FRIDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2019 SPORT 17 We should try to be a little bit less Charles Leclerc vows TODAY’S ACTION aggressive with each other. It’s not there will be no repeat UAE VS IRAQ good for the team. The consequences of the crash which sent at Khalifa International Stadium, 17:30 were huge in the last race (even both Ferraris spinning QATAR VS YEMEN though) the contact was very small. out of the last race. at Khalifa International Stadium, 20:00 I’m pretty sure it won’t happen again. UK Athletics launches review into dealings with Salazar

AFP LONDON

UK Athletics has commissioned an independent review into its dealings with disgraced coach Alberto Salazar and his Nike Oregon Project. The American, who worked with British distance runner Mo Farah from 2011 to Jockey Anas Al Seyabi, who guided Al Gazi to victory in the Thoroughbred Guineas (QA Gr 3) at QREC’s 12th Race Meeting yesterday, celebrates with the team members 2017, was banned for four at the QREC. The Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim Al Malki-trained three-year old colt, owned by Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani won QR 85,000 in prize money for years by the US Anti-Doping the triumph. Agency (USADA) in October for doping violations but has announced he will challenge the sanction at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Al Shaqab horses to participate in Nike said last month it was closing down the Oregon Project, which produced a host of world and Olympic gold medals. Salon Du Cheval De Paris 2019 Farah, who won gold in the 5,000 and 10,000 metres at the THE PENINSULA diverse settings. The upcoming 2012 and 2016 Olympics, has DOHA championship will be another never failed a drugs test and has opportunity to compete along always strenuously denied The Arabians at Al Shaqab, with some of the top owners and breaking any anti-doping member of Qatar Foundation, breeders from around the world. regulations. are preparing to compete in the Al Shaqab is honored to partic- The independent review, World Arabian Championship – ipate in leading Arabian Cham- led by sports law barrister John the prestigious Salon Du Cheval pionships and to represent Qatar Mehrzad, is expected to publish De Paris 2019. The event, which at such prestigious international its findings next year on a range starts today in France comprises equestrian events.” of specific questions relating to competitions in various cate- Since its establishment in UK Athletics’ (UKA’s) response gories, including the coveted title 1992, Al Shaqab’s vision was to to allegations against Salazar in of ‘World Champion’. build on Qatar’s Arabian horse 2015 and 2017. Participation will be limited heritage and be a leading global UKA chairman Chris Clark to horses that have won notable center for equine professionals, said: “Our staff, athletes and awards at international horse while providing an engaging coaches show immense dedi- shows in 2019. The event will experience for the community. cation to this sport and are conclude on December 1. Global leadership has not only proud to be associated with This year, Al Shaqab will be meant preserving, improving, British athletics. We need to represented by Fahad Al Shaqab and promoting the Arabian horse ensure we have a clear way and Zuhayr Al Shaqab (yearling breed but also encouraging the forward that gives us confi- colt category) and Kashef Al community in this unique, tra- dence in the integrity of our Shaqab (junior colt category: 2 ditional cultural sport. coaching efforts. and 3-year-old colts). Al Shaqab’s impressive facil- “If there are lessons to be Additionally, Hariry Al ities, which are distinctively learnt, we plan to implement Shaqab, a former world international event for this year. achieved success,” he said. This year, too, we look designed in the shape of a any recommendations into a champion, will compete in the We have high expectations that Al Shaqab has emerged tri- forward to the best results, espe- horseshoe, cover 980,000 future-focused, transparent and platinum category. This magnif- our horses will lead the list of umphant in previous editions of cially as all our participating square meters. accountable way of working,” icent stallion has sired several winners, reinforcing Al Shaqab’s the World Arabian Champi- horses have been bred and raised With a state-of-the-art Main he added. horses that participate in Arabian leadership and its ability to onship held in France, with at Al Shaqab. Our well-estab- Arena comprising both an indoor UKA has endured a tur- horse shows around the world. remain atop the world’s leading Kaheel Al Shaqab crowned world lished and proven breeding and outdoor venue capable of bulent few months, with per- Sheikh Hamad bin Ali Al breeder for the most beautiful champion in 2014. program reflects our ability to holding over 5000 spectators, Al formance director Neil Black Thani, Manager of the Breeding purebred Arabian horses.” Sheikh Hamad added: “Al present some of the finest and Shaqab is part of Qatar’s growing leaving his role in October after & Show Department at Al “Over the years, Al Shaqab Shaqab is no stranger to top most resplendent horses at horse reputation on the world stage Salazar’s ban. Shaqab, said: “Al Shaqab’s par- has competed in several inter- titles, having bred 3 generations shows. that showcases its ability to host Black had previously ticipation in Salon Du Cheval De national Arabian Horse champi- of world champions since its “We recognise the value and major international sports event described the American as a Paris 2019 will mark our final onships and has repeatedly inception in 1992. importance of participating in at the highest level. genius. ADELAIDE TEST: FACTBOX Pakistan recall Abbas after Gabba horror show WHEN? Nov. 29-Dec. 3 (1400 local time/0330 GMT) WHERE? AFP Pakistan their bowlers to perform in Adelaide Oval (53,500 capacity) ADELAIDE paceman Adelaide, having lost 13 consec- MATCH OFFICIALS Mohammad utive Tests in Australia. Umpires: Michael Gough, Richard Illingworth (both Pakistan were set to recall Abbas takes They will be facing an Aus- England) paceman Mohammad Abbas part in a tralian team that has won all Third umpire: Richard Kettleborough (England) yesterday for the second Test training session five of its pink-ball matches and Match referee: Jeff Crowe (New Zealand) against Australia as they look to on the eve of with David Warner, Joe Burns AUSTRALIA add consistency to their bowling the second and Marnus Labuschagne in fine World ranking: 5 attack under lights at Adelaide Test against form after big scores at the Coach: Justin Langer Oval. Australia. Gabba. Azhar acknowledged Captain: Tim Paine Skipper Azhar Ali will also Pakistan have long laboured in Team (likely): David Warner, Joe Burns, Marnus La- drop down the order to bat at Australia, with their inability to number three in the day-night bowl the opposition out twice buschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Matthew Wade, Test starting today, with Imam- their biggest problem. Tim Paine, Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, ul-Haq set to get the nod to “A lot of our tours to Aus- Mitchell Starc. open the innings alongside Shan Seamer Abbas has taken 66 tralia we have struggled to pick PAKISTAN Masood and Haris Sohail up wickets. We have to control World ranking: 7 wickets at just 18.86 in his dropped. 14 Tests but was a surprise the rate, bowl in good areas for Coach: Misbah-ul-Haq Seamer Abbas has taken 66 a long time,” he said. Captain: Azhar Ali wickets at just 18.86 in his 14 omission for the opening clash “Wickets in Australia, a lot Team (likely): Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Azhar Ali, Tests but was a surprise in Brisbane, where Pakistan of people say it is bounce, it is Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad omission for the opening clash were crushed by an innings and pace. But equally it is good for Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Yasir Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Mo- in Brisbane, where Pakistan five runs. batting as well, so if you can’t hammad Abbas. were crushed by an innings and bowl well for a long period of PREVIOUS ADELAIDE TESTS five runs. time, you can’t put teams under 1990 - Match drawn “Definitely there will be pressure.” 1983 - Match drawn some changes,” Azhar said of He added: “If we want to the team line-up, which will be pick up 20 wickets we have to 1976 - Match drawn announced today. Asked if bring a lot of control and he has feel he has something to offer.” Shah, 16, could also be rested execute our plan perfectly.” 1972 - Australia won by an innings and 114 runs Abbas would be one of those worked a lot since the last Test Azhar would not say who with Pakistan keen to manage Pakistan have played one FIRST TEST RESULT

changes, he replied: “Yes.” match on his rhythm and he is Abbas would replace, but Imran the workload of the teenager, pink-ball fixture in Australia --

Brisbane Australia won by an innings and 5 runs “He’s (Abbas) done well in feeling better,” he said. “Obvi- Khan is a candidate after failing whose mother died recently. three years ago in Brisbane, Test matches, he can definitely ously a bowler of his class, you to fire in Brisbane. Naseem Pakistan desperately need when they lost by 39 runs. 18 SPORT FRIDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2019 Al Gharafa hold Al Arabi; Al Khor, Qatar SC win THE PENINSULA Qatar SC in their other games. DOHA Also yesterday, Al Khor maintained their lead in the Al Gharafa and Al Arabi played group and raised their score to out a 1-1 draw in Round 4 of the 10 points with a 2-1 win against 2019-20 Ooredoo Cup at the Al Al Sailiya. The Ooredoo Cup Round 4 Khor Stadium yesterday. Al Khor took a 2-0 lead early will continue on Sunday, In yesterday’s Group B clash, in the first half through Abdullah December 1 with Al Wakrah the reigning champions Al Al Muraisi and Saeed Ibrahimi in taking on Al Rayyan (16:00) at Al Gharafa fought back after Hamdi the 5th and 6th minutes before Khor Stadium. Later, Al Sadd will Harbaoui took Al Arabi ahead in the gap was reduced by Al Sailiya face Umm Salal (18:10) at Al the 35th minute. Sofiane Hanni captain Magdy Sidik in the 63rd. Shamal Stadium and Al Shahania put Al Gharafa on level terms in Elsewhere, Brazilian striker play Al Ahli (18:10) at Al Wakrah the 41st minute. Caique Moreno Rodriguez scored Stadium. Al Gharafa now have two a winner for Qatar SC as they points and Al Arabi six. overcame Al Duhail 1-0 at Al The Cheetahs have not won Wakra Stadium. any match so far and have one Rodriguez scored the goal in draw (2-2 against Al Duhail) to the 51st minute. their credit. They lost two With this result, Qatar Club matches (0-3 to Qatar SC and 1-3 increased its score to 10 points to Al Khor). and remained in second place on Al Arabi drew 1-1 with Al goal difference from first-placed Khor, defeated Al Sailiya 2-1 Al Khor, while Al Duhail stopped Action during the Ooredoo Cup Group B match between Al Gharafa and Al Arabi yesterday. The match ended in a one-all draw. and played out a 1-1 draw with at two points. Messi-inspired Barca march into CL knockouts as Napoli frustrate Liverpool

AP BARCELONA Barcelona’s Lionel Messi (left) scores their second goal against Borussia Dortmund during their Champions League Group F match at Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain, on Wednesday. Another day to celebrate for Lionel Messi. Another frustrating day for Liverpool against a Sania Mirza familiar opponent. Messi marked his 700th game for Barcelona with a goal and two assists in a 3-1 win over India’s Borussia Dortmund 3-1 that sent his team into the knockout Mirza set rounds of the Champions League on Wednesday. Defending champion Liv- for tennis erpool couldn’t replicate that feat as it struggled once again against comeback Napoli. The two clubs have played in Hobart four times in the last 13 months, with Napoli winning two of those AFP games. This time, Dejan Lovren’s NEW DELHI header rescued a 1-1 draw for Liverpool, which must try again Indian tennis star Sania Mirza to qualify against Salzburg on yesterday announced her December 10. return to competitive tennis at Chelsea will also have to wait the Hobart International in for qualification after drawing January, two years after taking 2-2 with Valencia on a freak then the Uruguayan returned knockout stages, but couldn’t CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Erling Haaland became the first a maternity break. goal, while Leipzig qualified for the favor. Another Messi assist quite snatch a third win in its last Group E teenager to score in five consec- The 33-year-old, who last the first time after a dramatic set up Antoine Griezmann for four games against the Cham- Liverpool 1 - 1 Napoli utive Champions League games played at the China Open in comeback. Talented teenager the third. pions League holder. KRC Genk 1 - 4 Red Bull Salzburg as Salzburg beat Genk 4-1. The October 2017, will team up with Erling Haaland scored again for For Dortmund, it was a third Dries Mertens scored from a Group F Norwegian 19-year-old came off Ukraine’s Nadiia Kichenok -- Salzburg to set a record. game without a win and perhaps long pass in the 21st before FC Barcelona 3 - 1 Borussia the bench to get one assist and ranked 38 in the WTA doubles It’s not like Barcelona to a step closer to the exit for coach Lovren’s header from a corner Dortmund score Salzburg’s fourth. chart. grind out results, and beating Lucian Favre. He and the players levelled the game for Liverpool. Slavia Prague 1 - 3 Internazionale Salzburg can still qualify if it Mirza, who married former Dortmund brought back some were already targets for fans’ There was a blow for the Reds Group G beats Liverpool in the final game. Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib welcome swagger. anger after Friday’s 3-3 Bun- as defensive midfielder Fabinho RB Leipzig 2 - 2 Benfica Chelsea could have gone Malik, gave birth to her first For the team that leads La desliga draw with Paderborn. was forced off injured. FC Zenit 2 - 0 Olympique Lyonnais through with a win over child -- a son the couple named Liga despite rarely seeming to Earlier, Lautaro Martinez The draw halted a seven- Group H Valencia, but drew 2-2 and must Izhaan. reach top gear, Barcelona’s 3-1 scored twice as Inter Milan beat game winning streak for Liv- Lille OSC 0 - 2 Ajax now wait until its final group “I am playing in Hobart, win over Dortmund finally Slavia Prague 3-1. Inter can still erpool in all competitions, Valencia CF 2 - 2 Chelsea game against Lille. then I am playing the Australian showcased the talent and crea- qualify from Group F, but Slavia including a win on penalties over Valencia missed a series of Open,” Mirza was quoted as tivity in the team. is out. Arsenal in the League Cup. chances including a penalty saying by the Press Trust of As they have for years, Another game against Napoli “We couldn’t put it to bed “It’s always difficult, there are before Daniel Wass scored a India news agency. Messi and Luis Suarez com- and more frustration. tonight but it’s the Champions some really good teams so we freak goal from a cross in the “I am planning to play a bined for the first two goals. The Italian side stopped Liv- League, it’s difficult,” Liverpool have to stay positive.” 82nd to snatch a point for tournament in Mumbai, which First Messi assisted for Suarez, erpool sealing a spot in the captain Jordan Henderson said. In the other Group E game, Valencia. is a $25,000 (ITF women’s event) next month, but I am 50-50 about it, so let’s see how my wrist behaves. We will see, Manchester City owners but Hobart and Australian Open (for sure).” She added that she had snap up Mumbai City experienced “a lot of change” after having a baby. “Your routine and sleep AFP include New York City, Melbourne pattern changes. I (now) feel fit, LONDON City, Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan my body is where it used to be and Girona FC in Spain. before I had the baby,” Mirza Manchester City’s parent company “We believe that this investment said. City Football Group announced will deliver transformative benefits The Hobart WTA takes yesterday that it had bought a to Mumbai City FC, to City Football place between January 11-18 majority stake in Mumbai City, Group and to Indian football as a and is a key lead-in tournament expanding its global empire of whole,” said CFG chairman Kha- to the Australian Open. teams. ldoon Al Mubarak. Mirza, regarded as India’s The Premier League club “City Football Group is com- best-ever women’s tennis tweeted that CFG was delighted to mitted to the future of football in player, will partner American welcome the Indian club to its India and to the potential for Rajeev Ram for the mixed “family of clubs”. Mumbai City FC within that future.” doubles at the Australian Open. “City Football Group (CFG) has Manchester City have won the Mirza in 2005 became the agreed a deal to acquire a majority Premier League title four times first Indian to win a WTA tour- stake in its eighth club, Mumbai City since Abu Dhabi United Group, the nament singles title. She FC in the Indian Super League, investment vehicle owned by reached the fourth round of the marking a major move into Indian Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al US Open in the same year, and football. CFG will become the 65 Nahyan, took over the club. They by 2007 was among the percent majority shareholder of the have enjoyed 11 successive years of women’s top 30. A rider is seen with his horse at the vet check ahead of the third round of 2019 Longines club, alongside existing share- financial growth and earlier this But a wrist injury ended her Hathab Qatar Equestrian Tour which kicks off today. Action begins today with Small Tour at holders, acclaimed actor and film month reported record revenue of singles dream and she focused 3:00pm while the Individual and team competitions of the Medium Tour will start at 5:30pm. producer, Ranbir Kapoor and Bimal £535.2m last season. They are sitting on doubles tennis. A part- The annual series is organized and hosted jointly by Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) and Al Parekh who combined will hold the third in the Premier League table nership with Swiss great Shaqab, member of Qatar Foundation. remaining 35 percent of shares.” and reached the knockout stages of Martina Hingis produced three Other clubs in the CFG stable the Champions League on Tuesday. Grand Slam titles. SPORT

PAGE | 17 PAGE | 18 Pakistan recall Messi-inspired Barca paceman Abbas march into CL after Gabba knockouts as Napoli horror show frustrate Liverpool

Friday 29 November 2019

Al Annabi climb Qatar aim to bounce back two spots in with a win against Yemen FIFA rankings THE PENINSULA ARMSTRONG VAS ZURICH THE PENINSULA Coach Felix Sanchez during a pre-match Qatar have moved up two places to return to the Having lost their first match of the training session on 55th position in FIFA rankings. 24th Arabian Gulf Cup, Qatar aim to the eve of Qatar’s We expect a highly Qatar beat Singapore and Afghanistan this second match of the collect full points against Yemen in competitive game month before going down to Iraq in the gulf Cup today’s Group A match at the Khalifa 24th Arabian Gulf Cup opener two days ago. The loss against Iraq also against Yemen which tomorrow and we International Stadium. will go for a win, ended an impressive six-match unbeaten streak On Tuesday, the Asian champions will take place at the for the Felix Sanchez-coached team. lost 2-1 to Iraq and now need full Khalifa International and the players have The top five remains unchanged and there points in the next two matches to Stadium today. all the enthusiasm is only one change in the top 10, with Croatia keep their chances of qualifying for and motivation. We (6th, up 1) climbing for the second successive the semi-final stage of the tour- played tough games edition at the expense of Portugal (7th, down 1). nament alive. in Asia, Copa America The Tunisian team topped the rankings Coach Felix Sanchez said his and, step by step, we among the Arab teams, where it ranked 27th players are ‘fully committed’ and while Algeria ranked second in the Arab world ‘focused’ on the task which lies ahead will be on the right and 35 in the world. Morocco are in third place for them. track to deliver the in the Arab world and ranked 43 in the FIFA “We are prepared for the Yemen’s best possible results: computer. game. Everyone knows and under- Coach Felix Sanchez Japan are leading in Asia and are ranked 28th stands the importance of the game,” in the world, followed by Iran, South Korea, Aus- the Spaniard said while speaking to tralia and Qatar. journalists on the eve of the match. win, and the players have all the Qatar's Abdelkarim Belgium are the leaders in the rankings, fol- “I have full confidence in the enthusiasm and motivation,” he said. Hassan and captain lowed by France, the world champions, Brazil players and they are fully committed, Sanchez said Qatar will give fans Hassan Al Haydos (left) in and England. and they are thirsty to achieve pos- a lot to cheer in the tournament. action during a training itive results. We will give 100% to “We played tough games in Asia, session yesterday. achieve (positive) results and provide Copa America and, step by step, we the best performance, and most will be on the right track to deliver importantly to be fully committed the best possible results,” he said. Iraq to host and focused,” Sanchez added. Meanwhile, Yemen coach Sami The Qatar tactician said the hosts Al Hadi his players will be on guard next Gulf Cup created a lot of openings but could against committing any defensive not translate them into goals. He was errors against the hosts. confident his players will be suc- “A very difficult game awaits us THE PENINSULA cessful on the goal front against because both the two teams lost their DOHA Yemen. opening game. We hope to provide “We were disappointed after the a good level against Qatar,” Al Hadi Iraq will host the next Arabian Gulf Cup, the Arab Iraq game despite the opportunities said. Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF) announced we had we could not score goals. We “I hope the team will be in the yesterday. hope this will change against the best shape and the defenders will be The 25th edition of the regional tournament Yemen’s game, and we hope to win more focused, and we expect the will be held two years from now in Basra. and score goals,” Sanchez said. hosts to attack so I hope we do not The decision was taken during the General “We expect a highly competitive make any defensive mistakes,” he Conference of the championship held yesterday game tomorrow and we will go for a added. at Sheraton Hotel in Doha. The conference was chaired by the President of the AGCFF and President of Qatar Football Association, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, We are ‘determined’ in the presence of Vice-President Dr. Jassim bin Mohammed Al Shukaili, Secretary-General Jassim Al Rumaihi and representatives of member to return to winning associations. In a press conference held yesterday, the AGCFF Secretary-General said that the Iraqi bid ways, says striker Afif had the support of all members of the Gulf Union and stressed that the President of the Federation THE PENINSULA plan and it does not matter how we is committed to assist Iraq Football Association DOHA score. We are thinking of winning and in organising the tournament. achieving the three points.” Qatar aim to put behind them their Afif shot down the suggestion that disappointingting opening match loss his team-matesteam-mates were tense during the against Iraqq andand come backback stronglystrongly openingopening matcmatchh against IraqIraq.. UAEUA target full points against Iraq against Yemen,men, said striker AkramAkram “No,“No, that is not true. Afif (pictured)red). WeWe ddidid not appear ARMSTRONGARMSTR VAS Qatar, he said: “We train daily in a special Afif saidid hishis team-matesteam-mates tense. We playedplayed the THE PENINSULAPEN way and I like to attack, but sometimes are fully awareaware ofof thethe tasktask game calmlycalmly anandd we have to change some things, and we which lies ahead of thethemm aandnd whatwhat hhappenedappened was DutchDutch ccoach of UAE team Bert van Marwijk will start to face Iraq in a way that leads the responsibilitiesnsibilities which thatthat wwee ddidid nnotot take (pictured)(pictur said they are targeting full us to win.” come alongg withwith it.it. advantageadvantage ooff tthehe pointspoints against Iraq in the Group A match Meanwhile, Iraq coach Strecko “The outcomeutcome of the Iraq opportunities,” he of the 224th Arabian Gulf Cup at the Khalifa Katanec said he is undecided on whom he match was ddisappointingisappointing anandd this added.added. InternationalInterna Stadium here today. will field against UAE. is somethingng we must fforget.orget. We are BothBot the teams began their campaign “After today’s training, I will decide determineded to rreturneturn bacbackk to onon a winningw note in the eight-nation what to do. Everyone is ready and wants winning ways.ays. We knowknow tthehe ddif-if- regiregionalon championship, with UAE to participate and this is good. I will choose ficult taskk whichwhich lieslies trouncingtrounci Yemen 3-0 while Iraq squeezed what is appropriate,” Katanec said. ahead for uss andand alsoalso pastpast hostsho Qatar 2-1. against Qatar confirms their strength and The Iraqi coach admitted Qatar were we are awareware of “We“W only had two days to recover. In presence in the stadium,” he added. a better team on Tuesday but his team was the size ooff thethe ootherther competitionsc there is more time to Van Marwijk said he is bringing a successful in scoring goals while Qatar responsibility.”lity.” prepprppreparear and get back, but this is the case young side to Qatar which is in the tran- could not latch on to the opportunities that Afif saidaid forfo all teams and we cannot do much sitional stage and he needs time to build came their way. they weree inin two days and we will rely on our a strong team. “Football is like this, Qatar was better targetingg fitness,”fit Van Marwijk told a press “Everyone knows that we started then us but they did not score goals and full pointss conferenceco on the eve of the match. months ago and we have young players. we scored. I am realistic and realise that and it doess “Iraq is a strong team physically We want to win every game in the tour- tomorrow’s game is very difficult and the not matterer andan mentally. I played against Iraq nament. We need time to develop and players have to show all their potential to how the goalsoals came. whenwh I was coach of Saudi Arabia and upgrade the players.” win, and I hope that the scenario of Qatar “We willill playplay accordingaccording to thethe I kknownow their strengths, and what they gave On the tactics to be employed against will be repeated again.” 20 HOME FRIDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2019