TTENNISENNIS | Page 3 FOOTBALL | Page 7 Radwanska Real wait for seals last misfi ring To Advertise here semi spot at Ronaldo to Call: 444 11 300, 444 66 621 WTA Finals catch fi re

Saturday, October 29, 2016 CRICKET Muharram 28, 1438 AH England stutter GULF TIMES aft er Bangladesh collapse SPORT Page 2 WORLD SUPERBIKE FOCUS Confi dent Rea New c’ship to promote looks set to wrap local talent up title at Losail announced ‘I really enjoy the track and I feel we can aim high this weekend’

(From left) Losail Circuit Sports Club vice-chairman Khalid al-Rehmaihi, Qatari rider Saeed al-Sulaiti, World SuperSport champion Kenan Sofuoglu and QMMF president Abdulrahman al-Mannai at the announcement of Qatar SuperStock 600 Championship yesterday.

By Joe Koraith a fantastic platform to allow us to do Losail so,” added the QMMF president. While the focus will be to support Jonathan Rea (also inset) of Kawasaki Racing Team in action during a practice session at the Losail International Circuit yesterday. (WSBK) and promote local talent, this cham- very motorcycle rider se- pionship will be open to everyone By Joe Koraith cretly wishes to be a racer. An who wants to participate, insisted Losail indisputable fact. But lack of Khalid al-Rehmaihi, Losail Cir- opportunity, lack of fi nances cuit Sports Club vice chairman and Eand lack of conviction are few of the general secretary. “This is an open ast season, this time around, reasons why those dreams go bust. championship for anyone to partici- Jonathan Rea had already been However, the announcement of the pate. Of course our aim is to support crowned as the World Super- Qatar SuperStock 600 Champion- local riders and they understand that. bike champion. He had had a ship means that two out of those We have met with them and spoken stellarL season, winning 14 races and the three factors have been taken care of. with them but we don’t want to close title in his fi rst season with Kawasaki The QSTK600 will be a road rac- the door on other riders. Qatar is a Racing Team. A precious title that came ing championship under the auspices country for everyone. So everyone is after seven years in the sport till then. of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle welcome to participate,” said al-Re- Fast forward to 2016 and the Brit Federation (QMMF) and Losail Circuit maihi yesterday. comes to the Losail International Cir- Sports Club. There will be 12 races over Kenan Sofuoglu, fi ve-time World cuit for the fi nal round of the WSBK six rounds to be held at the Losail In- SuperSport champion, who was championship looking to claim back- ternational Circuit with the fi rst round present at the launch event lauded to-back titles. Rea has a seemingly un- to take place in December 16-17. this eff ort by Qatar to give local tal- surmountable 48-point lead and needs A stock 600cc motorcycle will be ent such an excellent platform to to score just two points in either race to the weapon of choice and with all the hone their skills. “I have to say con- claim the title. riders competing on the same ma- gratulations to Qatar. This is a great If he manages to do it, then he would chine; it will be a level playing fi eld platform for people who want to start become only the fourth rider in WSBK that will ensure that the most tal- a motorsport career,” said Sofuoglu history to have claimed back-to-back ented rider reaches the top spot on yesterday. titles. Only Fred Merkel, Doug Polen Tom Sykes is placed second in the Pedercini Racing’s Qatari rider Saeed al-Sulaiti rides around the Losail International the podium. “16 years ago when I started racing, and Carl Fogarty have managed to pull World Superbike standings. Circuit during a practice session yesterday. With an aim to keep the racing af- my dream was to race in a Supersport off this feat so far. And just to put things fordable, this one-make champion- championship. And now I am here into perspective, Foggy, who has done it Rea had told worldsbk.com earlier. The diff erence between the two is just already claimed his second consecutive ship will have a consolidated entry and winning titles. And I think there twice, achieved his second one 17 years The 29-year-old is hoping that his 19 points. title in the previous round in Jerez. The fee that will include the cost of the will be a Qatari rider dreaming about ago. For Rea, the turnaround from be- love of the Losail circuit will help him “I am relaxed and looking forward to Turkish rider has now won the WSSP bike, fuel for the race and use of pro- winning a Supersport championship ing the one with potential to claiming grab the crown. “We have just come the races in Qatar and my ideal scenario fi ve times. Sofuoglu will be looking to fessional mechanics to keep the bike too,” he added. consecutive titles and entering WSBK off the back of a good weekend in Jerez is winning at least one of them. I feel we wrap up another dominant season with race-ready. There will be two offi cial tests in record books would be truly a reward- where I was on the podium for the fi rst can go there and fi ght for the wins. It two more wins in Qatar. “It is very exciting for us to an- November to identify the 30 riders ing transformation. time ever, and on the podium twice. I would be nice to fi nish the year with a The WSBK title fi ght will be the most nounce the Qatar SuperStock Cham- who will be taking part in this cham- Rea has had another dominant sea- feel really equipped to go out and do a win and if we can secure runner-up in followed battle this weekend. Rea had pionship. Our vision is to open up the pionship. This will give the riders a son so far winning nine races and hav- good job at Losail because I really enjoy the championship, it is not a bad sea- a chance last season to create history doors for more riders to participate chance to get acquainted with the ing been on the podium in all but two the track and I feel we can aim high this son,” Sykes had worldsbk.com earlier. by claiming the most points in the his- in such competitions. We are trying machine ahead of the season. races. Since joining Kawasaki, the Brit weekend,” he added. Racing under lights is something tory of the championship. He couldn’t to keep the cost as low as possible so After December, the other rounds has notched up 23 wins and been on the The one person who will be hoping Sykes says he enjoys and he is look- do that. But he looks almost certain to that we can get maximum numbers will take place on January 20-21, podium 44 times from the 50 races. If for some luck to go against Rea would ing forward to take full advantage of it. enter history books this time around. to participate in the championship,” 2017, March 23-24, April 7-8 and the you are looking for a term to describe be his teammate — Tom Sykes. The “Looking to this weekend, I really enjoy Lights, camera, vroom… said QMMF president Abdulrahman fi nal round will be on May 5-6. All this performance, coming into his own, Yorkshireman needs to win both the the format of the fl oodlit races and I am al-Mannai during the launch yester- the rounds will be day races, except would be apt. races and hope that Rea fi nishes outside a night owl anyway!” SCHEDULE day at the Losail Circuit. the March round, which will be un- “All my family will be there and a lot the points in both of them. That would If Sykes does manage to win the title, WSBK - FP3: 15:30 - 15:45 “It’s good for us as a federation der the fl oodlights, a support race for of my friends are making the trip as seem like a tall order but this is motor- it would be his second crown, having WSSP - FP3: 16:00 - 16:15 because we would like to assess the the Qatar round of MotoGP. Further well because I hope to cap off an amaz- sport. Nothing can be taken for granted won in 2013. The Englishman has now WSBK - SuperPole 1: 17:30 - 17:45 skills of young Qataris. We are very details like the fi nances involved will ing season with the championship win. till the chequered fl ag is waved. fi nished fi ve consecutive seasons being WSBK - SuperPole 2: 17:55 - 18:10 happy with what Saeed al-Sulaiti be announced soon. That is what we have been working Sykes is realistically looking to claim among the top three in the standings. WSSP - SuperPole 1: 18:30 - 18:45 has achieved but we would like to see So there’s the opportunity. And it’s hard for all season. The races in Qatar the runners-up slot for which he will In the World SuperSport, Kawasaki WSSP - SuperPole 2: 18:55 - 19:10 more Qataris competing with him on going to be aff ordable. Now to fi nd give us our chance to try and do that,” have to fend off Ducati’s Chaz Davies. Puccetti Racing’s Kenan Sofuoglu has WSBK - Race 1: 20:00 a world class level. And I think this is the conviction… Gulf Times 2 Saturday, October 29, 2016 CRICKET

ENGLAND’S TOUR OF BANGLADESH SPOTLIGHT India up against England stutter a resurgent NZ aft er Bangladesh in decider Hosts lose their last nine wickets for 49 runs after Tamim Iqbal’s century, while collapse England are three wickets down for 50

AFP Dhaka

amim Iqbal scored his eighth Test century before Moeen Ali took 5-57 to spark a spectacular collapse as England dismissed TBangladesh for 220 runs on the fi rst day of the second Test yesterday. In a topsy-turvy day’s play in Dhaka, opener Tamim made a quickfi re 104 off 147 balls while Mominul Haque scored 66 as the hosts surged to what should have been a commanding score of 171 for one. But Tamim’s dismissal, lbw to Ali, sparked a spectacular collapse, as Bangladesh lost their last nine wickets for 49 runs with seven of their batsmen failing to make double fi gures. England then suff ered their own mini-collapse as they were reduced to 50 for three before rain brought an early end to proceedings, 11.3 overs before the scheduled close of play at the Sher- e-Bangla National Stadium. Shakib Al Hasan removed Ben Duck- ett for seven before young Mehedi Has- an ended Alastair Cook’s innings at 14 India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni shadow practices during a training through lbw. session in Visakhapatnam yesterday. (AFP) Cook, who equalled Michael Ather- ton’s record of 54 Tests as England IANS India also have a relatively inexpe- captain at the start of play, was ini- Visakhapatnam, India rienced pace bowling attack but the tially given not out but the decision was bowlers have exceeded expectations overturned after Bangladesh reviewed. and the Anil Kumble-coached team Mehedi then dismissed Gary Bal- ith the one-day inter- will have high hopes again from sea- lance for nine, the batsman’s third sin- national cricket series soned leg-spinner Amit Mishra. gle fi gure score of the series, to bring Bangladesh’s Tamim Iqbal (right) plays a shot as England wicketkeeper Jonathan Bairstow (centre) and Joe Root look on on between India and New The Haryana bowler has been in Bangladesh right back into the game, Day One of the second Test in Dhaka, Bangladesh, yesterday. (Reuters) Zealand squared at 2-2, fi ne form, taking 10 wickets in four with England still trailing them by 170 Wskipper MS Dhoni will be looking for matches, and with off -spinner Ke- runs. he too was bowled by Ali for 66. their hopes of squaring the two-match T. Islam not out 5 a resounding victory to clinch the se- dar, they have managed to control the Ali was unbeaten on two at the close, “The way the wickets fell today, my series. K. Islam c Root b Ali 0 ries in the fi fth and fi nal game here run fl ow. leaving him at the centre stage at the century has suddenly become special,” England made two changes to the Extras (b1 lb9) 10 today. On the other hand, after sweeping start of day two of the Test after his Tamim said after the fi rst day. team that won the fi rst Test last Mon- Total (all out, 63.5 overs) 220 Going into the crucial summit India in the Second and Fourth ODI, starring role in the drama of the open- “The blame lies with everyone, from day in Chittagong, with left-arm spin- Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Kayes), 2-171 (Iqbal), clash at ACA-VDCA cricket stadium, New Zealand appear to be in fi ne fet- ing day. myself to Rabbi (last man Kamrul Is- ner Zafar Ansari handed a Test debut 3-190 (Haque), 4-196 (Mahmudullah), the home side holds the advantage tle inspired by stellar performances “It’s a good cricket game at the end of lam). But we got three crucial wickets for Gareth Batty and paceman Steven 5-201 (Rahim), 6-202 (Rahman), 7-212 against the Kiwis as it has a much by skipper Kane Williamson and the day,” said Ali. so we could still make a game of it to- Finn coming in for Stuart Broad who (Hom), 8-213 (M. Hasan), 9-215 (Shakib), more experienced pool of cricketers. opener Martin Guptill — the latter “Obviously losing three wickets at morrow.” has been rested. 10-220 (K. Islam) At the start of the series, India scored his only second fi fty on this the end put us back a little bit... I think The all-rounders Ben Stokes and Bangladesh picked all-rounder Shu- Bowling: Woakes 9-3-30-3, Finn 8-1-30- were to play a total of eight ODIs — tour in the fourth ODI in Ranchi. its 50-50 at the minute.” Chris Woakes shared the other fi ve vagata Hom ahead of Shafi ul Islam in 0, Ali 19.5-5-57-5, Ansari 6-0-36-0, Stokes fi ve against New Zealand and three After a disappointing tour so far, Tamim and Mominul dominated the wickets as the tourists tightened the their only change. They are playing 11-5-13-2, Rashid 10-0-44-0 against England — so the Indian the visitors are now looking desper- morning session after Woakes earned noose on a Bangladeshi side still reeling with just one specialist fast bowler. squad will also look to get their com- ate for success in at least one leg of England an early breakthrough remov- from the disappointment of losing the ENGLAND 1st innings bination right before the Champions the tour. ing opener Imrul Kayes for one, with fi rst Test by just 22 runs. SCORECARD Alastair Cook lbw b M. Hasan 14 Trophy next year. On a neutral wicket, the Kiwi Duckett taking a spectacular catch at Bangladesh skipper Mushfiqur BANGLADESH 1st innings B. Duckett c Rahim b Shakib 7 But the Indian plans could fail to bowlers who have impressed so far point. Rahim had called on his team before T Iqbal lbw b Ali 104 J. Root not out 15 fructify if rain — forecast for the next with their disciplined bowling will Tamim smashed 12 boundaries but the start of the Test to show more I Kayes c Duckett b Woakes 1 G. Ballance c Rahim b M. Hasan 9 four days — plays spoil-sport. The be looking to extract some turn. New he became Ali’s fi rst victim of the day consistency and learn how to drive M Haque b Ali 66 M. Ali not out 2 weather offi ce has forecast light to Zealand opener Tom Latham has also shortly after driving the same bowler home their advantage at key points in Mahmudullah c Cook b Stokes 13 Extras (b1 lb2) 3 moderate rainfall at many places over said that the Visakhapatnam wicket for back-to-back fours through the matches. Shakib c Bairstow b Woakes 10 Total (three wickets; 12.3 overs) 50 coastal Andhra Pradesh during the is devoid of grass, which means it cover to bring up his third century in But the rapid succession of wick- M. Rahim c Cook b Ali 4 Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Duckett), 2-24 period October 28 to 31. might off er turn. six Tests against England. ets in the afternoon session pointed to S. Rahman c Bairstow b Stokes 0 (Cook), 3-42 (Ballance) The main concern for Dhoni, New Zealand will also bank on It ended his 170-run stand with Mo- Bangladesh’s continued frailty in high- S. Hom c Bairstow b Woakes 6 Bowling: M. Hasan 6.3-1-26-2, Shakib meanwhile, is the inconsistent bat- their experience and the momentum minul, who had also looked solid until pressure situations, severely damaging M. Hasan lbw b Ali 1 6-2-21-1 ting, as his batsmen have not fi red on which they got after winning two all cylinders so far. Apart from Virat ODIs. Kohli (293 runs in four matches) and They can still clinch this series if SRI LANKA’S TOUR OF ZIMBABWE to some extent Ajinkya Rahane (113 their middle-order, including veter- Johnson takes aim runs), no other batsmen performed an batsman Ross Taylor, clicks in the under the demanding situations. crucial summit clash. at ‘toxic’ culture Dhoni will also hope that Manish The visiting team will rely on pac- under Clarke Pandey and Kedar Jadhav will make ers Trent Boult and Tim Southee and Zimbabwe bid to start the opportunity count after fl oun- offi e Mitchell Santner to keep check Retired pace spearhead Mitchell dering in the previous matches. on the home batsmen. Johnson has slammed the Austral- ian team culture under former winning Streak in 100th Test captain Michael Clarke and coach SOUTH AFRICA’S TOUR OF AUSTRALIA Mickey Arthur as fractured and “tox- AFP positions.” ic”, saying the dynamics changed Harare Zimbabwe’s chances of causing an when Ricky Ponting retired. upset against a Sri Lanka side that In his newly-released autobiog- SA bowlers hammered recently beat Australia 3-0 at home raphy Resilient, Johnson sug- imbabwe hope to make a have been boosted by the touring gested things were so bad that bright start under new coach side’s long injury list. some teammates did not want to by second stringers Heath Streak when they Regular captain Angelo Mathews play, with cracks emerging after mark their 100th Test in the and vice-captain Dinesh Chandimal veteran Ponting called it quits in Zopening game of a two-match series are missing, along with fast bowlers went wicketless for 72 off 14 overs late 2012. AFP against Sri Lanka at Harare Sports Dhammika Prasad, Nuwan Pradeep “The dynamics definitely changed. Adelaide, Australia Morkel has spent months on the Club today. and Dushmantha Chameera. It became more groups in the sidelines with a back injury that only Streak was handed the Zimbabwe The absence of Mathews and Chan- team. It wasn’t a team. There was allowed him to return to bowling in reins two weeks ago as a long-term dimal has paved the way for left-arm diff erent little factions going on second-string South Aus- recent weeks. replacement for Dav Whatmore, who spinner Rangana Herath to make a re- and it was very toxic,” Johnson told tralian XI, led by Tim Lu- Morkel was the most threatening was sacked by Zimbabwe Cricket at markable captaincy debut at the ripe Fox Sports News late Thursday. deman, gave South Africa’s of South Africa’s pace attack in the the end of May. old age of 38, 17 years after making his “It just built very slowly but every- bowlers a solid workout in absence of Steyn and Rabada on the A former Zimbabwe captain who Test debut. theirA pre-Test warm-up game in Ad- most benign of surfaces. one could see it, everyone could played 65 Tests, Streak’s appointment Herath will be the oldest player to feel it and nothing was being done elaide yesterday. Even though it was the fi nal ses- has given the team much-needed captain a Test team for the fi rst time at that time.” Ludeman hammered 167 off 134 sion before he was rewarded with structure ahead of the series, while since Somachandra de Silva led Sri The left-arm paceman, who took balls as the local selection amassed a wicket — rattling the stumps of they have also enjoyed some welcome Lanka out in a Test match in Christch- the fourth-most wickets (313 435 for eight in reply to the tourists’ Alex Ross with the second new ball match practice against Pakistan A urch in 1983. at 28.40) of any Test bowler in 489 on the fi nal day of their two-day — Morkel showed he was capable of over the past month. “Luckily I have played under a lot of Australian history, was one of game ahead of next week’s opening the sorts of spells that might prove “We’ve had some really good captains so I can use that experience four players suspended by Arthur Test against Australia in Perth. decisive on a more responsive WACA preparations with the games against fi rst Test. in bringing through the youngsters,” and Clarke for not completing a Recognising that the placid pitch surface next week. Pakistan A, which has given the guys Top-order batsman Tarisai Mu- said Herath. feedback task during Australia’s on which they had totted up almost “He bowled some really quick some match practice that was prob- sakanda and fast bowler Carl Mumba Although Sri Lanka visited Zimba- shambolic tour of India in 2013. 500 in 90 overs a day earlier was only spells throughout the day and you ably lacking in the previous Test earned maiden call-ups to the Zim- bwe in 2010 for a one-day interna- Arthur was eventually sacked be- going to deliver hard work for their saw that spell with the second new series that we had,” Streak said on babwe squad based on their perform- tional tri-series, they have not played fore the side’s next Test campaign, bowlers, the Proteas opted to keep ball, he looked really, really good,” Friday. ances against Pakistan A, with the a Test here since 2004, when they the 2013 Ashes. their prized strike pair of Dale Steyn said left-arm spinner Keshav Maha- “We saw that as the guys got into latter the most likely to make a debut thumped a Zimbabwe side shorn of its It was reported during that tour and Kagiso Rabada safely under raj, who fi nished with three for 59. the Test series against New Zealand against Sri Lanka. fi rst team by the rebel saga. that Arthur alleged Clarke had de- wraps ahead of the series opener. “He looked at 100 percent from the (in August) they started playing bet- “It will be a nice stat, being the “It’s been 12 years since we were scribed teammate Shane Watson South Australia’s second XI made Morne Morkel we know and hopeful- ter, so hopefully this will stand us in 100th Test match, and the possibil- here, so this is a new challenge and as “a cancer on the team”. Clarke a fi st of their notional pursuit of the ly he can carry that into the matches good stead.” ity of the 100th cap is certainly on the opportunity,” added Herath. was back in the headlines last week tourists’ 489, rattling along at 5.41 that follow.” Zimbabwe have fi elded 99 diff er- cards for tomorrow,” Streak said. “Hopefully the guys who get the following the release of his autobi- runs an over before the match was Ludeman blazed 20 boundaries ent players in their fi rst 99 Tests, and “We’ve got some young guys opportunity will play their best. This ography, which revisited his run-ins called a draw late in the day. and eight sixes for the local side while Streak all but confi rmed that they who are pushing really hard now so is a new challenge for me so I’ll take with Watson and Simon Katich. Morne Morkel put in 14 overs for opener Sam Raphael hit 91 off 120 would hand out another cap in today’s there’s some good competition for the experience very positively.” one for 67 while Vernon Philander balls with 17 fours. Gulf Times Saturday, October 29, 2016 3 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Al Shaqab’s Khataab wins his fi rst Group race in Toulouse

Agencies isfaction to Khataab’s connections, Qatar’s Abdulla Toulouse, France especially as the colts had taken two close third places in his last two starts, the Qatar Derby des Pur-sang Arabes begins Baja Portalegre l Shaqab Racing-owned Khataab de 4 Ans (Gr1 PA) and the UK Arabian landed his first success at the Derby (Gr1 PA). AGroup level, when he won the Khataab was bred by Alban de Mieulle, campaign with third French Arabian Breeders’ Challenge at the Haras du Grand Courgeon. Classic (Gr2 PA) at the Toulouse race- Located in western France, the Stud track in southwest France on Thursday. has had great success with its first The racetrack hosted one of the main generations on the racetrack. events of the European season for Motrag and Zikreet took the first two purebred Arabians, with four Group places in the Qatar Arabian Trophy races. des Poulains (Gr1 PA). Samaa won the Khataab, trained by Thomas Fourcy, Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches cantered in fourth position during (Gr 1 PA). Jeyoosh finished second of the 2,000m race for four-year-olds. the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments In the final phase, he had to fight de 4 ans (Gr1 PA) in October. Tayf was with Samima, a double Gr1 PA winner, the runner-up of The President of the before emerging victorious by three UAE Cup (Gr1 PA) in September and quarters of a length. came third in the Qatar Arabian World Khataab wins French Arabian Breeders’ Challenge Classic at the Toulouse The victory should bring huge sat- Cup (Gr1 PA), in October. racetrack in France on Thursday. PICTURE: Chantal Hourcadette

TENNIS Radwanska seals

Agencies Running with support from Nissan last semi spot at Evora, Portugal Middle East, Nissan Qatar and the Qa- tar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF), Abdulla lies second in the Muguruza hands issan’s Adel Hussein Ab- points’ standings and he and French dulla began his challenge navigator Sebastien Delaunay are tar- Kuznetsova her first for honours at the 30th Baja geting a maximum points’ haul to keep Portalegre 500 in Portugal by alive their chance of snatching the T2 loss of the tournament Ntackling a testing 5.62km super special title. WTA Finals stage at Coutades yesterday morning. “I am very satisfi ed with the result The Qatari is aiming to round off his on the super special stage,” said Ab- AFP “I’ve done the most important job season-long challenge for FIA T2 hon- dulla. “I was not pushing at all and was Singapore in the past matches,” Kuznetsova said. ours in the FIA World Cup for Cross- taking it steady and driving cleanly. “You defi nitely don’t want to lose the Country Rallies with a category win The car feels very comfortable with the match. You try to fi ght (but) some- and the Doha-based driver steered his new Reiger suspension. The aim is to oland’s Agnieszka Radwanska times the lack of energy just won’t let Nissan Patrol to the third quickest time try and win.” overpowered Karolina Plisko- you do that.” of fi ve minutes 36.73 seconds. va 7-5 6-3 yesterday to clinch Portugal’s César Sequiera clocked T2 positions after SS1 (top 5) the last available place in the MURRAY BEATS SIMON TO REACH the fastest time to snatch the early ad- 1. César Sequiera (PRT)/Tânia Sequeira Psemi-fi nals of the WTA tour champi- VIENNA LAST-EIGHT vantage and Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah (PRT) Isuzu D-Max 5min 24.81sec onship and stay on course to defend Andy Murray defeated France’s Gilles Saleh was second. 2. Abdullah Saleh (SAU)/Nasser Al- the title she won last year. Simon for the 16th time on Thursday Fourteen drivers from Portugal, Italy, Kuwari (QAT) Toyota Land Cruiser 155 Radwanksa made a stunning come- to reach the Vienna ATP quarter-fi nals Qatar, Belgium, Saudi Arabia and Swe- 5min 34.96sec back to win the 2015 tournament de- and keep alive his bid to snatch Novak den entered the hotly-contested T2 cate- 3. Adel Hussein Abdulla (QAT)/Sebas- spite losing her fi rst two round-robin Djokovic’s world number one ranking. gory on this occasion and Abdulla knows tian Delaunay (FRA) Nissan Patrol 5min matches and made it through to the The Olympic and Wimbledon that it will not be easy to beat some of the 36.73sec last four again after having lost her champion eventually triumphed 4-6, European drivers, particular several of 4. Yasir Saeidan (SAU)/Alexei Kuzmich opening match by beating the big- 6-2, 6-2 after two hours and 40 min- the seven Portuguese entrants who have (RUS) Toyota Land Cruiser 200 5min serving Pliskova in a sudden-death utes in a match which saw Murray knowledge of the area and the rural ter- 38.65sec showdown. commit an uncharacteristic 58 un- rain that is used for the route for the tra- 5. Josep Solé (ESP)/Laura Díaz (ESP) “I think that was simple,” Radwan- forced errors. ditional FIA World Cup fi nale. Mitsubishi Pajero 5min 44.33sec ska said. “You win, you’re still there. Simon was almost as sloppy, hitting You lose, you’re out. Not much math just three fewer. here. “It was a very long match, but I ex- FORMULA 1 “I defi nitely knew I had to play my pected it to be very hard because it’s best tennis against her. She was show- just that way against Gilles. You play ing only good tennis this week as well.” a lot of long points. You feel like the The 27-year-old Pole will now face harder you hit the ball, the harder it Title-chasing Hamilton her good friend, world number one comes back,” said Murray. Angelique Kerber, in today’s semis “You just have to try to use some with the winner to play either Russia’s Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska takes a selfie with fans after her WTA Finals variety, some slice and drop shots, and with plenty on his plate Svetlana Kuznetsova or Dominika Ci- Round Robin singles match in Singapore. Radwanska will face world number one fi nd that balance to get him out of his bulkova of Slovakia. Angelique Kerber in the semi-finals today. (Reuters) rhythm.” Kuznetsova suff ered her fi rst loss of Murray, the 2014 champion in Vi- the tournament yesterday when she to keep me a little bit happier. It was a balls,” Pliskova said. enna, was scheduled to face John Isner was beaten 3-6 6-0 6-1 by Spain’s very tough tournament.” “She also knew she has to win. She later yesterday for a place in the semi- French Open champion Garbine Mu- Pliskova, who qualifi ed for the always beats me, so I just believed that fi nals. guruza but the result had no bearing elite end-of-season event when she she might miss in the close moments a If he wins the Vienna title and Paris on the semis with the Russian already reached the fi nal of the US Open last little bit but she didn’t. I think she just crown next week, Murray could unseat assured of fi nishing top of the White month, led 4-2 in the opening set and controlled the whole match.” Djokovic as world number one as long Group and Muguruza out of conten- was also a break up in the second be- Kuznetsova fi nally ran out of steam as the Serb star loses before the fi nal in tion after losing her fi rst two matches. fore the more experienced Radwanska after winning a tournament in Mos- the French capital. “I have to be honest, going into this took control on the key points. cow last weekend just to qualify for Unseeded Serb Viktor Troicki ear- match was extremely hard for me,” Radwanksa has never lost to Plisko- the WTA Finals then winning two lier defeated third seeded Dominic Muguruza said. va in seven meetings and she capital- gruelling matches at Singapore’s In- Thiem of Austria 6-2, 7-5 a result “At the end, my desire of wanting ised on the Czech’s 29 unforced errors, door Stadium. which qualifi ed Gael Monfi ls into the to be here and competing against the which included hitting two routine The 31-year-old seemed to be in eight-man fi eld at the season-ending best, was a challenge for me today to overheads into the net late in the sec- cruise control after she took the open- ATP World Tour Finals in London. see how I was going to react. ond set. ing set against Muguruza but won just Defending champion David Ferrer, “I’m very happy with the way I “In this tournament, with the best one game in the last two sets as the the Spanish fi fth seed, also made the played today, the way I handled the eight players, you see that every match physical eff ects of the past week began quarter-fi nals by seeing off Portugal’s match. A victory like today is going is close. It’s just decided by a few to take a toll. Joao Sousa 6-2, 7-6 (4).

MOTOGP

Marquez fastest in Sepang despite bad stomach Reuters I love the challenge. Would I like to be Mexico City in a diff erent position right now? Of course, but that is now where I am...I AFP speed. am ready to go. I am ready to fi ght.” Sepang, Malaysia Sepang is among the trickiest tracks ewis Hamilton may have more Even if Hamilton wins the fi nal three due to the tropical heat and frequent on his plate than he can handle races, that may not be enough to retain rain. The track has been resurfaced in the Formula One title race the title. ecently-crowned MotoGP and some of its banking modifi ed. as he prepares for what could Rosberg won in Mexico last year and champion Marc Marquez Offi cials have said the re-surfacing Lbe a deciding Mexican Grand Prix this needs only two second places and a third logged the fastest time in Fri- will help hasten water run-off and im- weekend. to emulate the achievement of his 1982 day practice for the Malay- prove tyre grip. The triple world champion told re- champion father Keke. He will take the sianR Grand Prix but had to cut short But riders will be working over the porters that he will have to be the best crown in Mexico if he wins again and his warm-up due to stomach trouble. next two days to determine exactly he’s ever been in the fi nal three races Hamilton fi nishes 10th or lower. The Repsol Honda rider, who locked how it will aff ect traction, speed and to have a chance of taking a fourth ti- Hamilton said, however, that the up the season title in Japan two weeks tyre wear, and whether the banking tle, and even then matters are out of his odds made him feel slightly more re- ago, posted a best lap of 2min, 1.21secs changes require modifi ed approaches control. laxed. He would not be taking any extra on a dry track in the morning. to key turns. But the Mercedes driver, who trails risks but still racing fl at out. But gastroenteritis forced him to pull Just ahead of Rossi yesterday was German teammate Nico Rosberg by 26 “I’m going for it, that’s for sure. out of the afternoon session, when Ma- Andrea Iannone, who is returning to points, also emphasised that he was up While my heart is still beating, I still laysia’s tropical rains left the track wet, competition in Sepang for the fi rst for the toughest challenge. have that drive to win, and there’s still putting the brakes on lap speeds. Marquez has an unassailable um and fi ght for the victory.” time since he suff ered a vertebrae “I don’t feel like I arrive at a grand an opportunity. Even if it’s only one per Riders yesterday were getting ac- 57-point lead in the championship Marquez’s clinching of the title fracture in a crash in early September. prix...and want it ever to be easy. I love cent, I’m going to be going for it,” said quainted with tweaked conditions standings but has vowed no let-up in leaves Italian legend Valentino Rossi, a Like Marquez, he sat out the after- doing things that are diffi cult,” the the champion. including a surface repaving at the the fi nal two races, at Sepang and next nine-time motorcycling world cham- noon session, saying he did not want Briton said. “All I know is I’ve got to win and I’m Sepang International Circuit ahead of month at Valencia. pion, trying to hold off his Movistar to risk a tumble on the slick surface, “If I go rock climbing I don’t go for going to try and do the best job I can in tomorrow’s event. “We’ll try here to push from the be- Yamaha teammate Jorge Lorenzo of according to Motorsport.com. the easiest wall to climb, I go to the terms of getting the car (right), quali- Fellow Spaniard Maverick Vinales ginning again, but with a diff erent re- Spain in the fi ght for second-place. “I’m very happy because this morn- hardest fi rst. It is almost like your eyes fying, driving. Really trying to apply of Suzuki, who is now fourth in the sult,” Marquez had said before practice. Rossi posted the fi fth-fastest lap yes- ing I had a very good feeling from the are too big for your belly, you go for a everything I’ve learned over all those world championship standings, was “I’d like to fi nish as a minimum,” he terday, 0.401 seconds behind Marquez. beginning with the bike,” he said. bigger plate and you can’t actually fi n- years. 0.268 seconds off Marquez’s pace. said, a reference to his crashing out of Lorenzo, who won the world title “With my injury, I have pain, but I ish it. “If there’s any time for me to be the Britain’s Scott Redding was third- the Australian Grand Prix last weekend. last year, was only tenth-fastest yes- manage very well at the moment. This “I always go for the hardest wall and best I’ve ever been, it’s these last three fastest at a gap of 0.297 seconds. “But hopefully I’ll get on the podi- terday, 0.803 seconds off Marquez’s is very important for all the weekend.” sometimes make it, sometimes don’t. races.” Gulf Times 4 Saturday, October 29, 2016 SPORT

FOCUS Aft er 71-year wait, World Series back at Wrigley Field

AFP $250,000 and opened in 1914, the Chicago 41,268-seat ballpark did not exist when the Cubs won their last crown in West Side Park. conic Wrigley Field, the Tomorrow’s ticket prices could 102-year-old home ballpark of the reach record resale highs for a US Chicago Cubs featuring a hand- sports event if the Cubs are playing for Ioperated scoreboard and ivy-cov- the title. Even the rooftop seats across ered outfi eld walls, plays host to its fi rst Waveland Avenue looking into the World Series game in 71 years today. stadium beyond the outfi eld will cost The Cubs, level with Cleveland at more than $1,000 this weekend. 1-1 in Major League Baseball’s best-of- Fans gathered outside Wrigley Field seven fi nal, can snap America’s longest already on Thursday’s workout day, sports title drought by winning their hoping to catch a glimpse of one of their fi rst crown since 1908 with triumphs heroes entering or leaving the ballpark. over the next three days in the stadium “There were so many people out there nicknamed the ‘Friendly Confi nes’. today,” Cubs second baseman Javier Baez “To get to this moment and have said. “It’s going to be crazy tomorrow.” your fans have the opportunity to wit- Today’s match-up will be the fi rst ness a World Series game here – not World Series night game at Wrigley lost on me whatsoever. It’s going to Field. Lights were added in 1988 after be an absolute blast,” Cubs manager years of pressure from Major League Joe Maddon said. “I know people have Baseball to end the last holdout of day- been waiting for this for a long time. only games. Hopefully on our part we can do some- Ivy-coated outfi eld walls have en- thing to really make it even better.” gulfed many a ball. The live greenery Whether cursed, unlucky or just so- was planted in 1937, the same year called loveable losers, the Cubs have How hungry are Chicago’s long- That’s why more than 1,000 police Cleveland fi rst baseman Mike Napoli. “It’s just something that gets you going, the emblematic scoreboard was built. not played in a World Series since 1945. suff ering but devoted supporters? and law-enforcement offi cers will be “You could just see the crowd just part even though you’re in a visiting park,” Numbers are still changed by hand, They are only 2-10 in World Series More than 300,000 people jammed in the area to keep order this weekend. ways. So it’s going to be fun. The atmos- Napoli said. “How loud they get, it’s to just as the ‘W’ fl ag for a win is manu- games at Wrigley Field, winning 8-7 in into the ballpark’s northside neigh- “I watched when they clinched to phere is going to be unbelievable.” the point where you can’t even think. ally raised. “We’re talking three wins in 12 innings over Detroit in game six in bourhood – known as Wrigleyville go to the World Series and how crazy it Even visiting players will be excited It’s just crazy. It’s just a cool moment to a row so we’re ready with a fl ag for each 1945 and 3-1 in game fi ve over Detroit – after the Cubs beat the Los Angeles was, seeing the fans in the streets where with the buzz and electricity of scream- take in and be a part of.” victory,” scoreboard operator Darryl in 1935. Dodgers to reach the World Series. they had to have police escorts,” said ing Cubs fans watching history unfold. Built by Charles Weeghman for Wilson says.

NBA NFL Cowboys-Eagles meet LA Clippers open in clash of rookie QBs with hard-fought win over Portland ‘There is an urgency whenever we step on the court. It is not about the end of the season, or next year, it is about right now. Myself, I am trying to make sure that I have the right mindset and trying to make sure my guys are focused like that’ AFP that catches the coach’s atten- Los Angeles tion, catches the coach’s eye.” Prescott doesn’t know Dwyane Wade of the Chicago Bulls reacts to how long he’ll have the reins a three-point shot the Boston Celtics. (AFP) ak Prescott leads in Dallas. Romo took part in a the Dallas Cow- practice for the fi rst time this boys against Carson season on Thursday and could DWentz and the Phil- conceivably be back on the adelphia Eagles tomorrow in fi eld for a November 6 game an NFL showdown that could against Cleveland. mark the start of a long-run- Prescott has handled the ning quarterback rivalry. feverish speculation in Dallas Prescott has been outstand- about a possible quarterback ing in place of injured Cowboys controversy with the same signal-caller Tony Romo, rank- aplomb he’s shown on the fi eld. ing fi fth in the NFL in passing For as long as he’s asked, he’ll through the fi rst six games, just keep trying to pile up wins. with seven touchdown passes This week he’s expected and only one interception. to have the help of receiver He’s taken Dallas to the top Dez Bryant, who missed three of the NFC East, ahead of the games with a hairline fracture Eagles and their own sensa- in his right knee. tional rookie QB Wentz. Cowboys rookie running Wentz, the second overall back Ezekiel Elliott leads the selection in the NFL draft, has league with an average 117.2 thrown eight touchdowns with rushing yards per game and is three interceptions since taking the fi rst rookie in NFL history the helm in Philadelphia – who to rush for at least 130 yards in traded veteran Sam Bradford four consecutive games. before the start of the season Tomorrow’s action kicks off and opted to hand the reins to in London, where after a foray their young recruit. to the rugby bastion of Twick- “It’s exciting,” Wentz said enham the NFL returns to of the showdown with Pres- Wembley with a clash between cott. “It’s exciting for him, the Washington Redskins and for me. Obviously it’s going to Cincinnati Bengals. be played up into something. The Oakland Raiders put AFP season. Paul said the Clippers are going to San Antonio earned a seventh consecu- who has bounced around the league after It’s cool to see another young their perfect 4-0 road record Los Angeles have to watch out for each other out if they tive victory against Sacramento thanks to playing his fi rst eight seasons in Orlando, guy like him that I’ve come to on the line at the Tampa Bay are going to be successful. Leonard, who is coming into his own as a also had a team-high 19 rebounds. know and to see the success Buccaneers and the New Eng- “Everything was all about togetherness. superstar in the league. he’s having.” land Patriots will try avenge he Los Angeles Clippers opened the There is not going to be one guy that does it He stole the ball three times over four Wade begins Bulls career in style But Prescott, who was an embarrassing 16-0 home season with a 114-106 win over Port- every night,” he said. Kings possessions, turning one of them drafted in the fourth round and defeat to the Bills when they land yesterday, wasting no time get- He said they can’t aff ord to take any into his own layup, another into two free Dwyane Wade tallied 22 points in his Chi- went into training camp as the travel to Buff alo. Tting back into the trenches with the nights off in the long season. throws, and the third into a layup for team- cago homecoming as the Bulls showed off Cowboys’ third-string quar- That game four weeks ago team that knocked them out of the playoff s. “There is an urgency whenever we step mate Dewayne Dedmon. their retooled roster with a 105-99 win over terback, says it’s not about a marked the fi rst time the Pats Blake Griffi n and Chris Paul each scored on the court,” he said. “It is not about the DeMarcus Cousins scored 37 points and the Boston Celtics at the United Center. duel with Wentz but about had failed to score in a game 27 points in the Clippers’ regular season end of the season, or next year, it is about grabbed 16 rebounds for Sacramento, which After trading point guard Derrick Rose getting a needed win against a since 2006. But it also marked debut at the Moda Center arena in Port- right now. Myself, I am trying to make sure was denied its fi rst 2-0 start since 2003. to the New York Knicks, Chicago over- division foe. the fourth game of superstar land, Oregon. that I have the right mindset and trying to Rudy Gay added 17 points for the Kings. hauled last season’s roster with the addi- “No, it’s the Cowboys ver- quarterback Tom Brady’s De- Tempers fl ared often in an emotional and make sure my guys are focused like that. In Atlanta, Paul Millsap scored 28 points tion of Wade and Rajon Rondo, who signed sus the Eagles,” Prescott said. fl ategate suspension, with physical battle that included a number of “We got to come to play hoops every to lead the Atlanta Hawks to a 114-99 sea- with the Bulls in the off season. “I’m worried about this team, backup Jimmy Garoppolo hard fouls. Portland was whistled for 34 fouls night no matter who it is.” son-opening victory over the Washington Wade, who fi nished with 22 points, hit the Cowboys, and how this sidelined by a shoulder injury and the Clippers attempted 46 free throws. And that’s what they did in front of a Wizards. Millsap was 11 for 20 from the fi eld, four-of-six from the three-point line in team can fi nish and be remem- and third-string rookie Jacoby The game came just 24 weeks after the Trail crowd of 19,500 at the Moda Center. including three, three-pointers, with seven his fi rst game with the Bulls. Wade had just bered this season.” Brissett getting the start de- Blazers eliminated the Clippers in game six of Griffi n collected 16 points and six re- rebounds and six assists to help Atlanta end seven threes during all of the last NBA sea- Prescott became the Cow- spite a thumb injury. the fi rst round of the NBA playoff s. bounds as the Clippers took a 58-49 lead a four-year streak of opening-night losses. son for the Miami Heat. boys starter after No. 2 QB Since Brady’s return New “You can let somebody come in and punk into the intermission. Paul had 12 points He also sparked a 24-6 run and his Wade, who grew up in Chicago, sealed Kellen Moore broke his leg England have beaten Cleveland, you, or you can do something about it. We and Marreese Speights 11 while Portland three-pointer with 8:09 remaining gave the victory Thursday with his fi nal three in training camp and veteran Cincinnati and Pittsburgh by a stood up to it,” Blazers Damian Lillard said. got 12 each from Lillard and Moe Harkless the Hawks a 10-point margin it never sur- pointer of the night. He nailed a long-range starter Tony Romo broke a combined 49 points. Bills coach Said Portland coach Terry Stotts, “That in the fi rst half. rendered. Tim Hardaway was also instru- shot over guard Avery Bradley with 26 sec- bone in his back in the third Rex Ryan admitted his team type of familiarity brings out a rivalry.” Lillard fi nished with 29 points and 10 mental in the game-clinching run. He had onds left in the fourth quarter to put Chi- pre-season game. would face a diff erent Patriots Griffi n, who also grabbed 13 rebounds, was rebounds. Harkless tallied a total of 23 10 points during the streak en route to cago up 104-99. “I think it’s circumstantial,” squad this time around. a favourite target of the Trail Blazers’ aggres- points to go with eight rebounds and Ma- scoring 21 points off the bench. Eagles head coach Doug Ped- “The last time was a great sion. “Enough is a enough,” said Paul, who son Plumlee contributed 17 points, eight Dennis Schroder added 14 points and Results (Home team in CAPS) erson said. “But I think some time to play them,” Ryan said. fi nished with fi ve rebounds and fi ve assists. rebounds and four assists for the Blazers. Thabo Sefolosha had 13 points, seven re- ATLANTA 114 Washington 99 of it too is the fact that these “I’ll admit, it was probably an “You got to treat every game like it is a rivalry.” In Sacramento, Kawhi Leonard scored bounds and fi ve assists. CHICAGO 105 Boston 99 kids, how well they prepare, easier game to play them with- The Clippers are on the short list of con- 30 points as the San Antonio Spurs used a Atlanta’s biggest off season signee Dwight San Antonio 102 SACRAMENTO 94 how well they execute in pre- out (Brady); I’m here to say it tenders to make it to the NBA fi nals this second-half blitz to beat the Kings 102-94. Howard fi nished with 11 points. Howard, LA Clippers 114 PORTLAND 106 season games and in practices was easier.” Gulf Times Saturday, October 29, 2016 5 SPORT

AAA COUNCIL MEETING Asian athletics body aligned with Coe’s reform proposals ‘We back the IAAF President’s plan. Some area representation-wise issues are still under discussions. We raised some concerns, which are minor and will surely be resolved. We will go along with the reforms and we will try to adapt’

By Sports Reporter Doha

sian Athletics Associations have given their support to the general principles of Sebastian Coe’s proposal for governanceA structure reforms, AAA President Dahlan al-Hamad stated at a post Council Meeting press conference yesterday. Asia’s top athletics offi cials, repre- senting more than 40 nations, debated on the reform plans personally present- ed by IAAF President Coe at the 85th AAA Council meeting held in Doha and agreed to be aligned with the reforms. Nevertheless, Asian Athletics’ gov- erning body decided to urgently estab- lish a committee to further discuss the proposal. Another AAA committee will also create a short-term execution plan for the evaluation of the events in the region and for developing the athletics within Asia over the next three years. “Our sport came through a troubled period, which made people cast doubts over the athletics’ ability to survive the hazard. The response though was swift as we all witnessed at the Rio Ol- ympics, with large crowds and top level competition. “We would like to thank Sebastian Coe for being here with us to clarify his proposal, which aims to further pro- mote the sport worldwide. This project will aff ect the future of athletics. We discussed about all positive and nega- tive aspects of the reforms in order to come up with the proper decision. “It is plain to see that the new struc- ture gives more power and preroga- tives to the Assembly, while the power of individual offi cials is diminished,” IAAF President Sebastian Coe (fourth from left), AAA chief Dahlan al-Hamad (to Coe’s left) and other dignitaries and off icials pose for a group photo at the AAA Council meeting in Doha yesterday. explained al-Hamad, who thanked in his introduction, QOC President HE Sheikh Joann bin Hamad al-Thani for hosting such a crucial for athletics Qatar could move Summer Olympics date aft er successful bid, says Coe meeting in Doha. AFP “Yeah, we have to be realistic about this. Coe added that it was “not unusual” pics made for “uncomfortable reading”. lished on Thursday, uncovered “serious Lord Coe’s reform proposal redefi nes Doha We have to recognise that the world to move the date of the Olympics. He Coe said it was right the failings were logistical failings” in Olympics’ anti- roles and responsibilities and aims for a wants sport and it’s not always going pointed out that the Sydney Games in made public. “The only thing I would doping eff orts. It found cases where greater voice for athletes, a better gen- to be bidding from areas where there 2000 were held later in the year, in Sep- say is I welcome reports like that, some- athletes targeted for testing “could not der balance, as well as for independent ebastian Coe said yesterday that aren’t going to be challenges. tember and October, as were the Seoul times they are uncomfortable reading, be found”, and a lack of adequately anti-doping, integrity and disciplinary Qatar could move the Summer “And those challenges are not just Olympics in 1988. but I would rather have those sorts of trained anti-doping personnel. functions. SOlympics to later in the calendar geographical or climatic, they are Qatar will host the 2019 World Athlet- observations,” said the president of the Coe is pushing for an independent “We back the President’s plan and year if the Gulf country ever success- social, cultural, they are political.” ics Championships. These will be held in International Association of Athletics drugs testing regime as part of his over- totally support his presidency. Some fully bids to host the Games. Qatar is hosting the World Cup in late September and early October. The Federations (IAAF). haul of world athletics at an IAAF extraor- area representation-wise issues are still Speaking in Doha, where he met 2022 when, for the first time, the games 2017 edition of the championships will Although Coe added that he had not dinary congress on December 3. His plans under discussions. heads of the Asian Athletics Association will be played in November and De- be held in London during August. The seen the report himself yet, the former were publicly supported by the head of “We raised some concerns, which are (AAA), Coe said athletics had to prove cember, because of concerns over the 2015 World Championships were hosted middle-distance runner said such “intel- the AAA, Dahlan al-Hamad, yesterday. minor and will surely be resolved. We flexible if it wanted new countries to country’s fierce summer temperatures. by Beijing, again in August. ligence” was vital so athletics can catch “We are fully supportive of the presi- will go along with the reforms and we host the showcase event. Doha has publicly stated that it will bid Coe also admitted that reports from the drug cheats. dent,” said al-Hamad. “There are some will try to adapt,” added al-Hamad. Asked if the Summer Olympics could for future Olympics, with 2028 being a World Anti-Doping Agency alleging seri- The report, by independent observers issues which we will first discuss, I am In regards to the development of ath- be moved if Qatar hosted, Coe said: likely contender. ous drug testing failings at the Rio Olym- sent to the Games by WADA and pub- sure that these issues will be resolved.” letics in Asia, the AAA President com- mented: “We have managed to keep our partners and sponsors warm, or even will emerge in the near future. Our ini- “Last year we introduced the fi rst hosting the event. We are now in talks results,” the AAA chief added. duced new anti-doping legislation, but attract new to support our activities, tiatives rely on the ‘Kids Athletics’ pro- ever Asian Youth Championships in with broadcasters to secure full TV cov- Talking about the ongoing fi ght we mustn’t be complacent. The IAAF such as the marathons. gramme – which not only help in pro- Doha, giving youngsters from all na- erage. against doping, al-Hamad stressed President’s reform proposal includes “Within our plans is to attract the moting athletics, but generally guides tions the chance to make their interna- “Sixty % of the world’s youth popu- that extra action of all concerned par- the formation of a new independent new generation with a new programme children in the world of sports. Any tional debut. lation lives in Asia, but we have to im- ties needs to be taken: “UN and other Athletics Integrity Unit. We have to give in collaboration with Ministries of Ed- plan not aiming at the new generation “The success of the Doha initiative plement the proper programme in order organisations are supporting the anti- them freedom and time to work on the ucation in order to identify talents that has no hope or future.” encouraged more countries to ask for to help them develop and achieve better doping fi ght. Most nations have intro- anti-doping issue.”

BOTTOMLINE Mix of savvy, cash, luck, fans helps Ricketts lift Cubs

Reuters 2009, Ganis said, but with credit tight Ricketts has shown a deft hand on Chicago during the fi nancial crisis, the fi eld of Chicago Cubs owner Tom the business side, too. He bought a bidders was limited and the Ricketts Ricketts raises the National number of buildings across the street family was able to snag the team for League Championship Tro- from Wrigley Field, ending a long- ver since they bid to buy the $900mn. Real estate investor Sam Zell, phy after Game 6 of the 2016 standing dispute with owners who sold Chicago Cubs in 2009, the who had bought Tribune Co by loading NLCS playoff baseball series, pricey rooftop seats so people could Ricketts family has been cred- it up with debt, was motivated to sell in Chicago on Oct 22. At view the games. Eited with making sound busi- in an ultimately unsuccessful eff ort to right is President of Baseball And working around the local land- ness decisions that have brought the avoid a Tribune bankruptcy. operations Theo Epstein. mark status that protects Wrigley’s team to the brink of its fi rst World Se- Tom Ricketts, an investment banker (Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports) hand-operated scoreboard and other ries championship since 1908. whose father Joe Ricketts founded TD parts of the ballpark from alteration, he But Chicago Cubs Chairman Tom Ameritrade Holding Corp, immedi- has installed large video screens that Ricketts, who has led the organisa- ately engaged with fans after buying generate revenue, and begun tearing tion since the acquisition, also has the team. He stated at the annual Cubs up adjacent properties to build a hotel had a hearty dose of luck. He has ben- convention in January 2010 that his and entertainment complex. efi ted from an insanely loyal fan base aim was to win a World Series. The changes have disappointed that could tolerate years of poor re- Ricketts in 2011 hired Theo Epstein, people like longtime fan Floyd Sul- sults while the deep-pocketed Rick- the wunderkind who as team president livan, 66, who writes a blog titled etts family rebuilt the entire team — a of the Boston Red Sox in 2004 helped ‘Waiting4Cubs’. “I believe what the luxury that many other baseball teams lead the team to its fi rst World Series team says because they do what they might not have had. championship since 1918. say they are going to do,” he said. “But “They (the Rickettses) have had the The two announced a long-term plan I think the organization is just about rare combination of having great man- to build a perennial playoff contender making money.” agement, great resources and great by unloading costly veteran contracts, Ganis, the Sportscorp consultant, luck all coming together at the same rebuilding the Cubs’ farm system and said he believes changes by Ricketts have time,” said Marc Ganis, president of making a limited number of key free- increased the value of the Cubs’ fran- consulting fi rm Sportscorp Ltd, which agent signings. Young stars Kris Bry- chise to $3bn. He points to the sale of the advised Tribune Co in its sale of the ant and Kyle Schwarber have come up Los Angeles Dodgers in 2012 for $2.15bn, Cubs to the Ricketts family. through the Cubs’ farm system. as well as investments by the Cubs own- The World Series between the Chi- “Ricketts and Epstein have been trans- Edwin Jackson could not perform, Ep- sor who formerly consulted for Major the Chicago Tribune, said fan loyalty ers like a new complex in the Dominican cago Cubs and Cleveland Indians, cur- parent that it would take years to rebuild stein was able to release him and eat League Baseball. “If a team like the kept revenue high during some ugly Republic to develop raw talent and a rently locked in a 1-1 tie, now moves the team, and that has helped them with the $26mn remaining on his contract. Minnesota Twins made a mistake like seasons from 2010 to 2014. spring training facility in Arizona. to Chicago’s Wrigley Field for three fans,” said ESPN reporter Sarah Spain. “You need to have huge, deep that, they would have to live with it.” “The fans were subjected to some “We’re seeing the results on the fi eld games, with the Cubs seen by many Ricketts’ vast family wealth has pockets to be able to walk away from Ricketts has shown a savvy appreci- pretty awful baseball and some pretty and the Cubs are going to be one of the analysts as having a slight edge. helped the team recover from its few contracts like that,” said Irving Rein, ation of the Cubs’ famously loyal fans. awful baseball players, but many of top teams in baseball for a number of The Cubs were worth $1.2bn in missteps. When free-agent pitcher a Northwestern University profes- Paul Sullivan, who covers the Cubs for them stuck with it,” he said. years to come,” Ganis said. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, October 29, 2016 SPORT

ANNOUNCEMENT 21 nations confi rm for Ultrarunners Championship

By Sports Reporter fessional long-distance ultrarunners. Doha The Aspire International 6:50KM is a 50km individual race with team relays (5 persons) in a multi-lap format, de- eams from 21 nations have signed to challenge runners to com- confi rmed the participation plete 50KM in 6 hours. of their athletes for the 2nd A new Fan Zone will include a myr- TInternational Association iad of activities for all family members of Ultrarunners (IAU) 50KM World such as henna drawing, face painting Championship at the Aspire Zone for children, and a tent that gives visi- Foundation (AZF) that will take place tors a glimpse into a life in the desert. in Doha on November 11. The redesigned race course com- The IAU-accredited championship prises tarmac, tile and paved roads, has been hosted by the Aspire Zone which will be closed to traffi c and well- Foundation since 2015 and now fea- lit for the duration of the evening race. tures more than 100 of the world’s best In essence, this should be quite a fast long-distance runners competing for course with little gradient change and titles in male, female and group races. most turns being wide in nature. The list of participating countries AZF has partnered with the Qatar includes: Argentina, Canada, Croatia, Athletic Federation (QAF), organising Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Germany, partner, the Movenpick Hotel Al Azizi- Great Britain, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, yah as the hospitality partner, and Qa- Latvia, Mongolia, Netherlands, Niger- The IAU’s commitment to host the ganise international events, where IAU be a successful competition that lives up the Aspire International 6:50KM Race tar Living social network as the com- ia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, international championship for three relies heavily on AZF’s organisational to AZF and Qatar’s reputation as a global registration window until today. This munity partner for the event. For more Chinese Taipei, Uruguay, United States consecutive years at the AZF is a testa- capabilities, world-class facilities and leader in organising sporting events. will allow enthusiasts across Qatar the information and community registra- of America and Zimbabwe. ment to its trust in AZF’s capacity to or- experts. The championship promises to In parallel, the AZF has extended opportunity to run alongside IAU pro- tion please visit: www.lifeinaspire.qa CYCLING Second McLaren report to be released in Dec he second part of Richard competitors in a variety of sports McLaren’s report on ac- at the Rio Olympics this year. Tcusations of widespread WADA did not say what the sec- Froome calls for state-backed doping in Russia is ond part of the McLaren’s report expected to be released in De- would focus on. Russia has denied cember, the World Anti-Doping accusations of state-sanctioned Agency has said. doping and is fighting to get back “Professor Richard H McLaren into international athletics. announces that he expects to release the ‘McLaren Investiga- Hortelano aims for 2017 tion Report, Part II’, by mid-De- London Worlds return tighter rules on cember 2016,” a statement from the Montreal-based anti-doping panish sprinter Bruno Horte- body said. “More details will fol- Slano is hoping to compete at low in the weeks ahead.” next year’s world championships It had been thought that in London despite having to McLaren’s latest report might be undergo surgery twice when his released prior to WADA’s board right hand was severely injured meeting on November 19-20. in a car crash last month. The Eu- TUE exemptions WADA commissioned two ropean 200m champion, Horte- reports from Canadian law profes- lano holds the Spanish record at sor McLaren, the first to determine both 100 and 200 metres, setting ‘I’d certainly like to see the whole process reviewed. I think now is certainly a good the facts with respect to allega- the national record for the 200 tions of Russian state manipula- in reaching the semi-finals at the time. It would be good to see some experts employed by WADA to evaluate riders tion of the doping control process Rio Olympics. made Grigory Rodchenkov, the “If we speak about London for themselves – and maybe even have a list of medications for certain conditions former director of the WADA- 2017, I am thinking about being accredited laboratory in Moscow. there and giving my all,” Horte- which would be allowed under the TUE system that would be more regulated’ McLaren found evidence of a lano said. “I am undergoing a government backed scheme in very serious rehabilitation. I have Russia said to include tampering begun to train as I can. I am doing AFP with doping tests at their home weights, cardio, pre-season work, Saitama, Japan Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics and I am getting there bit by bit.” Paralympics. Hortelano also thanked the Thirty sports were caught up medical staff for the “work of art hree-time Tour de France cham- in the controversy, leading to a in medical terms” they per- pion Chris Froome has called for ban on Russian athletics from formed to reconstruct his badly tighter rules on medical exemp- international competition and damaged hand after the car Ttions in cycling after British anti- the ban of dozens of Russian crash on September 5. doping offi cials launched an investigation into former Sky teammate Bradley Wiggins. Wiggins and Team Sky are the subject of an inquiry into the contents of a medi- ASIAN CHAMPIONS TROPHY cal package delivered to the team doctor before the 2011 Tour de France, prompting Froome to question the system of Thera- peutic Use Exemptions (TUEs). India take on South Having previously said the process was “open to abuse”, Froome went further in Japan, demanding that the World Anti- Korea, Pakistan meet Doping Agency hire independent doctors to examine cyclists. “I’d certainly like to see the whole process Malaysia in semis reviewed,” the Briton said on the eve of the Tour de France’s Saitama Criterium race yes- IANS rely on that in their games. We terday, where he faces a strong fi eld includ- Kuantan, Malaysia already have experience of seeing ing two-time world champion Peter Sagan. how suff ocating their play can be, “I think now is certainly a good time. A and it is a challenge for us.” suggestion I’ve made is to make it a more op-ranked India will “We will have to be more clini- independent process,” Froome added. “It look to live up to their cal in the fi nal third against them would be good to see some experts em- reputation as they face and have shown that we can be so ployed by WADA to evaluate riders for Ta tricky South Korea in our games so far. It should be a themselves – and maybe even have a list in the semi-fi nals of the Asian good encounter.” of medications for certain conditions Champions Trophy hockey tour- For India, drag-fl ick expert which would be allowed under the TUE nament today. Rupinder Pal Singh has been in system that would be more regulated.” India remained unbeaten in imperious form, scoring 10 goals Wiggins has denied there was anything the round-robin stage which they so far in the tournament. nefarious about three injections of the drug topped with 13 points. They have The power of the Punjab set- triamcinolone to treat pollen allergies before conceded a mere six goals in the piece specialist has been too the 2011 and 2012 Tours, and the 2013 Giro tournament so far, and have scored hot to handle for the teams and d’Italia, arguing it “levelled the playing fi eld”. 25 in their fi ve matches so far. Oltmans will hope that he keeps Team Sky likewise insisted their con- The world No. 6 side had scoring. science was clear, pointing out that the dropped points only once in the In defence too, Rupinder will be TUEs were cleared by WADA and cycling’s round-robin stage – against their extremely important as a central governing UCI. semi-fi nal opponents South Ko- defender, and his defensive pair- Sky boss Dave Brailsford has since of- rea and that could be on India’s ing with Birendra Lakra and Ko- fered to ask his riders if they would be mind when they take the fi eld at thajit Singh will be tested against willing to let their medical information be the Wisma Belia Hockey Stadium. the nimble-footed Koreans. made public, but WADA rejected the idea South Korea in comparison fi n- In a big boost for India, cap- of making TUEs transparent. ished fourth in the group stages, tain PR Sreejesh will be back in “Of course I understand that,” said A man crashes into the photo session as 2016 Tour after conceding a last-minute goal goal post after missing the last Froome, who with Wiggins was a member de France champion Christopher Froome (second to Malaysia in their fi nal game. two round-robin games due to an of the British cycling squad at the Rio Ol- from left) poses with other cyclists on the eve of The South Koreans, who are ankle injury. ympics in August. “It’s medical confi den- the Saitama Criterium in Saitama yesterday. (AFP) ranked 11th in the world, have The midfi eld will be led by tiality that they want to protect and obvi- scored 11 goals in the competition former captain Sardar Singh. ously that’s their call on it.” so far – the second lowest of any The 30-year-old has been aver- Froome himself, was revealed by the team in the competition and the age and looked out of touch so Fancy Bears hackers to have been issued lowest of any of the semi-fi nalists. far. Right midfi elder SK Uthappa with two TUE certifi cates for prednisolo- British cycling chiefs asked to “As part of the inquiry into doping, the in 2012, which he won, as well as the 2013 In the earlier match between has been playing well, perfectly ne, which is used to treat a variety of in- explain medical exemptions select committee wants to look at the eth- Giro d’Italia. the two teams, however, former transforming defence to attack fl ammatory and autoimmune conditions. ics of the use of TUEs and the way this is Wiggins and Team Sky principal Dave Asian champions South Korea while helping the forwards mak- Froome and Wiggins have clashed in the British Cycling bosses, meanwhile, policed by British Cycling,” Collins said. Brailsford, the British Cycling perform- showed a lot of quality. They ing the circle penetrations. past, including famously on the 2012 Tour have been called to a parliamentary hear- “We can ask British Cycling about any in- ance director until April 2014, have stren- scored against an over-confi dent The focus will also be on Ram- de France, won by Wiggins. After Froome ing to explain the growing trend of thera- cidents in the past where we believe it is uously denied any wrongdoing, insisting India, whose defence was play- andeep Singh, who has stepped defi ed team orders to attack his teammate peutic use exemptions in the sport. important how the governing body over- each time the TUEs were medically ing high. After they conceded the up his game in the absence of on a mountain stage, Wiggins furiously Damian Collins, chairman of the cul- sees their sport.” necessary to deal with a pollen allergy equaliser and India mounted a senior striker SV Sunil. He, along claimed he had been “stabbed in the back.” ture, media and sport select committee, Data stolen by computer hackers after that aggravates the cyclist’s long-stand- barrage of attacks, the South Ko- with the likes of Akashdeep, In what viewed as a thinly veiled swipe said yesterday that the hearing will focus the Rio Games revealed former ing asthma condition. reans defended strongly. Nikkin and Lalit Upadhyay will at Wiggins, Froome recently tweeted that on grounds for granting the exemptions Olympic gold medallist Wiggins had The TUEs also had the approval of the Fully aware of the task his team not only have roles of scoring he was not prepared to “win at all costs” (TUEs) amid concerns about British star received TUEs for triamcinolone – a sub- UCI, cycling’s world governing body, and awaits, India chief coach Roelant fi eld goals but also earning pen- and added: “there are some athletes who Bradley Wiggins’s controversial stance which has a history of abuse in cy- there is no suggestion that Wiggins, who Oltmans said: “Korea have an ex- alty corners for the side. not only abide by the rules that are in use of a powerful corticosteroid before cling and is otherwise banned – on the eve left Team Sky in April 2015, or the team tremely well-drilled and organ- In the other semi-fi nal, Paki- place, but also those of fair play”. three key races. of the Tour de France in 2011 and the race have broken any rules. ised defensive structure, and they stan will face hosts Malaysia. Gulf Times Saturday, October 29, 2016 7 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA QATAR STARS LEAGUE Real wait for Rayyan target fi rst misfi ring Ronaldo win under to rediscover form Laudrup Zidane is expected to resort to the side that started against Bilbao as Ronaldo, Bale, Benzema, Marcelo, Mateo Kovacic and Raphael Varane were all rested in midweek

AFP Madrid

eal Madrid are hoping Cristiano Ronaldo can end a lean period in front of goal as they attempt Rto keep their noses in front of a tight fi ve-way race atop La Liga at Alaves today. Madrid bounced back from a four- game draw streak in style by scoring 20 goals in winning their last four out- ings to move back top of the table and take big strides towards progress in the Champions League and Copa del Rey. However, Ronaldo has scored just one By Sports Reporter chances, yet didn’t put them of those 20 and his return of four goals Doha away, while against Jaish we from nine appearances is by a distance played against a top side and cre- his worst strike rate at this stage of the ated many chances. We have to campaign since joining Madrid seven SL Side Al Rayyan will be a little more eff ective in front years ago. be targeting their fi rst of goal and that will start against Ronaldo was even whistled by Real’s win of the Michael Al Kharitiyat.” demanding fanbase at the Santiago Laudrup era when Meanwhile, Al Gharafa takes Bernabeu during last weekend’s 2-1 win theyQ take on Al Kharitiyat today on Al Sadd today in what prom- over Athletic Bilbao. evening at Al Sadd stadium. ises to be a fascinating clash be- “I would prefer him to score two or Opening up the press confer- tween two old QSL rivals. three goals in every match, but I am not ence ahead of the match, the Al Sadd come into the match worried because I know it will pass,” Danish coach stressed that this with ten points from four games said Real boss Zinedine Zidane. is a must win match for his side. and head coach Jesualdo Ferriera Alvaro Morata came off the bench to “After the fi rst two games, I was not taking things lightly. grab a late winner against Athletic and have been satisfi ed with the per- “Al Gharafa are a strong team, also struck twice in a 7-1 mauling of formance of the team. It’s im- despite the results they have had. Cultural Leonesa in the Copa del Rey on portant that we win this game. They have played well, and their Wednesday to move ahead of Ronaldo The main focus is to win, and we performances have not recipro- with six goals this season. have to keep up with the three cated the result. They have good Yet, despite still being frozen out Zi- other sides at the top of the players and are organised in de- dane’s preferred starting line-up by Ro- File picture of Real Madrid’s Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (C) vying for the ball with Athletic Bilbao’s goalkeeper Gorka league.“ fence,” said Ferreira. naldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema, Iraizoz (L) during their Spanish league football match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on October 23. Refl ecting on the title race Looking back on previous Morata insists the Portuguese should be the Laudrup is expecting a chal- match ups against the Cheetahs, cut some slack. Yet former Valencia and Liverpool de- Barcelona and Villarreal sit just two back from their fi rst defeat of the sea- lenge for his side to retain the Ferriera is targeting a composed “When one is used to scoring nearly fender Mauricio Pellegrino’s men have points back from Madrid with Atletico son at Sevilla last weekend when Malaga QSL falcon shield. “Of course performance from his team. 70 goals a season they are like goal ad- already proved they are more than capa- Madrid a point further adrift in fi fth. visit the Vicente Calderon. last season, Al Rayyan went on a “For this game, it’s diffi cult. We dicts,” said Morata. ble of causing an upset as they shocked Barca have the easiest task of the title Meanwhile, Villarreal will put their winning run of ten games, which have played them twice we won “For us he is still the most important Barcelona at the Camp Nou last month contenders on paper this weekend when unbeaten record on the line at Eibar to- was fantastic. I think this season game in the emir cup and didn’t player in the team and we hope he scores and drew away to Atletico Madrid on the winless Granada visit the Camp Nou. morrow. the race for the title will be much win easily. The only way to win lots of goals, but he is not a machine. opening day of the season. The champions have just 16 fi t fi rst Fixtures (all times GMT) tighter. this match is to play without any “He is human, although it seems like Sevilla are Real’s surprise closest team players with Andres Iniesta, Ger- Today “It was a great and very im- mistakes; we need to play like we he comes from a diff erent planet, and he challengers and can go top for at least a ard Pique, Jordi Alba, Jeremy Mathieu Sporting Gijon v Sevilla (1100), Alaves portant goal for the side. We have in our previous games.” has the right to miss.” couple of hours with victory at Sporting and Arda Turan all sidelined through v Real Madrid (1415), Atletico Madrid played very well and put Jaish Ferriera ended his press con- Zidane is expected to resort to the side Gijon earlier today. injury. v Malaga (1630), Barcelona v Granada under pressure, going into ex- ference on a lighter note, prais- that started against Bilbao as Ronaldo, “We won’t be jumping for joy right However, by contrast to Ronaldo’s (1845) tra time 1-0 you get nervous but ing his opposite number at Al Bale, Benzema, Marcelo, Mateo Kovacic now. The team are performing well, but struggles, Lionel Messi is in fi ne goals- Tomorrow we did well to get a result” not- Gharafa, Pedro Caixinia. and Raphael Varane were all rested in aspiring to win La Liga is a big ask,” said coring form as he and Luis Suarez lead Eibar v Villarreal (1100), Athletic Bilbao ed Laudrup when asked about “Caixinia is a good coach, who midweek. Sevilla winger Vitolo. La Liga’s scoring charts on seven despite v Osasuna (1515), Real Betis v Espanyol Sergio Garcia’s last gasp strike started after me. He came from Alaves have only won twice in their “Everyone knows there are three the Argentine missing a month of action (1730), Las Palmas v Celta Vigo (1945) against Jaish in round four. a good coaching background fi rst nine games on their return to the teams that have that aspiration and due to a groin injury. Monday Al Rayyan have created plenty and is one of the graduates from top fl ight for the fi rst time in a decade. there is still a long way to go.” Atletico will be favoured to bounce Deportivo la Coruna v Valencia (1945) of chances in their opening two the same of school of me and is games under Laudrup, but the an exciting coach. He is part of Danish coach is hoping his side many good Portuguese coaches BUNDESLIGA can be more clinical in front of who work in Qatar at the mo- goal in their next game. ment, and I wish him well for this “Against Sailiya we created season, just not this game.” Bayern hunt quickfi re second win over Augsburg Jealousy provokes Guardiola critics – Enrique

AFP including Arturo Vidal, Arjen Robben, Andre Schuerrle, Raphael Guerre- from Tottenham Hotspur, has been a Barcelona: Barcelona coach Enrique said yesterday. Berlin Xabi Alonso and Lewandowski ahead rio, Marcel Schmelzer, Sven Bender, Erik revelation during the revival with three Luis Enrique believes former Guardiola’s City still top the Pre- of this weekend’s league game at Augs- Durm, Neven Subotic and Marco Reus goals in his last two games. teammate Pep Guardiola will mier League on goal diff erence burg’s WWK-Arena stadium. are all either out injured or returning Schalke are eager to make his move succeed at Manchester City and thanks to a 10-game winning ayern Munich face familiar op- The Munich giants need a win in their from injury. permanent, but director of sport Chris- that criticism of his methods are run to start his reign in English position in neighbours Augsburg warm-up for next Tuesday’s Champions Dortmund hope to have striker Pierre- tian Heidel says Spurs want at least borne out of jealousy. football. However, on top of their today as the Bundesliga leaders League clash at PSV Eindhoven to ensure Emerick Aubameyang back from a calf 20mn euros ($21.8mn) for the Algeria in- Guardiola is in the midst of the Champions League struggles, Btake on their Bavarian rivals for they remain clear at the summit. knock after he missed Wednesday’s ternational. worst run of results in his mana- City were also dumped out of the second time in four days. The top clash of the weekend is today’s nervy German Cup penalty shootout win “It was a double-digit sum and there gerial career having not won the League Cup by Jose Mour- Bayern beat Augsburg 3-1 on Wednes- Ruhr Valley derby between Borussia over Union Berlin. was a two at the front,” Heidel said. in six games, including a 4-0 inho’s Manchester United on day in the second round of the German Dortmund and arch-rivals Schalke 04. Schalke made a disastrous start to Bentaleb is relishing his fi rst Ruhr thrashing by Luis Enrique’s men Wednesday. Cup as US international Julian Green – Dortmund are unbeaten in their last the season when they lost their fi rst fi ve derby and likened it to a match against on his return to Barcelona last “There is no doubt he will win deputising for striker Robert Lewand- three league meetings against Schalke games, but Markus Weinzierl’s side have Spurs’ north London rivals Arsenal. week. “To the critics of Guardiola titles this year and do it playing owski – David Alaba and Philipp Lahm but are struggling with a lengthy injury steadied the ship by picking up seven “I don’t know if you can compare it to it is very easy – don’t worry be- the same football as the start of all scored. list and are winless in their last three points in the three matches since. a London derby, but I’m looking forward cause he will win for sure,” Luis the season.” Carlo Ancelotti rested a host of stars Bundesliga games. Midfi elder Nabil Bentaleb, on loan to it,” said the 21-year-old.

BOTTOMLINE China’s World Cup chances ‘worrying’ – Lippi

AFP “The qualifying table for the 2018 the Asian tournament. tion phase and are bottom in Group A, its “advisers”. Beijing World Cup is worrying, not impossible Improving Chinese football at the which includes Iran, Uzbekistan, South He declined to confi rm the fi gure, but defi nitely worrying,” Lippi told his club and national level has been a pri- Korea, Syria and Qatar. saying it was confi dential. fi rst press conference in Beijing. ority for President Xi Jinping. Even Their previous coach Gao Hongbo Lippi is the latest foreigner to re- hina’s chances of qualifying for “I want to build the team, help the before taking offi ce he underlined his announced his resignation after a 2-0 ceive a hefty salary for running the na- the 2018 World Cup fi nals in players improve, to have confi dence in ambitions for China to qualify for, host away defeat to Uzbekistan earlier this tional side following in the footsteps of Russia are “not impossible but themselves. If we win three or four games and one day win the World Cup. month. Spaniard Jose Antonio Camacho and Cdefi nitely worrying”, new Ital- and miss out on qualifi cation by just one But it is a Herculean task. At yesterday’s briefi ng, Chinese France’s Alain Perrin. ian coach Marcello Lippi said yesterday. point, that will still represent progress.” China is the most populous nation Football Association president Cai Some commentators have expressed The 68-year-old, who won the tour- Lippi boasts an impressive CV that in- on earth but holds a lowly 84th place in Zhenhua acknowledged that “the na- doubts about his appointment – and its nament with his own country in 2006, cludes nine successful years at Juventus, the FIFA world rankings, between Gua- tional team’s level is pretty weak. We cost. was named the national team’s new boss although his second turn in charge of It- temala and Kenya. hope that under our new high-level Writing in the China Daily newspa- by the Chinese Football Association aly ended in an ignominious fi rst-round They have only ever qualifi ed for one coach we will be able to play well in the per, which is published by the govern- (CFA) over the weekend. exit at South Africa 2010. fi nal tournament, in 2002, when they qualifi ers.” ment, Huang Xiangyang said he “can- He faces the diffi cult challenge of He went on to coach Chinese club lost all three of their group games and According to state broadcaster not understand the logic” of the move steering the hapless Asian giant to the Guangzhou Evergrande to three consecu- did not score a single goal. CCTV, Lippi will earn a salary of 4.5mn and Lippi’s “jaw-dropping” salary. tournament, a near impossible feat after tive Chinese Super League titles between In the current campaign China have euros ($4.9mn). He and his team will “History shows monetary incentives recent losses to Uzbekistan and war-torn 2012 and 2014, and the AFC Champions claimed just one point from four games also be paid 15.5mn euros annually by are not a panacea for success for the na- Syria. League crown in 2013, their fi rst win in in the latest World Cup Asian qualifi ca- Evergrande’s football academy to act as tional men’s soccer team,” he wrote.

Saturday, October 29, 2016 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

QATAR STARS LEAGUE ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE Romarinho nets a Guardiola plots Man hat-trick as Jaish City upturn beat Umm Salal The first half finished one nil to El Jaish but the score soon doubled after the referee blew for the second half and after a mere 30 seconds

By Sports Reporter Doha

razilian pro Romarinho scored a scintillating hat-trick as El Jaish beat Umm Salal 4-2 at Lekhwiya Bstadium in the Qatar Stars League yesterday. Sabri Lamouchi’s side thus end- ed The Orange Fortress’s unbeaten run and took their own tally to fi ve without defeat AFP the England left-back. “We saw in the season. London Guardiola said it was like a fi nal After a balanced opening 10 minutes, El and to us that is what it felt like. Jaish began dominating possession and the To get the win was massive. fi rst clear cut chance of the game came on ep Guardiola takes “(It was) a big confi dence the 17th minute when danger man Romar- Manchester City to West boost after obviously the disap- inho found himself on the end of a lovely Bromwich Albion in pointing result that we bounced chipped pass into the 18 yard box. The the Premier League this back, got a win and now we need former Corinthians player was unable to Pweekend still trying to fi gure out to go on a winning streak.” fi nd the target and his volleyed shot went how to lift the club out of their United go into the weekend in well wide of the post. autumn downturn. seventh place, six points behind Umm Salal, who were without their Scintillating over the season’s leaders City, Arsenal and Liver- commanding goalkeeper Baba Malick and early weeks, which saw them win pool. big number 13 Yannick Sagbo, began to their fi rst 10 games, they have But they are better off than play on the counter and after 23 minutes, now gone six matches without defending champions Leicester the in-form Tha’er Bawab found himself victory, culminating in Wednes- City, who sit three points be- with the ball at his feet just eight yards day’s 1-0 League Cup defeat at low them in 12th place with just from goal after Hilal Mohammed cleverly Manchester United. three wins from their opening dummied a low driving cross. Despite Ba- While they remain top of the nine games. wab managing to control the cross, he was league table on goal diff erence, On Saturday Claudio Rani- unable to get a shot off before Jaish defend- City’s swashbuckling form has eri’s side travel to Tottenham er Murah Naji made a fi ne block. petered out and left-back Gael Hotspur, who threatened to pip With 30 minutes gone, El Jaish managed Clichy hopes their luck changes them in last season’s title race. to break the deadlock and take the lead. soon. Mauricio Pochettino’s men Umm Salal’s Ismail Mahmoud brought “We gave everything and at are a point off top spot and down El Jaish’s Mohamed al-Yazidi on the the moment we are not getting Ranieri has braced his players edge of the 18 yard box and gifted The Sol- what we deserve,” the France for a battle. diers a free kick in a dangerous area. Dead- international told the City web- “Spurs are the only unbeat- ball specialist Romarinho, stepped up to site. en team in the Premier League take the free kick and his looping right “Lately, the results and the because they have a very good foot strike smashed into the crossbar. The points are not on board. We have squad. They can change and ro- rebound fell kindly for El Jaish’s Captain to keep working and we’re sure tate,” said the Italian. Seydou Keita, who managed to stab home we’re going to get there. “Tottenham are a fantastic his own rebound on the 31st minute after “If we are a bit more clinical team. Last year they were very also hitting the bar with his fi rst attempt. playing forward and more com- close to us and will continue to The fi rst half fi nished one nil to El Jaish pact as a team, maybe we can do fi ght for the title.” but the score soon doubled after the referee better.” A late slump saw Tottenham blew for the second half and after a mere 30 West Brom manager Tony Pu- pipped to second place by their seconds. El Jaish made it 2-0 as Keita made lis, famed for his pragmatism is North London rivals Arsenal, it a goal and an assist with a lovely cut back often portrayed in England as whose early-season form sug- to Romarinho who found himself in acres the antithesis to the stylish, ide- gests they could be poised to go of space, calmly fi nishing from 12 yards alistic Guardiola. one better this term. out. Despite being 13th in the ta- A six-game winning run Things went from bad to worse for the ble, West Brom have a better de- came to an end in last weekend’s Orange Fortress and just two minutes later, fensive record than Manchester 0-0 draw with Middlesbrough, Mohamed al-Yazidi was brought down United and Liverpool, and have but Arsene Wenger’s team beat again in the area for a penalty. Romarinho lost only once at home this sea- Reading in the League Cup in stepped up and converted from the spot to son. mid-week and now face a Sun- make it 3-0 with a powerful strike that left “Every game this season, derland side rooted to the base of the goalkeeper with no chance. we’ve been in,” said Pulis. the table. To add to what was already a dismal sec- “There’s not been a game we’ve ond half for Umm Salal, Romarinho sealed not been in and that’s testament Fixtures (1400 GMT unless his hat-trick on the 61st minute after the to the players.” otherwise stated): Brazilian found himself on the end of a pin Buoyed by their derby victory Today: Crystal Palace v Liver- point cross from Murah Naji, leaping above over City, United will look to get pool (1630), Manchester United two defenders to head a powerful header their league campaign back on v Burnley, Sunderland v Arsenal home and all but see off the tie. track at home to Burnley. (1130), Tottenham v Leicester, Umm Salal had a late rally after an 86th Jose Mourinho’s side were West From v Manchester City, minute penalty from Ismail Mahmoud battered 4-0 by his former club Middlesbrough v Bournemouth, made it 4-1, and an 89th minute goal from Chelsea last weekend, but Luke Watford v Hull on-loan SC Braga midfi elder, Alef Santos, Shaw believes the victory over Tomorrow:Everton v West Ham made it 4-2. City, courtesy of Juan Mata’s (1330 GMT), Southampton v After fi ve matches, Lekhwiya and El second-half goal, could prove a Chelsea (1600 GMT) Jaish have 13 points but Lekhwiya are top turning point. Monday: (2000 GMT): on goal diff erence. El Jaish’s Romarinho celebrates one of his three goals against Umm Salal yesterday. PICTURE: Jayan Orma “It was very important,” said Stoke v Swansea

BOTTOMLINE Lekhwiya sweep past ten man Al Arabi 4-1

ekhwiya underlined their title creden- tle with both sides putting in crunching tack- Lekhwiya rubber stamped the result on the tials with a professional 4-1 victory over les. Lekhwiya continued to impress, and where 50th minute when the referee pointed to the the ten men of Al Arabi. Goals from Nam pressing the Al Arabi defence well. This was penalty spot. LTae Hee and a hat-trick from Yusef El underlined in the 34th minute when Djamel A powerful run from Yusef Muftah was tack- Arabi confi rmed all three points for Djamel Bel- Belmadi’s side pounced on a misplayed Al Arabi led by Arabi captain Boualem Khoukhi again and madi’s side. pass from the back. However, Lekhwiya took Yusef al-Arabi stepped up and slid away his sev- Al Arabi were reduced to ten men in the fi rst their time on the ball and Ali Afi f blazed his shot enth goal of the season. half when Qatar international midfi elder Ahmed well wide. Djamel Belmadi’s side dominated the ball for Maqsoud was given his marching orders for two The game turned on the 36th minute when large swathes of the second half, and where re- yellow cards. Paulinho missed a second half Arabi midfi elder Ahmed Maqsoud saw yellow lentless in attack. They fi nally grabbed a fourth penalty for Al Arabi, but did pull back a con- for a tackle on Yusef al-Arabi. The resulting on the hour mark. Yusef al-Arabi registered his solation from Omar al-Amadi. Overall it was a free-kick from Nam found his mark and curled third on the night stabbing in from close range, match to forget for head coach Gerardo Pelusso. the ball into the back of the net for his fi fth goal to give Lekhwiya a unassailable lead. The tie started at a frantic pace and the hosts of the season. Al Arabi had a chance to reduce the defi cit laid down an early signal of intent. Midfi elder Minutes later Maqsoud saw red for a second from the penalty spot on the 67th minute, af- Ali Afi f send a fl ying shot well over. Not to be yellow card after bundling down Ali Afi f in the ter Boualem Khoukhi was fouled in the box by undone Al Arabi winger Imoh Ezekiel raced penalty box. Moroccan international Yusef al- Chico Flores. Paulinho stepped up for Al Arabi, away from the Lekhwiya defence on the counter Arabi stepped up for his side and calmly slot- unfortunately his eff ort kissed the post and went and cut inside Chico Flores. However his strike ted the ball away for his sixth goal of the season, wide. Omar al-Amadi grabbed a consolation for was well wide. sending keeper Rajab Hamza the wrong way. Arabi in the 83rd minute, with a powerful shot Lekhwiya began to dominate the ball and cre- The fi rst half ended with Lekhwiya taking a from outside the box. ated a real chance of note on the 19th minute. 2-0 lead going into the second half, giving the Lekhiwya had further opportunities to extend Midfi elder Nam Tae Hee linked up well with ten men Al Arabi a mountain to climb. Minutes their lead, and missed a host of chances. Djamel striker Yusef al-Arabi. However Nam’s chipped after the restart Al Arabi had a penalty shout Belmadi’s side played out the remainder of the shot was saved by Arabi keeper Rajab Hamza. waved away after Imoh Ezekiel was bundled tie to register an impressive 4-1 win taking them Lekhwiya’s Nam Tae Hee is congratulated by teammates after he scored against Al Arabi. The tie was turning into a real midfi eld bat- down by Lekhwiya defender Ahmed Yasser. to the top of the QSL standings. (QSL) PICTURE: Shemeer Rashid