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Sunday, November 4, 2018 TENNIS Safar 26, 1440 AH Djokovic ousts GULF TIMES Federer in epic Paris semi-final SPORT Page 4 FIA MIDDLE EAST RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP Al-Attiyah confi rms record 14th Middle East rally title Qatari star goes past Ben Sulayem’s mark of 13 MERC titles with his seventh win in the Kuwait International Rally

POSITIONS AFTER SS13 (TOP FIVE) 5. Khaled Juma (JOR)/Emad Juma MERC STANDINGS (TOP 11) (JOR) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X 2hrs 1. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT) 146pts 1. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT)/Mat- 40min 21.3sec thieu Baumel (FRA) Ford Fiesta R5 1hr 2. Vojtech Stajf (CZE) 93pts 58min 24.8sec 6. Abdullah al-Rawahi (OMN)/Ata Al-Hmoud (JOR) Subaru Impreza 2hrs 3. Meshari al-Thefiri (KWT) 59pts 2. Meshari al-Thefiri (KWT)/Nasser 49min 39.7sec 4. Roger Feghali (LBN) 38pts al-Kuwari (QAT) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X 2hrs 10min 43.8sec 7. Henry Kahy (LBN)/Musa Djiyerian 5. Khaled Juma (JOR) 32pts (JOR) Škoda Fabia 2hrs 57min 43.4sec 3. Nasser Khalifa al-Attiyah (QAT)/ 6. Christos Demostheous (CYP) 25pts Nicola Arena (ITA) Mitsubishi Lancer 8. Ihab al-Shorafa (JOR)/Yousef Juma 7. Rodolphe Asmar (LBN) 24pts (JOR) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX 3hrs Evo X 2hrs 26min 28.3sec 8. Henry Kahy (LBN) 21pts 00min 03.5sec 4. Vojtech Stajf (CZE)/Ladislav Kucera 9. Eddy Karam (LBN) 19pts (CZE) Skoda Fabia R5 2hrs 29min 9. Shadi Shaban (JOR)/Tarek al-Taher 9. Alexandros Tsouloftas (CYP) 19pts 30.7sec (JOR) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX 3hrs 07min 22.6sec 9. Nasser Khalifa al-Attiyah (QAT) 19pts

Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (right) and his co-driver Mathieu Baumel celebrate their victory in the Kuwait International Rally yesterday. This was al-Attiyah’s seventh win in Kuwait.

By A Correspondent al-Marri to the title in 2010. the former QMMF president and FIA Arifjan, Kuwait “This a fantastic result for me and vice-president acclimatised to the the whole team after another excellent tricky conditions with aplomb. Despite season,” said al-Attiyah. “To break the missing out on points for fi nishing the ecord-breaking Nasser Saleh long-standing record is very satisfy- opening leg because of a diff erential al-Attiyah confi rmed a 14th ing. There have been many memories issue, he and Italian navigator Nicola FIA Middle East Rally Cham- along the way and many battles with Arena bounced back to round off the pionship (MERC) title with a some great drivers. Now we can look to podium positions. Rdominant victory in the 25th Kuwait the future and push ahead with more Vojtech Stajf missed out on the re- International Rally at Kuwait Motor records of our own.” gional title, but the Czech has enjoyed Town yesterday afternoon. Kuwaiti driver Meshari al-Thefi ri an impressive debut season in the re- The Qatari’s seventh win in Kuwait and Qatari co-driver Nasser al-Kuwari gional series and pushed al-Attiyah and his 69th career MERC win secured began the day in second overall and the hard on some stages. He has already se- the record-breaking 14th regional title local star drove at a measured pace to cured the runner-up spot in the cham- by the margin of 12min 19.2sec. confi rm his fourth MERC 2/Group N pionship and rewarded his mechanics’ Al-Attiyah now has the record for the title in the regional series. Victory in hard work on Friday afternoon with a number of MERC titles to himself after his home event continues to elude the solid fourth-placed fi nish in his Skoda FIA offi cial Jerome Roussel examined Mitsubishi driver, however. His father Fabia R5. the archives recently and confi rmed Ahmed al-Thefi ri remains the only Ku- Friday’s stages decimated the fi eld that the 1989 regional series had been waiti national ever to win the event – at and all but three teams returned to ac- cancelled because only three rallies had the wheel of a Datsun Violet before the tion under the Rally 2 ruling. Jordanian taken place and Dubai driver Mohamed MERC was formed back in 1981. driver Khaled Juma reached the fi nish Ben Sulayem had actually won 13 offi - Lebanon’s Henry Kahy and Jordani- in fi fth position and Oman’s Abdullah cial championship titles. an navigator Musa Djiyerian celebrated al-Rawahi overcame his misfi re issues Al-Attiyah’s French co-driver Mat- the driver’s fi rst MERC 3 title success to fi nish sixth in the sole Subaru Imp- thieu Baumel secured his third regional in a two-wheel drive Skoda Fabia, al- reza. title and his 17th MERC event win to though the category win secured a sec- This year’s event was organised by move ahead of John Spiller and into ond successive series triumph for his the Basil Salem Al-Sabah Motor Racing third in the regional Hall of Fame be- navigator – Djiyerian had co-driven Club (BMRC) under the chairmanship hind Ronan Morgan, Chris Patterson fellow Jordanian Asem Aref to the title of Sheikh Athbi Nayef Jaber al-Ahmad and Giovanni Bernacchini. The suc- in 2017. The duo reached the fi nish in al-Sabah and in conjunction with the cess also marked an astonishing 15th seventh overall. General Authority for Sport and the regional title in 16 seasons for Ken Nasser Khalifa al-Attiyah hadn’t Kuwait International Automobile Club Skidmore’s Autotek Motorsport opera- taken part in an MERC event since the (KIAC). Zain Kuwait was the main tion, which also guided the late Misfer 2007 Dubai International Rally, but sponsor. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, November 4, 2018 SPORT

ACHIEVEMENT Qatar qualify for 2019 3x3 W Cup in Amsterdam By Sports Reporter said. The QBF will hold a cel- tournament, the women’s 3x3 ebration tonight to mark the tournament, the Shoot-Out occasion. The FIBA 3x3 World Contest (mixed), the Skills Cup 2019 is the leading 3x3 Contest (women) and last but he Qatar men’s 3x3 event for national teams and not least the Dunk Contest basketball team have takes place in Amsterdam, the (men). qualified for the 2019 Netherlands. It will combine There is increased interest in TWorld Cup, the Qa- top-level sport, culture, music the 3x3 format worldwide due tar Basketball Federation an- and entertainment, according to its inclusion in the 2020 To- nounced yesterday. to organisers. kyo Olympics. The development came The very best from around Qatar, it may be mentioned about after Qatar achieved a the world do battle in five dif- won the 2014 3x3 World Cup The World Cup winning Qatar 3x3 team in 2014. world ranking of 17, the QBF ferent events: the men’s 3x3 when it was held in .

FOOTBALL/EPL QNB STARS LEAGUE Gray lift s Leicester, Haroon, Soria shine Liverpool top aft er for Rayyan draw with Arsenal ‘The way everyone at the club handles themselves is a testament to the family Vichai built’

Al Rayyan players congratulate Musa Haroon after he scored against Qatar Sports Club yesterday.

By Sports Reporter With Cameroonian great Doha Samuel Eto’o and bright young prospect Ahmed Moein out of action, Qatar usa Haroon and Se- SC found it tough to make bastian Soria struck inroads in either half as Al MRayyan blanked In another match, Al Ahli de- Qatar SC 2-0 in the QNB Stars feated Al Khor 2-0 at the Al Khor League at the Qatar SC Stadium Stadium on Saturday. yesterday. Abdelrahman Mohamed (44th Haroon’s goal came in the 16th minute) and substitute Ali Fery- minute, while Soria consolidated doon (90+2) scored the goals. for the team in the 58th. Al Ahli raised their points to 18, Al Rayyan now are second with while Al Khor stayed on eight and 21 points. Qatar SC remained on face relegation threat. 11. Al Khor dominated the pro- The Lions had advantage in ceedings in the fi rst half even ball possession in the fi rst half, though it was Al Ahli who suc- Leicester City players James Maddison (2R) and Demarai Gray (3L) display a banner showing Leicester City Chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha holding the Premier League but The Kings made it slightly in ceeded in scoring, against the run trophy following their match against Cardiff City in Cardiff yesterday. their favour (51 per cent) as the of play. match ended despite the defeat. The host team forced seven AFP Results boards behind either goal. smashed home from a tight angle in the Haroon took Al Rayyan ahead corners too as against the visi- London Leicester’s players and staff linked arms 82nd minute. by heading in a Rodrigo Tabata tors’ one. Bournemouth 1 Manchester United 2 on the centre circle to pay tribute during a Liverpool, unbeaten in their 11 league corner. Omid Ibrahimi, Al Ahli’s hero Cardiff 0 Leicester City 1 poignant silence that left Schmeichel in games this season, move one point above With Cameroonian great Sam- in their big win over Al Sadd in eicester paid an emotional tribute Everton 3 Brighton & Hove Albion 1 tears. Claude Puel’s team, playing with Manchester City, who would reclaim top uel Eto’o and bright young pros- the previous round, unleashed a to Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha as Newcastle United 1 Watford 0 poise and desire despite their traumatic spot if they avoid defeat against South- pect Ahmed Moein out of action, powerful free-kick and Al Khor’s the grief-stricken club won 1-0 West Ham United 4 Burnley 2 week, fi nally had a cathartic moment in ampton today. Qatar SC found it tough to make Mohammed Al Bakri, who had a at Cardiff following their owner’s Arsenal 1 Liverpool 1 the 55th minute. At Dean Court, Marcus Rashford’s inroads. good game, put the ball to safety. Ltragic death, while Alexandre Lacazette’s A superb cross from Ben Chilwell was close-range fi nish in stoppage-time Yet, they created chances. Syr- Soon, at the other end, Ahmed Wolverhampton Tottenham Hotspur late equaliser gave Arsenal a 1-1 draw 1945 fi nished off by Gray, who celebrated by helped Manchester United hit back to win ian striker Osama Omari hit wide Yasin headed the ball against the against new Premier League leaders Liv- Playing today lifting his shirt to reveal a message that 2-1 after a dismal opening period. of the mark and Mohammed Jabri left upright. Yasin came close for erpool yesterday. Manchester City vs Southampton read “For Vichai”. Callum Wilson’s 11th-minute opener shot over the crossbar. Ali Jasemi a second time in the 26th minute, Thai billionaire Vichai was among fi ve Chelsea vs Crystal Palace It earned Gray a booking from referee for Bournemouth was cancelled out by too got an opportunity before the but his shot from close range was people killed when his helicopter crashed Playing tomorrow Lee Probert in a move that followed the Anthony Martial’s 35th-minute eff ort as teams went into the break. sent out by Al Ahli goalkeeper outside Leicester’s King Power Stadium Huddersfield Town vs Fulham letter of the law, but showed little com- United survived a series of missed chanc- Qatar SC put up an improved Ivanildo Rodrigues. following last Saturday’s match against mon sense given the circumstances. es from the hosts. performance in the latter ses- As the fi rst half was draw- West Ham. “I feel proud. It’s been a really tough Leicester’s players huddled together It was United’s third victory in their last sion. Brazilian striker Lucca ing to a close, Al Ahli grabbed The horrifi c accident triggered a week week for everyone. The way everyone at in celebration at full-time, with many of four league games, but boss Jose Mour- Borges came up with a header off the lead through Abdelrahman of mourning in Leicester and around the the club handles themselves is a testa- them due to fl y to Thailand to join Vichai’s inho was furious with his side’s latest Mohamed Juma cross, only to be who hit home a rebound from Al world of football. ment to the family Vichai built,” Sch- funeral immediately after the game. sloppy start. thwarted by goalkeeper Jassim Bakri who fi rst blocked Mouhcine With Vichai’s funeral underway on meichel said. On any other weekend, the showdown “I said at half-time I was the lucki- al-Hail. Moutaouli’s shot. Saturday in , Leicester headed to “That took a lot. It has been an emo- between revitalised Arsenal and title- est manager in the Premier League in a Al Rayyan doubled the lead Al Ahli took the fi eld after the Cardiff for a match that served as a chance tional day. I’m glad we got three points for chasing Liverpool would have hogged the half when the score should be like 6-2,” when Soria evaded the off side breather by replacing Ali Qa- to honour their late owner and begin the him. spotlight which instead shone on Leices- Mourinho said. trap and beat Al Hail after Koh deri, who was the livewire in The healing process. “I can’t imagine what his family are ter. “We were defensively awful. The fi rst Myong-Jin fed him with a de- Brigadiers’ midfi eld, with experi- While results have been rendered ir- going through. We did it for him and his The Emirates Stadium clash proved a half was a disaster. The second half was fence-splitting through pass. enced striker Meshaal Abdullah. relevant by the crash, it was fi tting that family.” classic encounter as Arsenal showed they much better.” Koh was at it again in the 65th After Al Bakri thwarted Mo- Leicester took the points in their fi rst Leicester’s players had worn white are capable of going toe to toe with the top Newcastle earned their fi rst league minute, but this time, Lucca and hammed Muntari in the 68th match since Vichai’s death, thanks to De- t-shirts bearing Vichai’s image and the four after years of underachievement. win this season as Ayoze Perez’s 66th- then Soria failed to connect his minute, Al Khor’s Brazilian pro- marai Gray’s second-half winner at the words “The Boss” on the front of them Unai Emery’s side fell behind to James minute header sealed a 1-0 success cross at the goalmouth. fessional Wagner Ferreira had a Cardiff City Stadium. during the pre-match warm-up. Milner’s clinical fi nish after Bernd Leno against Watford at St James’ Park. Qatar SC’s Rami Fayez, who couple of chances towards the Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Sch- On the back an inscription read “Khun pushed out Sadio Mane’s cross in the 61st After 10 matches without a victory, returned from an injury layoff , end. However, he could not capi- meichel felt the tragedy more than most Vichai You Will Be Forever In Our Hearts”. minute. Rafael Benitez’s side fi nally broke their Ali Awad and Hussein Ali all tried talise on both of them. as he witnessed the immediate aftermath A minute’s silence was impeccably But fourth placed Arsenal extended duck to climb out of the relegation zone. their best as the game wore on. Then came the goal of Fery- of the crash moments after the helicopter observed, with a wreath laid on the pitch their unbeaten run in all competitions Richarlison’s brace inspired Everton’s However, the scoreline remained doon, who came in for Muntari went down. and images of Vichai shown on the score- to 14 games as French striker Lacazette 3-1 win over Brighton. unchanged. right at the end of regular time. Gulf Times Sunday, November 4, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

BUNDESLIGA Bayern held at home, lose ground to Dortmund AFP Dortmund restored their four-point lead over wing as the 18-year-old claimed his fi fth goal Berlin Bayern with a hard-fought 1-0 win at Wolfsburg in just six Bundesliga games, this time from the as club captain Marco Reus headed their fi rst- edge of the area on 19 minutes. half winner. Leverkusen winger Karim Bellarabi sent Ger- ayern Munich leaked a late equaliser in Injuries to Lukasz Piszczek and Marcel many head coach Joachim Loew,a reminder of yesterday’s 1-1 home draw to Freiburg to Schmelzer meant Dortmund had to reshuf- his talent with the equaliser, fi red home from a leave them four points adrift of Borus- fl e their defence and struggled to fi nish their tight angle with half an hour gone. Loew names sia Dortmund before next weekend’s chances. his squad for the upcoming games against Rus- BundesligaB showdown. England winger Jadon Sancho, 18, who has al- sia and the Netherlands next week. Having laboured to a 2-1 win at fourth-tier ready set up six league goals this season, fi red in However, the scores were level for just four part-timers Roedinghausen in the German Cup another superb cross from the left wing which minutes. Joelinton headed Hoff enheim back into on Tuesday, Bayern struggled again at the Al- Thomas Delaney headed back towards Reus, the lead and then won a penalty, converted by lianz Arena — exactly a week before they face who steered the ball inside the post with his Italian midfi elder Vincenzo Grifo on 49 minutes leaders Dortmund away in a top-of-the-table head on 28 minutes. to make it 3-1. clash. It was Dortmund’s 30th goal in just their 10th Joelinton capped the rout 17 minutes from Bayern’s star-studded attack needed 80 min- league game, but was a far from polished per- time by fi ring home Grifo’s fi nal pass to keep the utes to break the deadlock when Serge Gnabry formance from the leaders. pressure on Leverkusen coach Heiko Herrlich. dribbled through the defence and struck his Dortmund striker Paco Alcacer, in his fi rst shot low into the bottom right-hand corner. game back after injury, failed to add to his tally Results However, Freiburg showed plenty of heart after scoring seven goals in his fi rst four Bun- Bayern Munich 1 (Gnabry 80) SC Freiburg 1 when Lucas Hoeler got in between Bayern’s bur- desliga games. After two huge wins on the (Hoeler 89) ly centre-backs Niklas Suele and Jerome Boat- road, Bayer Leverkusen, who thrashed Werder Schalke 04 3 (Bentaleb 57-pen, Embolo 71, Uth eng to equalise on 89 minutes and leave Munich Bremen 6-2 last Sunday and hammered Borus- 85) Hanover 1 (Weydandt 70) head coach Niko Kovac shaking his head in frus- sia Moenchengladbach 5-0 in the German Cup Bayer Leverkusen 1 (Bellarabi 30) Hoff enheim 4 tration. There could be more bad news coming in mid-week, crashed to a 4-1 defeat at home to (Nelson 19, Joelinton 34, 73, Grifo 49-pen) for Kovac as Borussia Moenchengladbach can Hoff enheim, whose Brazilian striker Joelinton FC Augsburg 2 (Finnbogason 11, Schmid 59) leap-frog Bayern into second if they beat strug- Bayern Munich defender Niklas Suele (L) and Freiburg’s striker Lucas Hoeler (R) vie for the ball dur- scored twice. English teenager Reiss Nelson, on Nuremberg 2 (Fuchs 54, Mühl 88) glers Fortuna Duesseldorf at home today. ing their German Bundesliga match in Munich yesterday. loan from Arsenal, was again lethal on the right VfL Wolfsburg 0 Dortmund 1 (Reus 27)

LA LIGA AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Brazilian duo put Antlers in control Vinicius makes Champions League but we also Reuters Kashima have a domestic league game as well so we just want to keep go- ing.” razilian duo Leo Silva Kashima struggled for fl uency and Serginho scored to in the opening 20 minutes but ensure Kashima Antlers the eight-time Japanese cham- take a two-goal advan- pions asserted themselves as the the diff erence as tageB into the second leg of the game wore on. Asian Champions League fi nal Leo Silva’s opener gave Bei- next week following their 2-0 ranvand little chance in the 58th victory over Iran’s Persepolis minute and the fi rst-leg result yesterday. was put beyond any doubt in the Antlers, who are looking to 70th minute when Serginho’s win the continental title for the shot beat Iran’s World Cup goal- fi rst time, took the lead two min- keeper after the Persepolis de- Real Madrid win utes before the hour mark when fence failed to clear. Leo Silva picked the ball up on The Iranian side’s hopes were Atletico Madrid miss chance to go top after drawing 1-1 at struggling Leganes the edge of the area before fi r- hit further by Siamak Nemati’s ing a low left-foot shot into the sending off in injury time for a bottom corner of Alireza Beiran- second bookable off ence, mean- AFP For the second weekend run- vand’s goal. ing the midfi elder will miss the Madrid ning, Bale came off when his Twelve minutes later, Serginho return at the Azadi Stadium next team needed a goal. Isco and scored his fi fth goal in fi ve Asian Saturday, when the teams will Vinicius came on, the latter to an Champions League games since face off in Tehran in front of an antiago Solari tasted vic- explosion of cheers. joining Kashima in the summer expected crowd of more than tory in his fi rst La Liga The expectation on the from Santos when he latched on 80,000 fans. match in charge of Real 18-year-old was high but he de- to Kento Misao’s through ball to “This is a good result for the SMadrid but he had the livered, dribbling in from the left beat Beiranvand and leave Perse- Kashima team, 2-0 is a big re- 18-year-old Vinicius Junior to and unleashing a shot from the polis facing a tough challenge in sult,” said Persepolis coach thank for their 2-0 win over Real angle. It took a cruel defl ection the second leg. Branko Ivankovic. Valladolid yesterday. off Olivas and crept inside the “Looking at the second half, it “But we showed what we can Solari threw Vinicius on with corner. With the tension lifted, was the ideal performance from do. I expect and we hope that the score goalless and tension Madrid made sure in the 88th my team,” said Kashima coach we will be better than today. We building at the Santiago Berna- minute as Benzema was brought Go Oiwa. will try to do our best. It won’t be beu but the teenage striker de- down. Ramos chipped the pen- “But this is only the fi rst half easy. If it was 1-0 or 0-0 it would livered, before Sergio Ramos’ late alty down the middle. of a game of 180 minutes and be the same because Kashima penalty gave the scoreline a de- Earlier, Antoine Griezmann we want to concentrate on the play the same way away from ceptively comfortable look. scored a brilliant free-kick but next game, not only in the Asian home.” The opener in the 83rd minute Atletico Madrid missed the was an own-goal, defl ected off chance to go top after drawing 1-1 Kiko Olivas, but prompted by at struggling Leganes. Vinicius’ weaving run and shot, Griezmann’s bending eff ort in the kind of exuberance Madrid’s the second half looked likely to toothless attack has been so be- prove the diff erence in a contest reft of in recent weeks. short on chances at Butarque but Vinicius celebrated by running Guido Carrillo’s 82nd-minute over to the bench and hugging equaliser earned Leganes a de- Solari. He knows the youngster served point. better than anyone at the club, Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior celebrates scoring against Valladolid during their Atletico could have moved having managed him with Cas- Spanish league match in Madrid yesterday. above Barcelona, for a few hours tilla this season. at least, but instead Diego Sime- Julen Lopetegui had, under- course for a well-deserved point. of the far post. either side of half-time but there one’s side sit a point behind the standably, decided Madrid’s There were whistles at half-time Gareth Bale, Casemiro and was fresh impetus from the hosts league leaders, who were facing B team was the best place for from the home crowd, and dur- Benzema all went close with after the restart. Rayo Vallecano later yesterday. Vinicius to settle but with every ing the second half too. headers, two of them swung in In the space of a minute, Ben- Leganes remain 18th and without chance missed, the youngster’s Instead, Solari and Madrid from 21-year-old left-back Ser- zema’s shot was blocked by a win in fi ve matches. reputation has swelled. head into Wednesday’s Champi- gio Reguilon but Valladolid sur- the midriff of Fernando Calero, “We played for more and He started as Madrid thrashed ons League game against Vikto- vived. Then, as Madrid faded, Casemiro’s was palmed away and wanted more but have to settle Melilla in the Copa del Rey on ria Plzen with their confi dence they took control. Bale missed with another header. for a point,” Simeone said. Wednesday but those were op- boosted and momentum en- Antonito was sent clear but Again, Valladolid survived and “The feeling is bitter-sweet,” ponents from the Spanish third hanced. lifted his fi nish over both Thibaut again, they came back strong. added Saul Niguez. “We know tier. This was Solari’s fi rst proper They had started well. Their Courtois and the crossbar. Enes They hit the crossbar, twice. it is in these matches where the test. best chance of the fi rst half ar- Unal nipped in front Nacho but Ruben Alcaraz’s looping eff ort league is decided. Leganes played It could so easily have been rived in the third minute, Marco headed wide from six yards. plopped off the top but Toni Vil- a great fi rst half but we have to be diff erent, as Valladolid twice Asensio slipping in Karim Benze- The Real players departed to la’s left it quivering. Madrid were more ambitious and should have Kashima Antlers’ Serginho celebrates scoring the team’s second goal hit the crossbar and looked on ma, who dragged his fi nish wide whistles and returned to whistles shaking too. won.” with teammate Yuma Suzuki.

LIGUE 1 Mbappe, Neymar steer PSG to new record

AFP PSG extend their lead at the top the win record. Ligue 1 is not that night, it is not possible to do that a thigh injury, Mbappe and Ney- Paris of Ligue 1 to 11 points after a 12th easy. It is down to our hard work. two days before a match. It is not mar were the biggest threats to straight league win that means We give everything on the fi eld,” good what he did but it is some- Lille throughout, after arriving at they have now beaten Tottenham skipper Thiago Silva told Canal thing for the club to sort out,” the stadium disguised as charac- ylian Mbappe and Ney- Hotspur’s old record for consecu- Plus. Tuchel said, adding that Verratti ters from the Netfl ix show Money mar scored late goals tive wins at the start of a season. Mbappe was back in the PSG was “lucky” the incident did not Heist. to give Paris Saint- Spurs emerged victorious from starting line-up after being left on happen closer to the game. Neymar almost scored direct Germain a 2-1 win over their opening 11 matches in their the bench against Marseille last PSG needed to put the off -fi eld from a corner fi ve minutes before nearestK challengers Lille on Friday double-winning 1960-61 season, weekend for arriving late for the noise behind them but also try to half-time, with Lille goalkeeper as the French champions extend- a performance that had stood pre-game team talk, only to come break down a Lille side enjoying Mike Maignan doing well to get ed to 12 games their perfect start since as a record in Europe’s so- on and score the opener in a 2-0 their best start to a season in 66 his body in the way of the ball and to the season at the end of a trou- called big fi ve leagues — Spain, win. years. divert it onto the woodwork. bled day for the club. England, Italy, and Marco Verratti also started, de- Christophe Galtier’s side have Mbappe had a shot defl ected Mbappe produced a magnifi - . The result is a boost for spite PSG confi rming earlier on been excellent in this campaign, just wide as PSG stepped up the cent strike from just outside the PSG ahead of their crucial Cham- Friday that the Italian had been but their lively attack did not give pressure after the break, and it box 20 minutes from time, and pions League trip to Italy to face caught drink driving overnight Gianluigi Buff on much to worry was the 19-year-old who broke Neymar gave PSG a two-goal Napoli next Tuesday, when a de- Tuesday to Wednesday on the about on his return to the PSG the deadlock in the 70th minute, buff er before Nicolas Pepe pulled feat could leave Thomas Tuchel’s ring road around the French capi- line-up. beating Maignan after Neymar’s one back for the away side from side on the brink of an early exit. Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe (R) celebrates with Neymar tal. “He told me before training With Edinson Cavani not in- pass was kindly defl ected into his the penalty spot. “We deserved the result and after scoring against Lille in Paris on Friday night. on Wednesday. It was on Tuesday volved as he struggles to shake off path by Jose Fonte. Gulf Times 4 Sunday, November 4, 2018 SPORT

TENNIS SPOLTIGHT Djokovic ousts ‘Incredible’ Wang makes Federer in epic Zhuhai fi nal AFP Zhuhai, China

hina’s number one Wang Qiang out- classed double grand Paris semi-fi nal slam winner Garbine CMuguruza yesterday to book a Serbian star to take on Russia’s Karen Khachanov in today’s final place in the fi nal of the WTA Elite Trophy against Ashleigh Barty. Reuters The 26-year-old took full ad- Paris vantage of a late call-up to the semi-fi nal tie in Zhuhai after American Madison Keys pulled ovak Djokovic ru- out just hours before the match ined Roger Federer’s started. ambitions of a 100th Spurred on by home fans at the Ncareer title as he Hengqin International Tennis outlasted his great adversary Center, 11th seed Wang dominat- 7-6(6), 5-7, 7-6(3) in an epic ed the former world number one, nent motored to victory. Paris Masters semi-fi nal that winning 11 games in a row to take Barty told her post-match stretched his remarkable un- the match 6-2, 6-0. press conference: “It’s always beaten run to 22 matches yes- The world number 22 looked nice to get better as a match goes terday. calm and focused during the on. I felt pretty good physically In a 47th meeting between 73-minute semi-fi nal, while out there.” the two greats, the stubborn Muguruza appeared out of sorts Asked how she was able to turn Djokovic simply refused to be and frustrated, clattering her the match around after losing the beaten as he eked out a fourth racket on to the court in the sec- fi rst set, she said she made a tac- successive victory over Federer ond set. tical change. in a tiebreak decider after three Muguruza told her post-match “I think I had to try an as- compelling hours. press conference Wang’s per- sert myself a little bit earlier in It gave the Serbian the op- formance was “excellent”, add- points,” she said. portunity to mark his return to ing: “She was playing incredible “Then when I was able to fi - world number one tomorrow shots and not missing anything.” nally get some momentum and by winning a record-extending Asked if she was aff ected by get into Julia’s service games, I fi fth Paris title in Sunday’s fi nal the last-minute change of op- was able to get into points and against Russian Karen Khach- ponent, she said: “I mean, these work my way into those games anov, who earlier crushed Do- things happen. I was ready to and give myself a chance.” minic Thiem 6-4, 6-1. play a tough match, either it’s Goerges, who played a tough Djokovic, who had com- Keys or Wang, whoever it is. fi nal round-robin match against plained of competing with “But, no, I think I played a very Elise Mertens on Friday night, fl u-like symptoms in his previ- tough opponent today. Maybe said: “I think my body beat me ous matches this week, looked she was also a little bit surprised a bit today, and Ashleigh obvi- proud and relieved to repel a that she was playing and a little ously, too. wonderful challenge from Fed- bit more relaxed.” “I think I lost a little too much erer, who appeared close to his Wang’s victory sets up a fi nal energy on the match before, es- imperious best. clash today with Australia’s Bar- pecially mentally. I felt I could Yet even though his serve ty, who earlier overcame defend- not hold it up anymore.” was not broken once, it was still ing champion Julia Goerges 4-6, Now in its fourth year, the not enough for the 37-year-old 6-3, 6-2. Elite Trophy features 12 players Swiss, whose nerve failed him in Barty grew into the semi-fi - ranked roughly from nine to 20. an anti-climactic fi nal tiebreak nal against Germany’s Goerges, This year’s total prize money is in which he served a double WELL PLAYED: Serbia’s Novak Djokovic (L) greets Switzerland’s Roger Federer at the end of their match in Paris yesterday. seeded fi fth, and dominated the $2.35mn across the singles and fault and made two more care- third set to book her place in the doubles tournaments. less groundstroke errors. career lead over the Swiss to 1000 fi nal said. fi nal. Wang replaced Keys, who had a Federer was seeking to be- 25-22 after their longest-ever The 18th ranked Muscovite Goerges, who celebrated her knee injury, in yesterday’s semi- come only the second man after three-set duel. overpowered a third top-10 30th birthday on Friday, dropped fi nal because she fi nished second Jimmy Connors to win a century It was the fi rst time in their 12 player in successive days, hav- two service games in the decid- in their round-robin group with of professional tour titles fol- years of battling that Djokovic ing hammered Alexander Zver- ing set as her 22-year-old oppo- Daria Kasatkina. lowing his 99th win in Basel but had won four matches in suc- ev in the quarters and negoti- fell agonisingly short. cession against Federer, equal- ated John Isner’s huge serves in The 20-time Grand Slam ling the run that the Swiss him- the last-16. FOCUS champion lost the fi rst set de- self had once achieved at the Thiem, the world number spite having held set point in dawn of their rivalry. eight who on Friday had booked the tiebreak and had Djokovic in Earlier, Khachanov showed his place in the ATP Finals, was trouble in the fi nal set when the why he is one of the fi nest young out of sorts and seemed rushed Rakhimov elected Serb received a code violation talents in tennis with a thun- by the depth and power of at 4-4 for chucking his racket derous victory over Thiem. Khachanov’s groundstrokes. away in disgust after the Swiss The 22-year-old, 6ft 6in Russia’s Karen Khachanov in action against Austria’s Dominic Thiem. Remarkably, the Austrian AIBA president had saved two break points. Russian, already the owner of saw his powerful serve broken Ultimately, though, Federer, two indoor hard court titles this and practice partner in 70 one- that I was increasing my level, fi ve times in a row by Khach- AFP accredit Rakhimov for the Youth who saved all 12 break points year, moved one step away from sided minutes. which shows that I’m becom- anov at the end of the fi rst set Olympics in Buenos Aires. IOC on his serve, saw his resilience the biggest title of his career, “It was one of my best match- ing a better player,” Khachanov, and throughout a surprisingly president Thomas Bach said in ended as Djokovic extended his crushing his Austrian friend es, and what I’m happy about is who reached his fi rst Masters one-sided second. February that he was “extreme- ontroversial Uzbek ly worried about the governance businessman Gafur of AIBA”. Rakhimov was elected And though amateur box- president of the Inter- ing’s under-fi re chiefs handed Czech star Pliskova out of Fed Cup fi nal with torn calf nationalC Boxing Association over a crucial report on internal (AIBA) yesterday despite fears reforms to the IOC in April, the AFP Pliskova had picked up the in- days when even walking hurt Danielle Collins and 48th- the sold-out 15,000-capacity that his appointment could lead threat of losing a place in the Prague jury at the recent WTA Finals and I felt terrible, but I didn’t ranked Sofia Kenin and 15th- O2 Arena. to the sport’s ejection from the Olympic movement remains. in Singapore, and that she think it was important,” she ranked doubles player Nicole The United States beat Bela- Olympic Games. Until last week, Rakhimov would be replaced by world said in a tweet. Melichar — each making her rus in Minsk last year with a Rakhimov won 86 of the 134 was the only presidential candi- World number eight Karolina doubles number one Barbora “Our team is so strong that Fed Cup debut. team including Riske and after second-round votes collected date after Konakbayev, who won Pliskova has pulled out of the Krejcikova on the team. the girls will replace me,” she Alison Riske, ranked 63rd in seeing off the Czechs in the by AIBA offi cials in Moscow to the Olympic silver medal at the Fed Cup final against the United The Czechs have also called added as the Czechs are look- the world, will also make the semi-final. beat his only opponent, former Moscow Games in 1980 for the States over a torn calf muscle, up seventh-ranked Petra ing to improve their 2-10 head- trip to Prague for the Novem- Led by Kvitova and Pliskova, boxer Serik Konakbayev of Ka- Soviet Union, was barred from the Czech Republic team Kvitova, 33rd-ranked Barbora to-head Fed Cup score against ber 10-11 final. the Czechs have won five of zakhstan. standing by an AIBA election spokesman said yesterday. Strycova and 31st-ranked Ka- the defending champions. The final pitting the two most the last seven editions includ- Rakhimov, previously interim commission for allegedly fail- The team physiotherapist “has terina Siniakova, Krejcikova’s The United States will in turn successful nations in Fed Cup ing all three finals they have president, courted controversy ing to submit certain forms by a diagnosed a torn calf and re- doubles partner and fellow miss Serena and Venus Wil- history — the USA with 18 tro- played on Prague’s hardcourt. after being linked to organised deadline. newed chronic problems with doubles world number one. liams and WTA Finals runner- phies and the Czech Republic “We still have a strong team crime by the US Treasury De- Konakbayev lodged an appeal the wrist,” spokesman Karel Pliskova said she was “terribly up Sloane Stephens. with 10 including five as the and we are still the favourites partment. He has vigorously with the Court of Arbitration Tejkal said in a statement. sorry” to miss the final. Captain Kathy Rinaldi has former — will of the final,” said Czech team denied the allegations but in for Sport and last Tuesday’s de- He added the 26-year-old “Already in Singapore I had called on world number 35 be played on the hardcourt of captain Petr Pala. October the IOC froze relations cision by sports’ top arbitration with the AIBA and refused to court ruled in his favour.

MOTOGP Zarco moves up to pole position in Malaysia AFP with a hefty six-place grid pen- up the fastest lap time of 2min podium tomorrow,” he said. typically fall later in the afternoon Sepang, Indonesia alty, meaning he will start in sev- 12.161 sec fairly early on. But there was disappointment in Malaysia. enth. Marquez managed to main- for Ducati’s Andrea Dovizioso, “For me it is a clever choice (to The Spaniard was sanctioned tain his lead despite a crash after who crashed late on in the race, hold) the race at 1:00 pm. We will amaha’s Johann Zarco over an incident involving Suzuki about 10 minutes, which saw him and ended up clocking only the have more chance for a dry race,” was yesterday bumped rider Iannone, in which he was tumble out of the saddle as his fi fth fastest time. said Rossi. up to pole position for judged to have been riding irre- bike slipped on a sharp turn. The result dented his hopes of “If we wait until 3:00pm, may- Ythe Malaysian MotoGP, sponsibly and to have got in the He got up unhurt, quickly winning for a third time in a row in be we don’t race.” taking Marc Marquez’s spot af- Italian’s way on a sharp corner. changed to a new bike, and con- Malaysia and fi nishing the season The sudden heavy downpours ter the world champion was pe- The changes mean that tinued racing. as runner-up overall. and humidity have long been a nalised for an incident involving Frenchman Zarco will now start “Today I take profi t of one of He is currently second-placed challenge for riders in the Malay- Italian rider Andrea Iannone. in pole position in today’s Grand my strongest points, that is I in the overall standings with nine- sian Grand Prix. The last two edi- Honda’s Marquez clocked up Prix while Italian legend Valen- adapt really quick to the condi- time world champion Rossi — tions of the race were both hit by the fastest lap and looked to have tino Rossi will begin in second tions,” said Marquez. who last won in Malaysia in 2010 torrential rains. secured the 80th pole position of place. Zarco said he was hoping for — just 15 points behind in third. his career in a rain-hit qualifying After a delay of over an hour another podium fi nish at Sun- Organisers decided to shift to- Monster Yamaha Tech 3’s session at Sepang, in which he due to a tropical downpour, yes- day’s MotoGP, after he came third day’s Grand Prix forward by two Johann Zarco celebrates after had a minor crash. terday’s qualifying session got at Sepang last year. hours to 1:00 pm (0500 GMT) in taking pole position in Malaysia But after the race, he was hit underway with Marquez clocking “It would be nice to be on the a bid to avoid the heavy rains that yesterday. Gulf Times Sunday, November 4, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA Curry, Durant fuel Warriors’ seventh consecutive win Durant delivers 33 points and 13 rebounds and Curry contributes 28 points, nine rebounds and seven assists

AFP right, nothing major. I just pushed off Los Angeles on it and kind of rolled it and I wanted to get it looked at,” Leonard said. Kyle Lowry had 11 points and 12 as- tephen Curry and Kevin Durant sists in the win for Toronto who start- combined for 61 points as the ed the season 7-2 in 2014 and in 2016. two-time defending champion The Raptors used a 14-2 fourth quarter SGolden State Warriors won their surge to take down the Suns who got 17 seventh straight with a 116-99 win over points and 18 rebounds from number the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. one overall draft pick Deandre Ayton. Durant delivered 33 points and 13 Isaiah Canaan scored 19 and Devin rebounds and Curry contributed 28 Booker, who returned after missing points, nine rebounds and seven as- three games, scored 18 for Phoenix who sists. Klay Thompson scored 22 points have lost seven straight after winning and hit consecutive three-pointers 50 their season opener. The Suns led for seconds apart early in the fourth quar- most of the fi rst half to take a 52-48 lead ter to give Golden State a 91-89 lead into halftime. In New York, Chris Paul with 10 minutes remaining. tallied 32 points and 11 rebounds as the Durant made his fi rst half dozen Houston Rockets busted out of a slump shots, and eight of the fi rst 11 en route with a 119-111 victory over the Brook- to 20 points in a productive fi rst half. lyn Nets. The Rockets snapped a four- After the game coach Steve Kerr wanted game losing skid which has coincided to talk about their rock solid defence. “I with the absence of NBA MVP James was really proud of our defensive ef- Harden from the lineup. fort,” said Kerr. “I thought our fourth Carmelo Anthony scored a season- quarter defense was tremendous.” high 28 points, Clint Capela fi nished with Derrick Rose played fi ve minutes in 22 points and 13 rebounds, and Eric Gor- the fi rst quarter and scored three points don contributed 21 points for the Rock- but then came out of the game with a ets, who had stumbled to a 1-5 season sore ankle. The injury came two nights start after winning 65 games and falling a after he scored a career-high 50 points game short of the NBA fi nals last season. in a victory against Utah. He will be “Third quarter was where they got looked at by team doctors today. their break,” Nets coach Kenny At- Andrew Wiggins scored a team-high kinson said. “We’ve had some issues 22 points for the Timberwolves who there before and it felt like they came were outrebounded 61-39. out more aggressive and I thought we Jimmy Butler scored 21 for Minneso- missed some shots. They picked up ta after sitting out Wednesday to rest. their defense. It felt that.” Tyus Jones also returned and had eight Harden is expected to return today. points on three-for-11 shooting after He missed his third straight game with a missing the win over the Jazz because strained left hamstring and coach Mike of a sore right foot. Before the game, D’Antoni said he would probably return Kerr said injured DeMarcus Cousins is for the second half of a back-to-back still a long way from returning. “I love series with Chicago. The 34-year-old how far he’s come, but I don’t want Anthony was coming off a game against people to get the idea that he’s getting Portland where he shot two-of-12 from close to coming back,” Kerr said. “It’s the fi eld. Caris LeVert scored 29 points still going to be some time.” for the Nets, who got off to an impressive Elsewhere, Kawhi Leonard deliv- start before the Rockets took control. ered 19 points as the Toronto Raptors extended their best start in franchise RESULTS history by beating the hapless Phoenix Washington ...... 111 Oklahoma City ...... 134 Suns 107-98. Jonas Valanciunas scored Golden State .....116 Minnesota...... 99 16 points and Serge Ibaka tallied 15 for Dallas ...... 106 New York ...... 118 the Raptors who improved to 8-1. Brooklyn ...... 111 Houston ...... 119 Leonard led a balanced Toronto at- Orlando ...... 95 LA Clippers ...... 120 tack but he also jammed his foot with two minutes remaining in the fourth Phoenix ...... 98 Toronto ...... 107 but he doesn’t believe it is going to be Utah ...... 100 Memphis ...... 110 a problem. “I think it’s going to be all Chicago ...... 105 Indiana ...... 107 Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (right) blocks an attempted shot by Minnesota Timberwolves guard Josh Okogie during their NBA game. (USA TODAY Sports)

NHL MLB Pouliot leads Canucks past Avalanche LA Dodgers, Kershaw agree three-year contract extension

AFP Los Angeles

he Los Angeles Dodgers and Clayton Kershaw have agreed a three- Vancouver Canucks forward Tyear contract extension Elias Pettersson (second right) which will keep the star pitcher celebrates his goal with teammates. with the club through the 2021 (USA TODAY Sports) season, the club reported on Fri- day. Kershaw’s future with the Dodgers had been the subject of intense speculation, with the 30-year-old lefty able to opt out of the fi nal two years of his con- tract this year. However with Kershaw keen to stay with the club and the Dodgers anxious to lock down the three-time Cy Young Award- winner, the two sides reached agreement on a deal. Kershaw’s new contract is worth $93mn over three years and includes in- centives but no opt out clauses, reports said. Dodgers president of baseball Reuters COYOTES 4, HURRICANES 3 (OT) Luongo made 32 saves as the teams split two operations Andrew Friedman and has endured multiple disap- at the helm before being fi red Vancouver Michael Grabner scored 1:17 into overtime, games in Finland as part of the NHL’s Global had hinted on Thursday the club pointing playoff campaigns. with just over a week remaining and Arizona ran its winning streak to fi ve Series. wanted to keep Kershaw after a “There’s only one team that in the regular season. games with a victory over Carolina at Glen- This was Florida’s fi rst win in regulation deadline to complete negotia- can win and we know that but it The Rangers went 67-95 this errick Pouliot’s goal with 22 sec- dale, Arizona. Brad Richardson scored his this season, and the Panthers went 3-for-5 tions was extended until Friday. just hurts worse when you make year, fi nishing last in the Ameri- onds left in overtime gave the host league-leading third short-handed goal for on their power plays. “He’s made as much of an impact it all the way and get second can League West. Bench coach Vancouver Canucks a wild 7-6 vic- the Coyotes, who became the sixth team in Winnipeg star Patrik Laine, a native of that you can on an organisation place,” Kershaw said last Sunday. Don Wakamatsu, who served as tory over the Colorado Avalanche league history to score a short-handed goal Finland, scored three goals in the Jets’ 4-2 in terms of the success we’ve “So having done that two years in interim manager in Banister’s onD Friday night. The winning goal was set up in four straight games. win over Florida on Thursday and added a had, and not just on the fi eld,” a row now, it doesn’t make it any place, was one of nearly a dozen by 19-year-old rookie Elias Pettersson, who They have seven short-handed goals, six fourth tally in roughly 24 hours on Friday. Friedman told reporters at an easier,” the Texan added. candidates to reportedly inter- led the Canucks with two goals and three as- in the last four games. Arizona’s Brendan Nikolaj Ehlers also scored for Winnipeg. end-of-season briefi ng. view for the Rangers’ opening. sists. Perlini and Nick Cousins also scored, and Panthers star Aleksander Barkov, who is Kershaw’s new contract comes RANGERS TO NAME Woodward, 42, has served as Pettersson’s second goal came in the fi nal Alex Goligoski had three assists. Antti also from Finland, did not get a point. How- as the Dodgers digest their sec- WOODWARD MANAGER the Dodgers third base coach the minute of regulation and forced overtime. Raanta made a season-high 48 saves for the ever, he was picked up by Panthers goal- ond straight defeat in the World The Texas Rangers are set to past three seasons. Prior to hold- The two-goal eff ort was his second of the Coyotes, who had not won fi ve in a row since scorers Evgenii Dadonov, Mike Hoff man and Series, with the Boston Red Sox name Los Angeles Dodgers third ing the job, he served as a minor week and third in nine career NHL contests. the 2013-14 season. Keith Yandle — who had the go-ahead score completing a 4-1 series win at base coach Chris Woodward as league infi eld coordinator and The injury-riddled Canucks posted their Jordan Martinook, Andrei Svechnikov in the second period — and Frank Vatrano. Dodger Stadium last Sunday. The their new manager, according infi eld coach in the Seattle Mari- third straight win, while the Avalanche suf- and Jordan Staal scored for the Hurricanes, The Panthers went 3-for-5 on their power Dodgers were pummelled 5-1 by to multiple reports Friday night. ners’ organisation. fered their third consecutive loss. who have lost six of eight. plays. Only Vatrano scored at even strength the Red Sox on Sunday, with Ker- Woodward interviewed with the Woodward played 12 years in Brock Boeser also scored twice and added for Florida. shaw being roughed up by Bos- club on Thursday. the major leagues, his last stint two assists for the Canucks, and Loui Eriks- PANTHERS 4, JETS 2 Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck took the ton’s relentless off ense. An announcement regarding with the Toronto Blue Jays in son and Markus Granlund tallied the other Goalie Roberto Luongo, who had not played loss, making 22 saves. Jets right winger and The Dodgers ace is widely re- his hiring could come as soon 2011. He was a career. 239 hit- Vancouver goals. Nathan MacKinnon led since the season opener because of a knee team captain Blake Wheeler had two assists garded as the greatest pitcher today. Woodward replaces Jeff ter, also playing for the New York the Avs with two goals and an assist, while injury, returned to action and led Florida to on Friday and fi ve assists in the two games of his generation but has yet to Banister, who led Texas to a 325- Mets, Mariners, Atlanta Braves Alex Kerfoot provided a goal and an assist. a win over Winnipeg at Helsinki, Finland. in Finland. taste victory in the World Series 313 mark across his four seasons and Boston Red Sox. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, November 4, 2018 SPORT

RUGBY GOLF / TURKISH AIRLINES OPEN Li takes three-shot Baby-faced All Blacks lead into fi nal round Reuters then I’ve been playing a lot of big Antalya, Turkey events.” Overnight leader Rose, who would go back to the top of the hina’s Li Haotong fi red world rankings with a victory on smash plucky Japan fi ve birdies on the front Sunday, turned in 31 but strug- nine to grab a three- gled to carry the momentum on stroke advantage over the back nine. New Zealand rest their big-hitters but come off with 69-31 victory in Tokyo Cholder Justin Rose and Alexander The Englishman bogeyed the Levy on day three at the Turkish 10th after fi nding the water for AFP Airlines Open yesterday. the second day in a row but bird- Tokyo Starting the third round three ied the 11th and 12th where he shots off the pace, Li turned in sank a 15-foot putt to get back 29 before sinking a spectacular within one shot of the lead. ly-half Richie Mo’unga eagle at the 10th hole to claim a He saved par on the par-fi ve boosted his World Cup two-shot lead. 15th after again fi nding water but hopes yesterday as he Another birdie at the 12th saw failed to repeat the feat on the sparked a second-string the 23-year-old Li, who won the fi nal hole which he bogeyed to AllF Blacks side to a 69-31 victory Dubai Desert Classic earlier this hand Li a cushion heading into over Japan in Tokyo. season, sign for a 63 to set the Sunday’s fi nal round. Mo’unga scored a try and clubhouse target at 17 under par. Frenchman Levy made the went eight-from-nine with the “It’s going to be an exciting most of the low-scoring con- boot in a sparkling 22-point dis- day tomorrow and I’m looking ditions at Regnum Carya Golf play for the visitors, who ran in forward to going against Rosey,” and Spa Resort to card a 66 and 10 tries against the 2019 World Li said of his British rival. share second spot with Rose, one Cup hosts. “I defi nitely got a lot of con- shot clear of the 2016 champion Ngani Laumape bagged a fi dence from Dubai and since Thorbjorn Olesen of Denmark. hat-trick of tries for the world champions, while George Bridge marked his All Blacks debut with GOLF / SHRINERS FOR CHILDREN OPEN a pair after coming on at the start of the second half. But New Zealand — resting their big-hitters for November Uihlein stretches Tests away to England, Ireland and Italy — were given a workout by Japan, who scored fi ve tries of Las Vegas lead their own watched by a crowd of 43,000. AFP Kim and Streb both played “We’ve put a lot of inexpe- Los Angeles bogey-free to share second. Kim rienced players in a Test match teed off on 10 and jump started against a team that’s been play- his six-under 65 by rolling in a ing very well the last couple of eter Uihlein shook off 19-footer for birdie at the 12th. years,” said All Blacks coach Ste- an early bogey to card He added three more birdies at ve Hansen, who picked a weak- a fi ve-under par 66 14, 15 and 16, and after a 17-foot ened side including eight new on Friday and stretch birdie at the fi fth he capped his caps ahead of next week’s clash Phis lead to two strokes midway round with at the ninth that put New Zealand’s Richie Mo’Unga (centre) tries to break through Japan’s defence during the rugby union match in Tokyo yesterday. (AFP) with England at Twickenham. through the US PGA Tour Shrin- him on 11-under 131. “There’s a few risks involved return after a year out with injury Japan refused to back down, rampaging Bridge, who will have good day for New Zealand rugby ers for Children Open. Streb joined him there with a in that, but the boys have come by grabbing New Zealand’s fi rst however, and Timothy Lafaele given New Zealand selectors a for the future.” Uihlein, whose fi rst-round 63 fi ve-under 66. He, too, birdied through and come out the other try to settle nerves in a side unrec- bulldozed over in the corner to headache with his impressive Japan have lost the element of on Thursday was fuelled by bird- 14, 15 and 16, and fi nished off his side with a big tick.” ognisable from the one that beat reduce the defi cit to 38-19 at cameo. surprise since their astonishing ies at three of his fi rst six holes, round by salvaging a birdie from New Zealand had racked up Australia 37-20 last weekend. half-time. Lafaele stopped the bleeding 34-32 win over South Africa at bogeyed the par-four second at the right rough at the ninth. a whopping 282 points in their The World Cup holders scored Bridge scored with his fi rst for Japan by crashing over for the 2015 Rugby World Cup but TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas, US Ryder Cup player Bryson previous three meetings with quickfi re tries as Mo’unga dived touch as an All Black after a su- his second try of the game as the gave a decent account of them- Nevada. DeChambeau carded a 66 to join Japan, including a World Cup over before Laumape latched on perb burst from Mo’unga be- home side had the fi nal word of a selves before they travel to face A birdie at the fourth saw him a group sharing fourth on 10-un- record 145-17 demolition of the to a clever kick from Waisake fore Japan produced the game’s pulsating contest. England on November 18. make the turn even for the day, der 132. He was joined by Mexi- Brave Blossoms in 1995. Naholo to race clear. highlight — Yu Tamura dinking a “They’ve got a bit of razzle- “I’m proud of the team and but he produced fi ve birdies on co’s Abraham Ancer and Ameri- But Japan stunned the All pinpoint kick into the corner for dazzle about them,” Hansen said the way they approached the the back nine to build a 36-hole can Harold Varner. Blacks by scoring the game’s JAPAN ‘RAZZLE-DAZZLE’ Jamie Henry to dive over one- of Japan. “You get your money’s game,” said Japan captain total of 13-under par 129 — two Three-time major winner fi rst try just three minutes in, Hendrik Tui kept Japan in touch handed. worth. I’m really proud of the Michael Leitch. “We were play- shots clear of fellow American Jordan Spieth remained within snaffl ed by Samuela Anise after with a controversial eff ort, but But the All Blacks replied with boys,” he added of his fresh- ing against the world’s best and Robert Streb and South Korean striking distance after a three- he had charged down Jordie Bar- Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi and Lau- four tries in 12 minutes through faced side. “I think there were they can pull tries out of their Kim Whee. under 68 for an eight-under total rett’s attempted clearance. mape punched through to ex- Naholo, Matt Proctor, Laumape 169 caps out there altogether hat — it was a massive workout “I just kept trying to hit fair- of 134. Hooker Dane Coles marked his tend New Zealand’s advantage. for this third of the game and a and Colesey had 56 of them — a for us going forward.” ways and greens, get a bit more Spieth was tied with Cameron stable with it, I guess,” said Uih- Champ, winner of last week’s lein, who has hit 32 of 36 greens Sanderson Farms championship, over the fi rst two rounds. and New Zealand’s Danny Lee. North, Davies lead Farrell kicks England to nailbiting win over Boks “Made an unbelievable par on Rickie Fowler, playing for Wales to scrappy win six, which kind of righted the the fi rst time since the Ameri- AFP the defensive for so long, ship, and then after that I was cans’ Ryder Cup loss to Europe over Scotland Twickenham, United King- took a 9-8 lead early in the pretty effi cient, hit a lot of fair- in France in September, had six dom second period when long- ways, lot of greens. I felt like if I birdies in a four-under 67 to head Reuters range kick specialist Elliot just did that I’d give myself a lot a group on seven-under. Cardiff Daly landed a penalty from of chances the hole would even- “Shaking some cobwebs and ngland co-captain just inside the Springbok tually open up and the ball would some rust off ,” Fowler said. “I feel Owen Farrell almost half. start going in.” like we’re off to a solid start these ales winger George North and Ewent from hero to Pollard hit back with Birdies at fi ve of his last seven fi rst two days. After basically centre Jonathan Davies scored villain as an injury-hit side another for the Springboks holes — the longest a 21-footer coming off not playing a whole Wtries as they earned a scrappy 21- came from behind to beat before grazing the post at the par-three 14th, kept the lot of golf, I’m happy where we’re 10 victory over Six Nations rivals Scotland South Africa 12-11 in their three minutes from time. 29-year-old in the lead. at.” yesterday in the opening game of their opening November inter- England’s last match had November series. national at Twickenham seen them beat South Fullback Leigh Halfpenny kicked three pen- yesterday. to see if fly-half Farrell had in an opening 40 minutes Africa 25-10 in Cape Town in alties and a conversion as Wales seized on Farrell’s penalty seven committed a no-arm tackle where England lock Maro June, although the Spring- errors from the visitors to claim a sixth win minutes from time, the third on Springbok replacement Itoje was sent to the sin-bin. boks won the three-match in succession for the first time since 2012. of four scored by an England Andre Esterhuizen. Yet they turned round a series 2-1. Hooker Stuart McInally scored the only try team who didn’t manage a But the off icials decided mere 8-6 in front, having They kicked-off , however, for the Scots, who had further opportunities try, nudged the hosts into a Farrell had made enough scored the game’s only try having lost five of their but could not break down an organised home one-point lead. of a legal challenge not to through wing Sbu Nkosi, last six Tests in total and defence. There was drama right at the award a penalty that could with fly-half Handre Pollard without injured forwards, The victory provides a solid, if unspectacular, end when, with 80 minutes have seen South Africa kicking a penalty to two Billy and Mako Vunipola, start to Wales coach Warren Gatland’s final played, Australian referee snatch victory. from England counterpart Chris Robshaw and Joe year in charge as he builds to the 2019 Rugby Angus Gardner consulted The Springboks dominated Farrell. Launchbury as well as the World Cup in Japan. the television match off icial territory and possession England, despite being on suspended Nathan Hughes.

Arabian Show Horse Auction

GOLF / LPGA JAPAN CLASSIC Lee takes lead aft er bogey-free Round 2

AFP ways a solid round,” Lee said af- Tokyo terwards. Asked about her strategy on the fi nal day, she said she would ustralia’s Minjee Lee “play smart and aggressive at the shot a sparkling eight- same time.” under-par 64 to grab a Local favourite Sakura Koiwai three-stroke lead after shot seven birdies with a bogey theA second round of the LPGA for a 66 followed by compatriot Japan Classic yesterday. Nasa Hataoka and Jiyai Shin of Aiming at her second LPGA South Korea one stroke back. crown this season, the world “I’m surprised as I never number fi ve fi red eight bird- thought of this result,” Koiwai ies with no bogey at par-72 Seta said. Golf Club in Shiga, improving to “Since tomorrow is the fi nal 13-under 131. day, I want to concentrate on the Lee, who was tied for fi fth game hit by hit so that I can have in the fi rst round, displayed a no regret,” she said. steady performance with pre- China’s Feng Shanshan, the cision shots, while fi rst-round two-time defending champion, leader Ryu So-yeon sank to be shot 71 to be tied 22th, and newly Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s (QREC) Show section organised an auction for Purebred Arabian Show horses at the Indoor Arena of the Qatar Equestrian Federation tied 13th with three bogeys. crowned world number one Ar- yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim “I had no bogeys today and so iya Jutanugarn was at tied 25th obviously no bogey round is al- after also carding a 71. Gulf Times Sunday, November 4, 2018 7 CRICKET

PREVIEW FOCUS Langer vows to Great platform to put smile back into Australian cricket AFP test others in Dhoni’s Perth ustralia coach Justin Langer vowed yester- day to put a smile back into cricket as South AfricanA skipper Faf Du Plessis said he expects the sledging to be absence, says Rohit toned down in their one-day se- ries. The two sides meet in Perth today for the fi rst time since the Dhoni was not picked for India’s T20 series against the West Indies starting today Test series in South Africa this year boiled over with Australian players attempting to alter the the past. ball with sandpaper. “An Australia-South Africa The cheating saw Steve Smith, series is always going to be com- David Warner and Cameron petitive but I do suspect this se- Bancroft banned, while David ries will be a little bit more toned Lehmann quit as coach. Cricket down, especially from the Aus- Australia chief executive James tralian side,” he said yesterday. Sutherland has since left and “Not necessarily from a body chairman David Peever fell on his language point of view, but may- sword on Thursday. be from a verbal point of view.” Langer, Lehmann’s replace- Despite Australia being with- ment, has pledged to change the out Smith and Warner and their win-at-all-costs culture and said poor one-day form, Du Plessis he hoped the fi rst game of the said his team won’t be taking the summer at home would be a step home side lightly. “Whenever in winning back fans. “It’s sad, you get a chance to play against isn’t it. Everyone seems to be at Australia it feels like you’re play- each other. There’s lots of criti- ing against a very good cricket cism,” he said of the atmosphere team,” he said. “When you look surrounding Australian crick- at what they’ve got in their squad et. “What we can do is we can at the moment on paper there are prepare well, we can play good some fantastic names there with cricket, and be entertaining and the ball and with the bat.” put on a good show so Austral- Australia skipper Aaron Finch, ians can start smiling a bit. One who has been cleared to play af- thing sport can do and the Aus- ter a scare on Friday when he was tralian cricket can do is put smiles struck on the fi nger by a Mitchell on faces rather than everyone Starc delivery, said he was confi - throwing stones at each other.” dent their miserable run of form Australia have lost 16 of their would end. “If we can follow our past 18 one-day internationals process and do our basics well and are desperate to get off on enough that (winning) will start the right foot in Perth, with two taking care of itself,” he said. “If more one-dayers and a Twen- you start looking at the end re- ty20 against the Proteas to fol- sult purely that’s when you can low. Du Plessis said he expected make some errors in judgement less verbal banter today than in and fall down that way.”

Kohli is the superstar of cricket: Smith

Kolkata: Former South Africa “The Kookaburra ball in par- captain Graeme Smith heaped ticular is letting people down. praise on India skipper Virat It’s a ball that softens and does Kohli, saying he is a superstar of not swing for a long period of India’s stand-in captain Rohit Sharma (right) talks with teammate Khaleel Ahmed during the team’s practice session at the Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata yesterday. (AFP) world cricket and someone who time. I think Test cricket cannot can keep the dying face of Test aff ord to have boring draws. It IANS ously be missed. It gives an opportunity bringing back the likes of Shreyas Iyer foot forward to win. cricket alive. needs the ball to spin, it needs Kolkata to other guys to express themselves,” Ro- and Washington Sundar to the squad. “They are a dangerous team. They are “The world cricket is lacking the ball to swing and movement hit said on the eve of the fi rst T20I at the Rohit said it’s important to see beyond defending champions of T20 cricket. huge amount of superstars. in the air. It needs competition Eden Gardens. “All these guys, who are the 15-odd players who make the squad They are one of the strongest teams in May be one or two in England. between the bat and the ball so ndia’s stand in captain Rohit Sharma part of this team, have done well for their keeping in mind the World Cup, therefore the world going around, when it comes I think Virat is that guy,” Smith as to keep Test cricket to stay yesterday said that Mahendra Singh respective state teams. We cannot go to those who are consistently doing well to T20 cricket. We have seen that in the said in his address at the relevant,” he said. Dhoni was rested for the T20 series the World Cup with limited resources, need to be given a chance. “Resting play- past,” opined Rohit. Jagmohan Dalmiya Annual Smith’s comments came at to give others a chance and see what we need to have options. This gives you ers is also necessary. Keeping in mind the “They have played a lot of T20 cricket Conclave. a time members of the Indian Ithey have got to off er keeping in mind the a great platform to try and test all these work load, the World Cup ahead. We have and have their own league like we have. “The fact that he loves Test team including skipper Kohli 50-over World Cup next year. guys,” Rohit pointed out. to take those necessary steps. We have to They have more experience and it is the cricket and puts in performance and pacer Umesh Yadav hit out Dhoni was not picked for India’s “Dhoni has been such a massive play- see the guys who are knocking the door format they enjoy the most. They have it keeps Test cricket relevant in at the quality of SG balls. On the Twenty20 squad for the three-match er for us, over the years. His experience and what they bring to the table,” said had success as well in this format. So a country that loves the game future of the longest format of series against the West Indies and, more in the middle will be missed but again Rohit. “Come the World Cup, not just the they will be a strong opposition without with IPL and other T20s. It’s the game, Smith said: “Unfor- signifi cantly, India’s tour of Australia. Rishabh (Pant) and Dinesh (Karthik) have 15 players we got to see what is outside the a doubt and we have to play good cricket huge for the game. As long as tunately in Test cricket, we Regular skipper Virat Kohli, who also great opportunity to come and perform 15 players we have. to beat them,” the opener said. “It won’t Virat keeps promoting Test have lost a few dynamic teams. opted out of the series, had said after the and see what they are capable of as well,” There are a lot of new faces in the team. be easy for us to go and take the victory. cricket as an icon and superstar, There are teams who are going fi fth and fi nal One-Day International few he added. Shahbaz Nadeem has come in the team We have to play our best cricket and focus we all have the chance to keep through transformation phases. days back that Dhoni remains an integral Besides leading India to their maiden for the fi rst time, Krunal (Pandya) was on our team. We do understand what they the game relevant.” I believe if world cricket is com- part of the team. and only T20 World Cup triumph in 2007, part of the team but didn’t get a game. bring to the table.” Kohli has had a stupendous petitive all formats will work.” But it is widely believed that the 37- Dhoni is also the most capped player in These are the few names who have come Rohit also added that he is enjoying year including fastest to the “Test cricket is the ultimate year old is being phased out owing to his the shortest format, featuring in 93 of and we got to see them what they have in his trysts with captaincy and trying to 10,000 club, elevating his test of your ability and skill poor run since the turn of the year. Stat- India’s 104 matches. In 2018, Dhoni, who their armoury,” the 31-year-old noted. do his best in that role. “It has helped me stature as the best batsman in and your physical state. The ing that his experience will be missed, has also captained India to 50-over World On the West Indies team, who are the overall when it comes to captaincy. I have the world. Smith, who played challenge is to get competitive Rohit said it gives the team manage- Cup glory in 2011, managed only 245 current World T20 champions and have enjoyed captaincy whenever I have got an 117 Tests while captaining South teams outside the top three. ment an opportunity to see what young runs at 27.22 in 17 matches. India picked the likes of Keiron Pollard and Andre opportunity and it does bring a sense of Africa in 109 of them, also Then if we add the some of the Rishabh Pant and seasoned campaigner three uncapped players (Krunal Pandya, Russell back in the mix, Rohit said they responsibility when you lead the side you slammed the Kookaburra ball nuances people will start take Dinesh Karthik have got in their kitty. Shahbaz Nadeem and Khaleel Ahmed) for are one of the strongest teams going always want to lead from the front,” he for damaging Test cricket. seriously,” he said. “His (Dhoni’s) experience will obvi- this and the Australia series, aside from around and India have to put their best concluded.

FIRST TEST Honours even on fi rst day as Williams, Masakadza hit half-centuries

AFP Sylhet SCORECARD ZIMBABWE 1ST INNINGS Total (five wickets; 91 overs) 236 ean Williams and skip- H. Masakadza lbw b Jayed 52 To bat: B. Mavuta, W. Masakadza, per Hamilton Masakadza B. Chari b Taijul 13 K. Jarvis, T. Chatara slammed a fi fty each as B. Taylor c Nazamul b Taijul 6 Fall of wickets: 1-35 (Chari), 2-47 Zimbabwe made 236-5 on (Taylor), 3-85 (Masakadza) 4-129 Sthe opening day of the fi rst Test S. Williams c Mehidy b Mah- (Raza), 5-201 (Williams) against Bangladesh in Sylhet yes- mudullah 88 Bowling (to date): Jayed 18-3-61- terday. S. Raza b Nazmul 19 Williams made 88 off 179 balls 1, Taijul 27-3-86-2, Ariful 4-1-7-0, after Masakadza hit 52 off 105 balls Peter Moor not out 37 Mehidy 21-6-37-0, Nazmul 19-5- to lay the initial foundation for R. Chakabva not out 20 42-1, Mahmudullah 2-0-2-1 Zimbabwe at the Sylhet Interna- Extras (lb1) 1 Toss: Zimbabwe tional Cricket Stadium, which is Zimbabwe captain Hamilton hosting its maiden Test. Masakadza in action yesterday. Bangladesh made some regular Arfi ul Haque if Bangladesh had re- Taylor caught by Nazmul Hossain breakthroughs, mostly by their nine by the TV umpire after being viewed a leg before appeal. at forward short leg. spinners, but lacked the penetrat- initially given leg before wicket off The fi eld umpire had turned Jayed dismissed Masakadza in ing power to completely unsettle fast bowler Abu Jayed — survived down the appeal but replay in- the fi rst over of second session, the visiting side playing their fi rst the day with 37 runs. He was being dicated that the ball had hit the hitting the batsman plumb on his Test in 2018. Williams received accompanied by Regis Chakabva stumps after pitching outside off . back foot a leg before out. some support from Peter Moor as on 20 at stumps. Bangladesh had earlier reviewed Debutant left-arm spinner the duo shared 72 runs for the fi fth The opening session belonged a leg before appeal against Brian Nazmul Islam bowled Sikandar wicket after Bangladeshi spinners to Masakadza, who won the toss Chari off spinner Taijul in vain, Raza for 19 for his maiden wicket looked to have slowly gained con- and opted to bat, and Bangla- as the replay showed that the ball to give Bangladesh their second trol. Skipper Mahmudullah denied desh left-arm spinner Taijul Is- took a feather touch on the bat be- success in the session. Williams his second Test century lam, with the latter claiming two fore hitting the pad. Bangladesh left out Mustafi zur when he forced the left-hander wickets before fi nishing the day Taijul soon bowled Chari, who Rahman, Mohammad Mithun, to give a catch at slip to Mehidy with 2-36. Masakadza led the early tried to play with a cross bat but Shafi ul Islam, Khaled Ahmed and Hasan after hitting nine fours in charge with two sixes off Taijul and failed to connect the ball, with a handed a Test debut to all-rounder Zimbabwe batsman Sean Williams drives en route to his 88 during the first day of the first Test against his patient knock. four fours but could have been dis- fl atter delivery that kept low. Ariful and left-arm spinner Naz- Bangladesh in Sylhet yesterday. (AFP) Moor — who was reprieved on missed by debutant medium pacer The spinner then had Brendan mul.

Sunday, November 4, 2018 GULF TIMES GYMNASTICS

48TH FIG WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS DOHA 2018 Biles fl oors all with another gold to cap Doha Worlds American picks up a gold and a bronze to become the most decorated female artistic gymnast in championships

By Sahan Bidappa Doha

imone Biles, like many of us, would have lost track of the number of records she broke during theS World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Doha. The American is still just 21 and is far from fi nished, with a good four- fi ve years remaining at the high level, probably more if she keeps her motivation intact. But even if she stops compet- ing today, her records will be hard to beat. Yesterday at the Aspire Dome, Biles stormed to gold in the Exercise and picked up a bronze in the , thus equalling retired for 20 medals at the Worlds. Since Biles has 14 of those in golds, compared to Rus- sian Khorkina’s nine, the Texan is now the most decorated female artistic gymnast in world cham- pionships history. Only and Ko- hei Uchimura have more world medals than Biles with 23 and 21. The 21-year-old will be chasing the record next year in Stuttgart, Germany. Biles, who medalled in all six events in Doha, also became the fi rst gymnast to win a medal in every event at a world champi- onship in 31 years. No woman had Qatar Gymnastics Federation president Ali al-Hitmi waves to the crowd medalled on every event since during the closing ceremony of the 48th FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Daniela of at the Championships Doha 2018 at the Aspire Dome yesterday. 1988 Olympics. Biles already has the record for most overall world titles, by a man or woman, now with 14. Biles fi nished her Doha so- journ, which began at a night in hospital with kidney stone, with four gold, one silver and bronze. It’s a remarkable feat, consider- ing she was making a comeback after taking a year off , after she won four gold and one bronze at of the US in action on the final day of the 48th FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships Doha 2018 at the Aspire Dome 2016 Rio Olympics. yesterday. PICTURES: Thajudheen and Agencies When asked what makes her the proudest of her accom- champion made it four as she was plishments in Doha, Biles said: sublime again, scoring 14.933 and “There’s a lot to be proud of, but fi nishing a full point above sec- I’m most proud that I’m here, ond place. The silver medal also made all of the event fi nals, med- went to US with alled in all of the events and I sur- (13.933) just beating Mai Mu- Winner (centre) of China with second-placed Anne-Marie vived. rakami of Japan (13.866). Padurariu (left) of Canada and third-placed Simone Biles of the US “I am defi nitely very happy, Meanwhile, men’s all-round during the medals ceremony for the women’s Balance Beam. especially to win a medal in every and Floor champion Artur Dala- event. No matter what colour the loyan rounded off his Worlds which Epke Zonderland of the ‘Flying Dutchman’ said. medal, I’m really proud of my- with four medals. The Russian Netherlands emerged triumphant. self. It feels really rewarding be- won silver in and bronze in Zonderland earned gold with RESULTS (top 3) cause I’ve put a lot of hard work yesterday. 15.100 for his baffl ing release Men’s Vault and dedication into this sport, so North Korea’s Ri Se Gwang, moves, adding to his Olympic 1. Ri Se Gwang (PRK) 14.933 I couldn’t be happier. I’m really who performed the most diffi - and world titles from 2012, 2013 2. Artur Dalaloyan (RUS) 14.883 proud of my performances here. cult vaults, bagged the gold with and 2014. Japan’s Kohei Uch- 3. Kenzo Shirai (JPN) 14.675 I wish some of them would have 14.933 score, .050 ahead of Dala- imura took silver with 14.800, his Women’s Balance Beam been better but I’m really proud loyan. Kenzo Shirai of Japan was 21st career world medal. Ameri- 1. Liu Tingting (CHN) 14.533 of the outcome.” the bronze medallist with 14.675. can Sam Mikulak ended his in- 2. Anne-Marie Padurariu (CAN)14.100 At one point yesterday, it looked Men’s Parallel Bars went the dividual medal drought at global 3. Simone Biles (USA) 13.600 like Biles would miss out on a expected way as Zou Jingyuan of event, by clinching bronze with Men’s Parallel Bars medal in at least one apparatus as China broke the 16-point mark 14.533, just .033 ahead of defend- 1. Zou Jingyuan (CHN) 16.433 she began the Balance Beam. The again to become the world cham- ing champ Tin Srbic of Croatia. 2. Oleg Verniaiev (UKR) 15.591 American was wobbly, nearly fall- Winner Simone Biles (centre) poses with second-placed Morgan Hurd (left) of the US and third-placed Mai pion. Jingyuan’s perfect preci- Zonderland was happy to re- 3. Artur Dalaloyan (RUS) 15.366 ing off the beam couple of times as Murakami of Japan during the medals ceremony for the women’s Floor Exercise yesterday. sion and smooth transitions put gain his title he relinquished Women’s Floor Exercise she scored 13.600. As it turned out, him a step above the rest of the to Srbic last year. “It was a re- 1. Simone Biles (USA) 14.933 that was enough for Biles to snatch “To be completely honest, I’m forward and hopefully from here crossed, there was no doubt Biles fi eld. Oleg Verniaiev of ally nice routine. It felt good and 2. Morgan Hurd (USA) 13.933 a bronze, with only gold medallist really just happy that I stayed on out it can only improve. It was would fi nish with six out of six. with 15.591 fi nished ahead of there weren’t big mistakes. After 3. (JPN) 13.866 China’s Tingting Liu (14.533) and on the beam because going into really easy to turn around and go She was untouchable in Floor, with Dalaloyan for silver. two bad years before the (2016) Men’s Canada’s Anne-Marie Padurariu these World Championships I into fl oor with an open mind,” her diffi cultly level one point more The last event of the Doha Olympics, last year felt really 1. Epke Zonderland (NED) 15.100 (14.100) putting on a better per- wasn’t as confi dent as I used to Biles said. than seven other fi nalists. Worlds was a high-class, spec- good, but now I’m really back, 2. Kohei Uchimura (JPN) 14.800 formance. be on beam. So I think it’s a step Once the beam hurdle was The three-time Floor world tacular men’s Horizontal Bar, in and that feels really nice,” the 3. Sam Mikulak (USA) 14.533

Winner Epke Zonderland (centre) of the Netherlands poses with second-placed Kohei Gold medallist Ri Se Gwang (centre) of North Korea poses with Gold medallist Zou Jingyuan (centre) of China poses with second-placed Oleg Verniaiev (left) Uchimura (left) of Japan and third-placed Sam Mikulak of the US during the medals silver medallist Artur Dalaloyan (left) of Russia and bronze winner of Ukraine and third-placed Artur Dalaloyan of Russia during the medals ceremony for men’s ceremony for the men’s Horizontal Bar event yesterday. Kenzo Shirai of Japan during the ceremony for men’s Vault. Parallel Bars yesterday.