jonathan Toews lost the puck to Kthe Milwaukee Bucks as the Los turning a double digit defi cit during a run in the fourth quar- Hossa scored 4 minutes, 4 Alexandre Burrows in the Hawks Angeles Clippers extended their against the Chicago Bulls. ter when the Pelicans clawed seconds into the extra session. zone. Burrows got off a pass to league-best start to the season back an 11-point defi cit. The Hawks had appeared to win Bo Horvat, who outraced Brian on Saturday. BULLS SQUANDER LEAD “We are starting to close the game 31 seconds into overtime Campbell for a breakaway and Durant led the scoring with A lethargic start from the Clip- games out,” Holiday said. when Jonathan Toews scored past scored on Darling to make it 2-0 team-mate Klay Thompson pers saw the Bulls race into a “When we get up down the Jacob Markstrom. Players were at 17:03 adding 29 to give the Warriors a 19-point lead at one stage of the stretch and we have the lead we leaving the ice and the Hawks were Then just a few moments lat- nerve-jangling 124-121 win on second quarter, with Dwyane keep that advantage. We’re ex- celebrating, but a review from the er at 18:27, defenseman Michal the road in Wisconsin. Wade, who led the scoring with ecuting down the stretch better.” replay center from Toronto said Kempny could not handle a A frantic fi nale saw the Bucks 28 points, superb. The Pelicans win saw them im- the Hawks were off sides, keeping bouncing puck in the Hawks recover from a 14-point defi - File picture of Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (C). However, the Clippers came prove to 4-10. the game going. zone. Henrik Sedin got a hold of cit in the fi nal quarter to move back with 26 points from Blake Then the overtime went cra- it and passed it to Brandon Sutter within two at 122-120 before the waukee was fantastic. We were second night of a back-to-back Griffi n and 16 from Marreese zy. Scott Darling made multiple on a 2-on-1 and Sutter buried the Warriors ground out a win which able to pull it out. We got some to see how we’d respond coming Speights to eke out a 102-95 win. RESULTS outstanding saves to keep the chance. The Hawks had just four sees them move to 11-2. stops down the stretch and some to a building with a lot of energy Elsewhere, Anthony Davis (home team in CAPS) HOUSTON Hawks in it while Patrick Kane shots on goal for the period. “Any win on the road is a good rebounds. We did what we need- facing a young team that was scored 38 points and 16 re- 111 Utah 102 NEW ORLEANS 121 was stopped on a breakaway, a win,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr ed to do.” ready for us.” bounds to power the New Orle- Charlotte 116 (OT) Miami 114 rare sight. But the Hawks ended RESULTS: Devils 2 Kings 4, Jets 1 said. “Any win period is a good Durant said the result was a Bucks coach Jason Kidd ans Pelicans to a 121-116 over- WASHINGTON 111 ORLANDO 95 up winning anyway. Bruins 4, Panthers 4 Senators 1, win, but especially on a back- good test of the Warriors char- lamented his team’s inabil- time win over Charlotte. Dallas 87 Boston 94 DETROIT The Canucks got the fi rst goal Maple Leafs 1 Canadiens 2, Pen- to-back on a night when we acter. “We’ve played in some ity to convert a handful of clear It was the fi rst time this sea- 92 PHILADELPHIA 120 Phoenix against the resurgent Hawks’ guins 1 Sabres 2, Oilers 5 Stars 2, didn’t quite have it. tight games but not down to the chances late in the game. son that New Orleans, who had 105 MEMPHIS 93 Minnesota 71 penalty kill after defenseman Avalanche 3 Wild 2, Predators “Our opponent played an ex- wire like this,” said Durant. “That’s the game of basket- beaten Portland on Friday, have Golden State 124 MILWAUKEE 121 Michal Rozsival was sent off for a 1 Blues 3, Sharks 2 Coyotes 3, ceptional game. I thought Mil- “It was a good test for us in the ball. When you play against elite claimed back-to-back victories. LA CLIPPERS 102 Chicago 95 hooking penalty. Blackhawks 4 Canucks 3 Gulf Times Monday, November 21, 2016 9 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT DENIAL No state-sponsored doping, says Russia USA’s Ward stuns ahead of key report

Reuters al of a blanket ban and instead let Glasgow international sports federations decide which athletes should be eligible to compete. ussia’s new anti-doping WADA Director General Ol- Kovalev to claim chief Vitaly Smirnov ivier Niggli told the meeting that told WADA yesterday a second report from Canadian that the country had lawyer McLaren was set to be “neverR had a state-sponsored published on Dec 9. system of doping” as the date It is expected to provide more for the publication of a new spe- detail on the alleged Russian cial report into alleged Russian cheating and focus more on win- cheating was announced. ter sports. light-heavy crown Smirnov, a senior fi gure in So- Former WADA chairman Dick viet and Russian sport as an In- Pound, who oversaw the ini- ternational Olympic Committee tial investigation together with “It was a close fight. But take nothing away from Kovalev. In a tight fight, he’s going to (IOC) member from 1971 to 2015, McLaren, expressed surprise at told a World Anti-Doping Agen- Smirnov’s comments. “From the feel like he got robbed, I’d have been disappointed. But we got the belts tonight’ cy (WADA) Foundation meeting Russian side, it is important to of delegates from governments stop denying and now get back and the Olympic world, that the on line,” Pound told reporters. abuse of performance-enhanc- WADA has been working with ing drugs was a global problem. Russia to make changes to its “Russia has never had a state- drug-testing programme since sponsored system of doping. the Rio Olympics. Doping is not the problem of one Rob Koehler, who is in charge specifi c country. We have to fi ght of the monitoring, said Russia this evil together,” he said. was making some progress but Afterwards Smirnov told re- international testers were still porters: “If one person is a crim- not getting access to some cit- inal, it does not mean the whole ies or to previous test samples country is a criminal. We know and that there were challenges this system did not exist.” around gaining information WADA recommended that the about athletes’ whereabouts. entire Russian team be excluded “It is not all gloom and doom from the Rio Olympics in August and there is progress,” Koehler after accusing Russia of a sys- told the meeting. temic state-sponsored doping The delegates re-elected programme in its independent WADA President Craig Reedie report by Richard McLaren, pub- for a second three-year term by lished just before the Games. acclamation. Although Russian track and Norway’s Culture Minister fi eld athletes were banned from Linda Hofstad Helleland was also Rio, the IOC rejected the propos- elected as vice-president.

YACHTING Ainslie’s UK team clinch America’s Cup World Series

Andre Ward of the US (L) and Sergey Kovalev of Russia fight during their WBA, IBF and WBO light heavyweight world championship fight in Las Vegas.

AFP “It was a close fi ght,” a delighted Ward round, with Kovalev piercing his gloves Los Angeles said. “You never know how judges are go- at will with stinging jabs. ing to see it. But take nothing away from With 40 seconds left in the round, Ko- Kovalev. valev dumped ward on the fl oor, soften- ndre Ward of the United States “In a tight fi ght, he’s going to feel like ing him up with a left jab before a short scored a comeback unanimous he got robbed, I’d have been been disap- chopping right landed fl ush on his chin. Members of Land Rover BAR hold the trophy as they celebrate their decision victory over Russia’s pointed. But we got the belts tonight.” Ward scrambled to recover his senses Fukuoka Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World series victory. ASergey Kovalev to claim the de- Ward, meanwhile, was satisfi ed at the and was clinging on for the bell. Kova- fending champion’s unifi ed lightheavy- way he came back after his second-round lev had the better of the exchanges in the AFP pions Oracle Team USA with weight title on Saturday. knockdown. “I knew it was going to be a third round, but Ward did well to steady Fukuoka, Japan 493. “It’s a real bonus for our Ward, the 2004 Olympic champion, tough fi ght but you never anticipate get- the ship without troubling the Russian. team... to show we can perform recovered from a second round knock- ting dropped,” he said. Ward managed to frustrate Kovalev in at the highest level,” Ainslie told down to defeat Kovalev by 114-113 on all “That was the fi rst time in my career I the fourth, fi ghting in clinches and at- kipper Ben Ainslie’s Land AFP. three judges cards after a gruelling battle got dropped. I’m pleased with the way I Andre Ward of the US celebrates his tempting to keep his rival off balance. Rover BAR team won the “Now, we focus on our race at Las Vegas’s T-Mobile Arena. responded.” unanimous decision victory. But the statistics told the story after America’s Cup World boat, the design and develop- The win saw Ward, 32, improve his un- four rounds, with Kovalev landing 22 Series title in Japan yes- ment of the race boat and per- beaten record to 31-0 with 15 knockouts. ‘SPORT, NOT POLITICS’ USA. I agree they support their boxer but power shots to Ward’s seven. terday,S as the British crew sailed forming well next summer in It was defending WBA, WBO and IBF Kovalev could not hide his disgust at the honestly, this is sport. Don’t make it like Ward, however, refused to buckle closer to clinching the fi rst Bermuda.” champion Kovalev’s fi rst defeat, leaving decision, suggesting his Russian nation- politics.” and enjoyed his best period of the fi ght America’s Cup for their country. Five challengers are vying him at 30-1 with 26 knockouts. ality had been a factor in the judge’s ver- The tight nature of the contest makes a through the fi fth and sixth, sticking and Land Rover BAR eked out a for the chance to take on Oracle Ward, stepping up a weight division, dict in favour of his US rival. rematch almost inevitable. moving to score consistently. third-place fi nish in the event’s Team USA in the America’s Cup bounced back after a disastrous start that “It’s the wrong decision. But I don’t Asked if he would face Ward again, Another good round in the seventh, fi nal race to secure the title at the fi nal in Bermuda next year. saw Kovalev dominate the early rounds want to give my opinion. Everybody is Kovalev replied: “Sure – and I’ll kick his with Ward connecting with three stiff Fukuoka regatta after Artemis Ainslie’s team have their and send his American crashing to the here, witnesses are here, everybody saw ass.” jabs, drew loud cheers, but Kovalev was Racing of Sweden won the day’s headquarters in Portsmouth and canvas in the second round. what happened,” he said. Earlier, Kovalev had quickly made his still landing shots. fi rst two races. are at the centre of a multi-mil- The Oakland-based fi ghter slowly be- “He got maybe a few rounds. But not superior punching power tell, rocking As the fi ght moved into the later The British crew extended lion pound enterprise, funded by gan picking up rounds in the second half the whole fi ght. I kept control. I lost may- the challenger with two stiff jabs that ap- rounds, Ward appeared to be increasingly their lead in the season’s World some of the country’s wealthiest of the fi ght to take the decision, surpris- be three rounds. peared to startle Ward towards the end of comfortable, keeping his distance and Series leaderboard with 512 businessmen aiming to bring the ing many ringside pundits who felt Kova- “I’m a guest here in the USA and he’s the fi rst round. uncorking several energy-sapping body- points, just ahead of two-time America’s Cup to Britain for the lev had done enough to win. a local, and all the judges are from the Ward was soon in trouble in the second shots to the Russian. defending America’s Cup cham- fi rst time.

BADMINTON: CHINA OPEN Sindhu bags maiden Superseries Premier title IANS seal the match in the second game. But Jorgensen stuns Olympic champ Chen in China Fuzhou, China it wasn’t to be. Sindhu continued her strong game Denmark’s Jan O Jorgensen upset and led 11-7. But 2014 Asian Games world and Olympic champion Chen lympic silver medallist PV champion Sun slowly upped her game Long in front of his home fans to win Sindhu battled past Chinese and the home crowd did play a part in the China Open in Fuzhou yesterday. Sun Yu to win her fi rst BWF her revival. Jorgensen won 22-30, 21-13 for only his OSuperseries Premier title at She matched the Indian stroke for second victory over second-ranked the China Open badminton tourna- stroke and equalised at 14-all with the Chen in 10 attempts, and his first since ment here yesterday. help of a six-point streak which also the 2014 Indonesian Open. The Indian seventh seed won the fi rst gave her the lead at 16-14. Then, Sindhu The Dane edged a nip-and-tuck first game 21-11 but lost the next 17-21 be- made it 17-all but Sun bagged the game game but after he hit the front at 4-3 in fore registering a 21-11 triumph in the by taking four straight points. the second, he was never headed and fi nal game to clinch the title. In the fi nal game, the momentum he gunned to the title in just 46 minutes. The fi nal lasted an hour and nine min- shifted as Sindhu again went on an at- Jorgensen’s first individual trophy utes. It was 21-year-old Sindhu’s maiden tacking spree. Her ability to play long of the year comes after he helped title. This win also was double World rallies wore down Sun, who even though Denmark to their maiden Thomas Cup Championships bronze medallist Sind- she fought hard till the six-point mark, international team title in Kunshan, hu’s third in six games against Sun. Sun crumbled under pressure. China, in May. Sindhu looked on the off ensive from Sindhu then hardly looked back, rat- the beginning and quickly raced to a 7-2 tling points one after another to sit at lead that became 11-6 at the mid-game a 16-9 advantage. Thereafter, it was a 10 encounters against two-time reign- the South Korean pair of Lee So Hee and interval. Moving sharply within court, cakewalk for the Indian. ing world champion Long. Chang Ye Na, who overcame Li Yinhui she showed her repertoire of strokes to Meanwhile, fourth seed Jan ‘O’ Jor- Denmark, however, missed out on and Huang Dongping of China 13-21, bag fi ve consecutive points that made it gensen of Denmark shocked the home the men’s doubles title as Mathias Boe 21-14, 21-17 in an hour and 30 minutes. 17-7. She then comfortably won the fi rst crowd when he defeated 2016 Olympic and Carsten Mogensen lost to Indo- Yinhui lost in the mixed doubles fi nal game 21-11. champion Chen Long of China 22-20, nesians Marcus Fernaldi Gideon and too. She and Zhang Na lost to Indoen- Going by Sun’s performance in the India’s PV Sindhu celebrates after she beat China’s Sun Yu in the final of the China 21-13 in 46 minutes. Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo 18-21, 20-22. sians Tontowi Ahmad and Liliyana Nat- fi rst game, it seemed like Sindhu will Open Badminton tournament in Fuzhou, China’s yesterday. It was the Dane’s only second win in The women’s doubles title went to sir 13-21, 24-22, 21-16. Gulf Times 10 Monday, November 21, 2016 SPORT

49th CISM World Military Shooting Championship closing ceremony

Qatar Armed Forces Chief of Staff HE Lieutinant-General Ghanem bin Shaheen al-Ghanem, Qatar Military Sport Association president HE Major General Dahlan al-Hamad, International Military Sport Council (CISM) president Colonel-Major Abdel Hakem al-Sahno, and other off icials at the closing ceremony for the 49th CISM World Military Shooting Championship at the Losail Shooting Range on Saturday evening. PICTURES: Thajudheen

BOTTOMLINE India targeting 2022 WCup qualifi cation: AIFF prez

ll India Football Federation Despite the defeat, Patel, who has Competitions Committee that we are (AIFF) president Praful Patel held the top job at the AIFF since 2010 keen to host the event at the earliest has said that his country must and has had a memorable stint at the available opportunity in 2019, and this ensure the ‘right steps’ are helm, has plenty to be positive about. will further give a boost to our grass- takenA as they target qualifi cation for the In 2013 he oversaw the AIFF’s suc- roots initiatives. 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar. cessful bid to win hosting rights for “Many of the current Under-16 boys Patel – who is also an AFC Vice Pres- India’s fi rst ever FIFA tournament – the will be a well-knit group and will be ident – said that qualifying in six years’ Under-17 World Cup of 2017 – and he ready for national team duty in time for time would be the perfect opportunity is now presiding over ongoing prepara- the 2022 World Cup qualifi ers, which to capitalise on the vast support for the tions towards its successful delivery. will start around the same time.” national team during the fi rst ever FIFA His organisation recently launched Patel said the turnaround in the for- World Cup in the Middle East. an Under-17 World Cup legacy project, tunes of Indian football can be attrib- “We will aspire towards qualify- a grassroots initiative called Mission uted to the emphasis placed on youth ing for the 2022 World Cup because of Eleven Million intended to make foot- scouting, and the investment fl owing the support our national team is going ball the sport of choice for 11 million ur- into sectors such as grassroots devel- to receive and will need to ensure that ban children by the time of the historic opment, infrastructure building and right steps are taken towards realising tournament and expand the reach of refurbishment. this objective,” said Patel. the initiative in the years following the “There has been intense focus on “Indian football’s further growth landmark event. these areas by the AIFF helped by the will therefore be of direct long-term to Bengaluru’s historic feat of fi nish- AFC. Corporates have started putting Qatar football, including the successful ing as runner up in the AFC Cup and money into football over the last few hosting of the 2022 World Cup.” the fi ghting display of our Under-16 years and this is starting to pay divi- Speaking on the sidelines of the India national team against traditional Asian dends,” he added. Football Forum 2016 in New Delhi, he powerhouses Saudi Arabia and UAE in “The prime example being the his- said he was impressed by the passion- September’s AFC Under-16 Champi- toric run of three-year-old club Ben- ate support shown by the Indian ex- onships in Goa have illustrated that In- galuru FC in the AFC Cup and the glo- patriate community of Doha to recent dian football has begun to fi nd its feet bal appeal of the Indian Super League. AFC Cup fi nalists Bengaluru FC. again,” said Patel. “Winning the Under-17 World Cup He also that the game was a great ex- “The Under-17 World Cup of next hosting rights has sparked the interest ample of how Qatar and India can work year will be the defi ning moment of of the Indian government in the devel- together to support the other’s growth Indian football. We have had intense opment of the sport.” on the global football stage. focus on the Under-16 and Under-17 However, Patel said this is just the “We believe that Qatar are our natu- age-groups and will ensure the national beginning of the journey for Indian ral partners in the Asian football family team spends the next few years training football and called on his country’s and the AFC Cup fi nal has illustrated and playing together.” natural partners to help in the growth this,” he continued. Patel also said that the progress made of the game. “Qatar has identifi ed its Indian com- and publicity gained since winning the “There is still some way forward for munity as an important stakeholder rights to host FIFA for the fi rst time, Indian football to complete the three- of the 2022 World Cup and more than will help encourage and facilitate the way jigsaw which will take it to its de- 5,000 Indian expats were at the sta- All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Praful Patel continued development of the next sired goal – player development, in- dium to cheer Bengaluru FC’s historic generation of Indian footballers. frastructure growth and incremental feat proving they are emotional stake- days to make travel arrangements.” try has managed to reach an Asian fi - Qatar’s 700,000-strong Indian expa- “They will give their best during the investment. holders in Indian football as well. The Indian national team last won nal since then, until the club from the triate community. Under-17 World Cup next year and “More needs to be done and we need “Also, 500 people from Bengaluru the Asian Games title in 1962, and were southern metropolis qualifi ed for the The team captained by Sunil Chhetri following the tournament we will bid all possible help, including fi nancial, travelled to Doha at their expense to runners-up in the AFC Asian Cup two fi nal in Doha in front of nearly 6,000 went down 1-0 after a hard-fought for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup,” from all our natural partners including cheer the club despite having only a few years later. But no side from the coun- spectators, most of them drawn from battle against Iraq’s Al Quwa Al Jawiya. he continued. “We have told the FIFA Qatar.” (SC.qa) Gulf Times Monday, November 21, 2016 11 SPORT

FOCUS 1st National Show Jumping Qatar will successfully host Artistic Gymnastics Worlds: IGF president ‘Qatar Gymnastics has also shown eff orts to promote sports participation’

By Sports Reporter Doha

he International Gymnastics Federation’s newly-elected President Morinari Watanabe is confi dent Qatar will host a successfulT FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championship in October 2018. Two years ago, Doha won the right to hold the 48th edition of the mar- quee event in 2018, with Qatar Gym- nastics Federation (QGF) being the only bidder. Watanabe sees the event as an opportunity to promote gym- nastics to a wider audience and be- lieves QGF is capable of doing that in the Middle East. “QGF has organised several World Cups in the past with a great success. There is no doubt that they are now ready to host a World Championships. It will be one of the best,” the Japanese said. “As the pioneer for several gymnas- tics disciplines in the Gulf region, Qa- tar Gymnastics has also shown eff orts to promote sports participation in the country,” he added. Since its creation in 2000, the Qatar Gymnastics Federation – which be- came affi liated with the FIG in 2002 – Ahmed Mohamed al-Badi astride Wadi Rum D D H won the Class 5 event has developed quickly and already has at the 1st National Show Jumping at the Qatar Equestrian Federation on athletes competing at international Saturday. Mubarak Yousef al-Rumaihi (Siec Cosmos) finished second, while events. It’s president Ali al-Hitmi sits Salman Mohd al-Emadi (Zorro Z) came third. PICTURES: Lotfi Garsi in the FIG’s ruling Executive Commit- tee and is one of the prominent mem- bers of the organisation. The 57-year-old Watanabe was in TENNIS Doha last week with retiring Bruno Grandi, head of the FIG since 1996, who will make way for the Japanese on January 1. Both the offi cials praised the role played by al-Hitmi in promoting Qatar ExxonMobil gymnastics in the region. The preparations for the World Championship is already in place. A delegation from the QGF headed by al- Qatar Gymnastics Federation president and International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Executive Committee member Ali al- Hitmi attended the governing body’s Junior Open to Hitmi (left) with newly-elected FIG president Morinari Watanabe and outgoing president Bruno Grandi (right) in Doha recently. Congress in Tokyo in October and made a presentation on the preparations. improve the organisational capacity. came in, it was only Russia and Roma- saw a number of sweeping changes Al-Hitmi said there will be more The 82-year-old Grandi said he was nia who were dominating the sport. to the world of gymnastics – includ- co-ordination between QGF, FIG and proud of his 20-year tenure as the But I took the sport to other countries ing scrapping the perfect 10 score and conclude today other national associations over the president of the FIG. He listed several and promoted them,” he said. helping to elevate the sport into the coming months, which he added will achievements that he made. “When I The Italian as President also over- top tier at the Olympic Games. By Sports Reporter strong partnership between the Qatar Doha Tennis Federation (QTF) and Exxon- Mobil Qatar as it is considered one of BOTTOMLINE the tournaments that aim at develop- asser al-Yafai and Turky Ma- ing the skills of Qatar’s national teams’ jed al-Abdullah won the boys players. under-14 and under-12 titles at the 2016 Qatar ExxonMobil QATAR ASIAN JUNIOR NJunior Open at the Khalifa Tennis and CHAMPIONSHIP KICKS OFF Squash Complex. The 2016 Qatar Asian Junior Champi- Qatar Airways congratulates Qatar’s al-Yafai claimed the title af- onship (Under 14 Years) will begin at ter beating Hamad al-Rumaihi 2-0 in the Khalifa Tennis and Squash Com- the fi nal match, while al-Abdullah won plex today. following his 2-0 victory over Meshaal To conclude on Saturday, the event al-Khenji. The tournament is sched- will feature the participation of 70 Gawad on Qatar Classic win uled to conclude today. players from diff erent Asian countries In the doubles event for boys un- in addition hosts Qatar. By Sports Reporter der-12, Adel Ghanim and Meshaal al- The Qatar Tennis Federation (QTF) Doha Khenji will take on Ghanim Zainal and gave the wild cards to Qatar’s Nasser Turky Majed al-Abdullah in the fi nal. al-Yafai, Abdulaziz Zainal, Amna al- In boys under-10 category (green Qaeet and Sarah al-Qaeet in addition atar Airways, Offi cial Air- stage), Nasser al-Khelaifi reached the Saudi Arabia’s Qassim Ebaidan and line of the 15th annual Qatar fi nal after beating Jassim al-Thani in Bahrain’s Mohamed al-Shahabi. Classic Squash Champion- the semifi nals. Ghanim al-Sulaiti also QTF Board member and head of ship 2016, congratulated made to the fi nal match. National Teams Committee, Khalid KarimQ Abdel Gawad (centre) of On the other hand, Amna al-Qaeet al-Khelaifi , said, “The QTF is keen to Egypt on his incredible win following will face off with her sister Sarah al- organise a huge number of local and an electrifying six-day tournament Qaeet in the fi nal match of girls un- international events to give the Qatari held at Khalifa International Tennis der-12 category. players an opportunity to develop their and Squash complex in Doha. The championship refl ects the skills.” Gawad defeated compatriot Mo- hamed ElShorbagy in a thrilling victo- ry in the fi nals to take the title among a world-class pool of 32 competitors. The international men’s tournament attracted the best talent from across the globe to compete for the title at the Qatar Classic Squash Championship 2016, which ran from 13 to 18 Novem- ber. Qatar Airways Group chief execu- tive Akbar al-Baker said, “I’d like to extend my sincere congratulations to Karim Abdel Gawad on their thrilling win at the 2016 Qatar Classic Squash Championships. I’m honoured Qatar Airways can support such a prestig- ious international event hosted in our home city of Doha, helping establish Qatar as a quality sporting destina- tion. Thank you to all competitors who battled it out throughout the six day tournament for their outstand- ing performances. I look forward to continuing this strong tradition with the international squash community to support the Qatar Classic Squash promotion of local tourism through World Championships 2016, bringing in Doha with a complimentary transit Championships.” sports, being the uniting sponsor of the world-class international event to visa of up to four days (96 hours). Qatar Airways enjoys a strong both Europe’s FC Barcelona and Al Doha in October – the fi rst time the Qatar Airways is the national car- partnership with the Qatar Squash Ahli SC for a friendly match in Doha. event was held in the Middle East. rier of the State of Qatar and is one Federation aligning with the airline’s Qatar Airways is to host the match on Qatar Airways remains committed of the fastest growing airlines in the commitment to develop Qatar as a top December 13, 2016, with the game set to growing the State of Qatar as a des- world. Operating one of the indus- sporting destination both regionally to draw a record number of fans from tination, having recently introduced a tries youngest fl eets, the airline fl ies to and globally in line with its 2030 vi- both clubs to Doha for the unique free transit visa as part of a collabora- more than 150 key business and leisure sion. match. Qatar Airways was also the of- tion with Qatar Tourism Authority, al- destinations across six continents Amna al-Qaeet will face off with her sister Sarah al-Qaeet (not in picture) in the final Qatar Airways has supported the fi cial airline sponsor of the UCI Road lowing passengers to enjoy a stopover with its fl eet of more than 190 aircraft. match of girls under-12 category. Monday, November 21, 2016 GULF TIMES CRICKET

SECOND TEST India close in on win aft er late Cook dismissal AFP in the fi fth over of the day. The wicket where an airborne Ben Stokes took a Visakhapatnam ended the 77-run fourth-wicket part- spectacular one-handed catch. nership between Rahane and Kohli. Debutant Jayant Yadav made 27 not Leg-spinner Rashid soon swung into out as he and Shami added 42 for the fi - ate strikes by Indian spinners action with four wickets, including that nal wicket in the fi rst ever Test match in jolted England after skipper of Kohli who added 25 runs to his over- the port city of Visakhapatnam. Alastair Cook’s dogged half- night 56. Lcentury gave the visitors hope India scored 455 in their fi rst innings Scoreboard on the fourth day of the second Test in and England replied with 255. Visakhapatnam yesterday. India’s fi rst innings centurion India (1st innings) ...... 455 Chasing a mammoth 405 for victory, Cheteshwar Pujara believes the hosts England (1st innings) ...... 255 England were precariously placed at 87 have a good chance to go one-up in the India (2nd innings) for two at stumps, with Joe Root batting fi ve-match series. M Vijay c Root b Broad ...... 3 on fi ve as Cook’s stubborn resistance “We are happy at getting two wickets L Rahul c Bairstow b Broad ...... 10 came to an end with the close of play. at the end of the day. Possibly, day fi ve I C Pujara b Anderson ...... 1 Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jade- don’t think it will be easy to bat on be- V Kohli c Stokes b Rashid ...... 81 ja trapped Cook lbw for 54 and even cause as we saw, cracks are opening up A Rahane c Cook b Broad ...... 26 though the batsman reviewed the deci- even on day four, it was diffi cult,” said R Ashwin c Bairstow b Broad ...... 7 sion, the on-fi eld umpire’s call was up- Pujara. W Saha lbw b Rashid ...... 2 held. England need 318 to win. Hameed lived up to his ‘Baby Boy- R Jadeja c Ali b Rashid ...... 14 Cook fought hard with fellow opener cott’ moniker, frustrating the home J Yadav (not out) ...... 27 Haseeb Hameed (25) as the duo put bowlers with his solid defence even if U Yadav c Bairstow b Rashid ...... 0 on 75 runs in 50.2 overs before India’s the 19-year-old took a couple of pain- M Shami st Bairstow b Ali ...... 19 premier spinner Ravichandran Ashwin ful blows to his body during his three- Extras (b5, lb8, w1) ...... 14 broke through. hour spell at the crease. In desperation Total (all out, 63.1 overs) ...... 204 Hameed, who impressed on his de- for a breakthrough, India captain Kohli Fall of wickets: 1-16 (Vijay), 2-17 (Rahul), but with a well-made 82 in the second wasted both reviews on Cook in succes- 3-40 (Pujara), 4-117 (Rahane), 5-127 innings of the Rajkot Test, batted with sive overs, trying to get his counterpart (Ashwin), 6-130 (Saha), 7-151 (Kohli), grit during his 144-ball stay before be- leg-before. 8-162 (Jadeja), 9-162 (U. Yadav), 10-204 ing trapped lbw off Ashwin on a deliv- England paceman Broad was ex- (Shami) ery that stayed low. Indian captain Virat Kohli (left) celebrates the dismissal of his England counterpart Alastair Cook (right) with bowler Ravindra ceptional despite physical discomfort Bowling: Anderson 15-3-33-1, Broad 14-5- The batting eff ort came after Stuart Jadeja (centre) and teammates during the fourth day’s play of the second Test in Vishakhapatnam yesterday. (AFP) and will be assessed after the Test but 33-4, Rashid 24-3-82-4, Stokes 7-0-34-0, Broad shrugged off a right foot injury to there was no let up in hostility from the Ali 3.1-1-9-1 claim four wickets and help dismiss In- with fi gures of 4-33, told reporters. lbw appeals from Jadeja and Ashwin, of play, losing their last seven wickets bowler who troubled the Indian bats- England (2nd innings) dia for 204 in their second innings. “We are very happy with today, we have but the third umpire upheld the on- for 87 runs as captain Virat Kohli top- men with his probing cutters. Rahane A Cook lbw Jadeja ...... 54 England have their backs to the wall given ourselves a great chance and if fi eld calls on both occasions. scored with 81. surrendered to one such leg-cutter and, H Hameed lbw Ashwin ...... 25 with only four teams – West Indies, we can keep it quiet for the fi rst hour of Cook, who struck a delightful 130 in the England’s target would have been surprised by the extra bounce, gloved it J Root (batting) ...... 5 South Africa, India, Australia – getting play tomorrow the pressure will grow second innings of the drawn Test in Ra- less daunting but for a stubborn last- to Cook at slip. Extras (lb3)...... 3 more than 400 in the fourth innings to on the Indian bowlers.” jkot, went on to record his 53rd Test fi fty. wicket partnership of 42 runs between Broad then got Ashwin caught be- Total (2 wickets, 59.2 overs)...... 87 win a Test. Cook, who was castled by Mohamed The visitors need to scale a mountain of Shami and Jayant Yadav, who fi nished hind to peg back India before Rashid Fall of wickets: 1-75 (Hameed), 2-87 “There have been a lot of Test Shami for two in England’s fi rst innings, runs or bat out three sessions for a draw. unbeaten on 27, that delayed the sched- took over. The 28-year-old dismissed (Cook) matches saved with teams going into showed tremendous application during Earlier, Broad and Adil Rashid uled lunch break by 20 minutes. Wriddhiman Saha and then struck a Bowling: Shami 9-2-16-0, U Yadav 8-3-8- the last day at two down and that’s got his 188-ball stay. He survived a few DRS claimed four wickets apiece as India Broad struck early to send overnight body blow, tempting Kohli into a wild 0, Ashwin 16-5-28-1, Jadeja 22.2-8-25-1, J to be our aim,” Broad, who returned calls when India decided to review two collapsed from 98 for three at the start batsman Ajinkya Rahane back for 26 drive only for the edge to fl y to slip Yadav 4-1-7-0 FIRST TEST Crisis-hit Australia make six changes for third Test against SA

Williamson guides AFP see him as a very exciting Adelaide prospect for the future.” Victorian batsman Hands- comb, 25, is also the holder risis-hit Australia of a British passport, but was included English-born born in Australia to English Copener Matt Renshaw parents. Handscomb scored among six changes to their 137 against South Africa A NZ to win over Pak revamped Test squad yes- in Townsville and 87 against terday for this week’s crucial India A in Brisbane this year third day-night Test against and hit an opportune 215 for ‘It was a nice toss to win. After a couple of really tough tours in South Africa and India, it South Africa in Adelaide. Victoria in the latest round of Selectors named the the Sheff ield Shield. was important we learned a lot but at the same time put some of that baggage away’ 20-year-old Queensland “Peter’s form over the last opener Renshaw alongside couple seasons, and with AFP two other batting debutants, Australia A, has been very Christchurch Peter Handscomb and Nic consistent. We think he is Maddinson, in a 12-man squad. the type of player who could Pacemen Chadd Sayers succeed at the next level,” Kane Williamson half-century and Jackson Bird return Hohns said. saw New Zealand snap a four-Test to the national side, and Maddinson, 24, became losing streak when they beat Pa- Matthew Wade comes in as the youngest player to score Akistan by eight wickets in the fi rst wicketkeeper after Peter a century on Sheff ield Shield Test at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, yesterday. Nevill was axed. debut for New South Wales A low-scoring match was wrapped up in- Australia last made as many when he was 18 in 2010 and side eight sessions after the fi rst day’s wash- as six changes in 1984, when has also represented Aus- out, with Williamson’s second innings 61 – they faced the then formida- tralia in Twenty20 cricket. his 24th Test 50 – the top score of the match. ble West Indies. Joe Burns, “Nic is an exciting and Set 105 to win after Pakistan were all out Adam Voges, Callum Fergu- talented young player and we for 171 in their second innings on the morn- son, Nevill and Joe Mennie feel now is the ideal time for ing of the fourth day, Williamson lost his paid the price for Australia’s him to be involved with the wicket with the scores level, leaving debu- wretched innings and 80-run Australian team,” Hohns said. tant Jeet Raval to seal victory with a bound- defeat to South Africa in last Sayers, an Adelaide Oval spe- ary off Yasir Shah. week’s second Hobart Test. cialist, had been in Australia’s It was a much-needed confi dence boost Interim chief selector Trevor Test squad earlier this year but for the home side, coming off a 3-0 series Hohns, who stepped in after did not play. Tasmania’s Jack- whitewash in India and a comprehensive Rod Marsh stood down on son Bird and South Australia’s 204-run loss to South Africa. Wednesday, said that Voges, Sayers come into the squad as “It was a nice toss to win,” said William- all-rounder Mitch Marsh and additional fast bowlers. son who put Pakistan into bat on a seaming spinner Steve O’Keefe were not “We consider Chadd and wicket and had them all out for 133 in their considered because of injury. Jackson to be very good fi rst innings. “After a couple of really tough The dramatic team bowlers that also can bowl a tours in South Africa and India, it was im- overhaul follows Australia’s large amount of overs in con- portant we learned a lot but at the same heavy defeat to the Proteas junction with Mitchell Starc time put some of that baggage away.” in Hobart to give the tourists and Josh Hazlewood,” Hohns Opener Azhar Ali, who will take over the et came to an end when Sohail half-heartedly nings,” Williamson said when asked as to “But we knew that second innings would an unassailable 2-0 lead in said. “Chadd bowls very well Pakistan captaincy with Misbah-ul-Haq pulled a short-pitched Southee delivery to de what he had been most impressed by in the be really important against a strong side like the series. South Africa could in Adelaide and Jackson is having to dash home after the match be- Grandhomme at backward square. match. “Pakistan showed a lot of resistance Pakistan who tour very well. It was a very inflict the first home series coming off a strong perform- cause of a family illness, said the tourists Wagner, who returned fi gures of 3 for 34, early and were very patient. But the way the good performance.” whitewash in Australia’s ance in his last Test match had no excuses. claimed the wicket of Shafi q and Southee four seamers got into spells and held their history if they win the pink earlier in the year and both Azhar said Pakistan should have been closed the innings when he had Rahat Ali areas for a long period of time and it was Scoreboard ball final Test at the Adelaide deserve their chance.” able to cope better with the short-pitched caught for two. passed over to the next guy to take up the Pakistan (1st innings) ...... 133 Oval, starting on Thursday. There may have been a sev- barrage from Neil Wagner that undid them Southee fi nished with 3 for 53 and Trent baton was world class and why we... got the New Zealand (1st innings) ...... 200 Renshaw was born in York- enth change if not for a calf in the second innings. Boult, who leaked 19 runs in two overs on rewards later in the day.” Pakistan (2nd innings, overnight 129-7) shire and lived in England injury to the left-arm spinner “As a professional, as the number two Sunday, took 3 for 37. Williamson also praised his two debu- Sami Aslam c Watling b de Grandhomme 7 before coming to Australia at Steve O’Keefe, who had been Test team in the world, we should be better Pakistan removed opener Tom Latham tants, all-rounder de Grandhomme and Azhar Ali b Boult ...... 31 the age of 10. The left-hander favoured to oust the Nathan than that, we have to adapt to conditions early in New Zealand’s saunter to the fi nish opening batsman Jeet Raval, for the way Babar Azam c Watling b Wagner ...... 29 has scored 1,021 runs from Lyon. Lyon, Australia’s all-time wherever we go,” Azhar said. “If you come when he fended at a sharply rising Moham- they had slotted into Test cricket. Younis Khan c Watling b Wagner ...... 1 just 12 first-class games at leading off -spinner with 213 to this part of the world, you expect that. ed Amir delivery and was caught by Shafi q The 30-year-old De Grandhomme was Misban-ul-Haq c Boult b Southee ...... 13 44.39, with three centuries – Test wickets, has taken just “We should have put in a better batting in the gully for nine. It ended a disappoint- named man-of-the-match for his haul of Asad Shafiq c Raval b Wagner ...... 17 the latest coming this week two wickets against South show, especially the fi rst innings. It was ing Test for Latham who fell lbw to Amir in 7-64 from 29.5 overs and a hard-hit 29, while Sarfraz Ahmed b Boult ...... 2 in the Sheff ield Shield match Africa at 120.50 each. quite helpful for the bowlers but I think we the fi rst innings for one. Raval top-scored with 55 in the fi rst innings Mohamed Amir c Astle b Boult ...... 6 against South Australia. Australia squad: Steve Smith could have scored more runs which would Williamson and Raval were largely un- then combined with Williamson in an 85- S Khan c de Grandhomme b Southee ...... 40 “Matt has established (capt), Jackson Bird, Peter have helped because on that kind of track troubled through to the end of the innings, run partnership to guide them to victory. Yasir Shah (not out) ...... 6 himself in a short period of Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, you’re always in the game.” until New Zealand reached 104 to level the “They were outstanding,” Williamson Rahat Ali c Latham b Southee ...... 2 time as one of the best young Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, “You expect sub-continent teams will be scores and Williamson swept Azhar Ali said. “To see Colin on that surface, it moved Extras (b5, lb7, w5) ...... 17 opening bats in the coun- Nic Maddinson, Matt Renshaw, tested with that short stuff and we all knew straight to Sami Aslam at fi ne leg. around a bit, he was the perfect bowler for Total (all out, 78.4 overs) ...... 171 try,” Hohns said. “His form is Chadd Sayers, Mitchell Starc, that. As time goes on, we’ll get better. We’re The second and fi nal Test in the series it. Jeet came into international cricket and Fall of wickets: 1-21 (Aslam), 2-58 (Azam), currently very good and we Matthew Wade, David Warner hopeful to turn things around quickly,” he starts in Hamilton on Friday with New Zea- looked like he had been there for years. He 3-64 (Younis), 4-93 (Misbah), 5-93 (Azhar), added. land searching for their fi rst series win over was very calm and stuck to the game plan 6-95 (Ahmed), 7-105 (Amir), 8-158 (Sohail), New Zealand’s debutants shone. Opener Pakistan in 31 years. and reaped the rewards. 9-166 (Shafiq), 10-171 (Rahat) Raval was unbeaten on 36 in the second in- Williamson said the patience of his bowl- “To go out and open the batting against Bowling: Boult 17-5-37-3 (1w), Southee 23.4- nings after top-scoring in the fi rst innings ers was crucial in clinching the emphatic a very good bowling attack on a surface that 10-53-3, de Grandhomme 14-4-23-1, Wagner with 55 while Colin de Grandhomme gave a victory. After being dismissed for 133 in their was off ering something to the seam bowlers 20-6-34-3, Astle 4-0-12-0 masterful display of medium-paced bowl- fi rst innings, courtesy of debutant de Grand- and achieve what he did in the fi rst innings, New Zealand (2nd innings) ing, taking 6 for 41 in the fi rst innings when homme’s six for 41, Pakistan dug in on Sat- then in a chase for victory to see that com- T Latham c Shafiq b Amir...... 9 Pakistan were skittled for 133. urday and seemed content to try to sap the posure again is certainly encouraging going J Raval (not out)...... 36 After New Zealand replied with 200, hosts’ energy and slowly build their score. forward. K Williamson c Aslam b Azhar ...... 61 Pakistan resumed their second innings on At one stage the visitors were 50 for one “Naturally it’s tough coming off a few H Nicholls (not out) ...... 0 Sunday at 129 for 7 and added a further 42 to from 35 overs on a good batting wicket be- losses but it’s good to be home and the boys Extras (nb2) ...... 2 be all out for 171. Sohail Khan posted a Test- fore Wagner made a double breakthrough stepped it up and put some of those feel- Total (2 wickets, 31.3 overs) ...... 108 best 40 as he and Asad Shafi q (17) showed and Trent Boult grabbed three late wickets ings of defeat behind us to play a very good Fall of wkts: 1-19 (Latham), 2-104 (Williamson) England-born 20-year-old Queensland opener Matt Renshaw gritty resistance at the start of the day. to swing the game in New Zealand’s favour. match. The fi rst innings it did a bit for both Bowling: Amir 7-2-12-1 (2nb), Sohail 6-1-21-0, is among six changes to Australia’s revamped Test squad. But their 53-run stand for the eighth wick- “Our bowling eff ort in the second in- teams and there were two low scores. Rahat 6-0-24-0, Shah 9.3-1-45-0, Azhar 3-1-6-1