THURSDAY 4 OCTOBER 2018 SPORT 25

I need at least one month to 7.00AM 10:00PM recover, that’s why I’m sad to FOOTBALL announce I have to end my David Goffin, Belgian season because of intense player ends season due vs Chelsea vs

pain in my right elbow. to elbow injury West Indies ACTION MOL Vidi TODAY’S

New PGA Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe: Tour schedule starts after a 10-day stop Racing world set for top event REUTERS

THE PENINSULA LONDON: A new PGA Tour Muneera, winner of Qatar Total Arabian Trophy Des Juments 1 in action in this file picture. season starts today, less than DOHA: The Qatar Prix de l’Arc two weeks after the end of de Triomphe-associated events the old one, with the first of will commence today in Paris, 46 official events in a slightly under the partnership between reduced schedule that the Qatar Racing & Equestrian condenses the season to 11 Club (QREC) and France Galop, months. and will continue until the big The new era begins with day on October 7. the low-key Safeway Open The Purebred Arabian Sales in Napa, California -- a region organised by Arqana will open more famous for great wine the programme today. The Sale than great golf. will be for horses in training, It will kick off two broodmares, foals, yearlings, months of competition before 2YOs, stallions and endurance everyone catches their breath horses. with a month-long December Twenty-four hours later, break. racegoers will catch action with The 2018 part of the the very first set of races asso- schedule in October and ciated with the world’s richest November can be broken into race on turf. Action will cul- two distinct parts -- three minate on 7 October, when Qatar events in Asia with stellar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe returns fields full of big names, and to a renovated ParisLongchamp five in North America filled after a gap of two years during with the tour’s obscure which the global event was bottom feeders. staged at Chantilly. The defending champions Dozens of thousands of race- Japanese media provides for the five North American goers and millions of TV viewers intensive coverage of the Arc events -- Brendan Steele, worldwide look forward to a every year and this year’s Ryan Armour, Patrick very special renewal of the Arc. renewal of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc Cantlay, Patton Kizzire and There will be races for pure de Triomphe is no expectation, Austin Cook -- are all good Arabians at St. Cloud while the especially as they have not had players, but none are likely world’s premier global event for landed the coveted title though to drive television ratings Arabians, the Qatar Arabian they had many favourites and beyond the miniscule. World Cup, will be run just tough runners in previous Only number 22 Cantlay before the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de editions. is ranked in the top 80 in the Triomphe race, in demonstration A large media delegation has world. On the other side of of Qatar’s commitment to pro- arrived in Paris for Clincher. Yes- the Pacific, Pat Perez and moting pure Arabians as part of terday, media representatives recent world number ones Qatar’s heritage. watched the morning training of Justin Thomas and Justin Meanwhile, a horse from Clincher at the Training Centre Rose will defend titles in the Japan will try once more to win in Chantilly. Asian swing, starting next the greatest race in the world. During a press conference week with the CIMB Classic This sporting challenge is cher- Japanese media representatives in Kuala Lumpur. ished in Japan, a nation with a addressed questions to Clincher’s The action then moves to huge love for horseracing. A jockey Yutaka Take, who South Korea for the CJ Cup @ large contingent of fans from the expressed his hope to win the Nine Bridges on Jeju Island, Land of the Rising Sun is long-awaited title for the followed by the WGC-HSBC expected at ParisLongchamp to Japanese. Champions event in cheer home their champion, Clincher’s trainer Hiroshi Shanghai. Japanese horse Clincher during a Clincher at the Qatar Prix de l’Arc Miyamoto was also present along The meat of the schedule training session in Paris yesterday. de Triomphe; the way they have with other Chantilly-based in 2019 will include a couple been doing every year. trainers. of new tournaments.

Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina hits a return during Nishikori squashes Paire his men’s singles second round match against Karen Khachanov of Russia at the China Open in to reach Tokyo quarters Beijing yesterday. AFP but I stuck to my game,” said Nishikori. “It was important to stay TOKYO: Local hero Nishikori with him and dig in. I’m in the put down a marker in his quest for quarter-finals now and hopefully I a third Japan Open title as he can kick on from here.” outgunned France’s Benoit Paire Kyrgios appeared a little dis- yesterday to reach the last eight. tracted at times but the controversial The third seed, who lifted the Aussie became a different animal trophy in 2012 and 2014, completed after Nishioka, who won his first a 6-3, 7-5 victory despite late ATP tour title at last week’s resistance from Paire to avenge a Shenzhen Open, forced a tiebreak semi-final defeat inflicted by the in the second set. hulking Frenchman in Tokyo three Roused into action, Kyrgios years ago. unleashed a string of monstrous Meanwhile, former champion shots to steam through the breaker. Nick Kyrgios flickered into life for The 23-year-old, who has com- Del Potro seals ATP Finals just long enough to dispatch Japan’s plained that playing the late season Yoshihito Nishioka 7-5, 7-6 (7/3) in tour in Asia makes him feel the first round. depressed and lonely, fired 20 aces spot to end five-year wait Nishikori tore out of the blocks, and sealed victory with a flam- Kei Nishikori of Japan serves during winning the first five games before boyant backhand overhead after 73 his men’s singles second round match AFP Paire finally got on the minutes to book a place in the last London in November. It underlines the scoreboard. against France’s Benoit Paire at the 16. 30-year-old’s return to the men’s elite after Paire tugged at his beard in Japan Open in Tokyo yesterday. Kyrgios has been fined for BEIJING: Favourite Juan Martin del Potro years of wrist problems that threatened to despair after Nishikori snaffled the “tanking” matches in Shanghai the avoided the fate of third seed Grigor Dimitrov destroy his career. The world number four opening set but raced to a 3-0 lead took Paire’s head off to break again past two years but captured one of to surge into the quarter-finals of the China faces Filip Krajinovic of Serbia in the last in the second set before the Japanese for 6-5, further irritating the his four career titles at the 2016 Open and seal his spot at the ATP Finals eight on Beijing’s outside hard courts. number one rattled off five straight Frenchman, who flirted with a Japan Open. yesterday. Bulgaria’s Dimitrov was on the end of a games. penalty point after kicking his He faces eighth seed Richard The towering Argentine top seed, major shock in the Chinese capital, totting up An increasingly prickly Paire racquet into his chair. Gasquet for a place in the enjoying one of the best seasons of his injury- nine double faults in a three-set defeat to pulled off an outrageous between- Nishikori, who won the last of quarter-finals. blighted career, dismissed Russia’s stubborn Serbian qualifier Dusan Lajovic. Lajovic meets the-legs volley and subsequently his 11 career titles in Memphis two Meanwhile, Wimbledon finalist Karen Khachanov 6-4, 7-6 (7/4). Britain’s fifth seed Kyle Edmund in the quarter- levelled with a backhand rocket, years ago, closed out the match with Kevin Anderson survived a scare Victory means that Del Potro has qual- finals. Del Potro was imperious from the off, letting out a guttural roar as a ferocious cross-court forehand against Australian Matthew Ebden, ified for the season-ending ATP Finals for breaking the unseeded Khachanov in the first Nishikori shook his head in disbelief. that Paire battered wide. the second seed coming through the first time since 2013, joining Rafael Nadal, game of the match and then winning his own But the world number 12 almost “I had a few dangerous moments 4-6, 7-6 (7/1) to reach the last 16. Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in service game to love. 26 SPORT THURSDAY 4 OCTOBER 2018

Steyn and World Cup 2019 trophy reaches Pakistan Tahir star

AGENCIES as SA seal During the nine-month journey, the trophy will travel LAHORE: The 2019 World Cup not only to countries taking ODI series Trophy arrived in Pakistan part in the tournament but for The cricket World AFP yesterday as part of its world the first time ever will go tour, attracting scores of fans Cup will take place in beyond traditional cricket on the streets of Lahore . England and Wales heartlands and connect with : Spinner The trophy will tour from May 30 to July fans in a further 11 countries Imran Tahir took a hat-trick Pakistan from October 3 to 13 14, 2019. where cricket is growing, on his way to 6-24 while Dale with the most coveted prize in including Nepal, USA and Steyn hit a career-best 60 as world cricket visiting Lahore Germany. raced to a in the first phase from October 2019. The trophy kicked off its The trophy will travel to 120-run win over Zimbabwe 3 to 5. world tour from the Interna- Oman, the USA, the West in the second ODI at The trophy will then travel tional Cricket Council (ICC) Indies, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Mangaung Oval yesterday. to Islamabad from October 6 headquarters in Dubai on Bangladesh, Nepal, India, New South Africa, who won to 8 and then Karachi from August 27. Zealand, Australia, South the first match by five October 9 to 13. In a statement the ICC said: Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria, at the weekend, made 198 Pakistani left-arm seamer “Travelling across five conti- France, Belgium, the Nether- before dismissing Zimbabwe Mohammad Irfan had the nents, 21 countries and over 60 lands and Germany before for just 78 to take an unas- honour of travelling with the cities the ‘most connected arriving in England and Wales sailable lead of 2-0 in the trophy across the city of Trophy Tour ever’ will allow on February 19, 2019 for a Pakistan pacer Muhammad Irfan (left) holds the World Cup 2019 three-match series. Lahore. fans around the world to get up 100-day domestic Trophy trophy as it arrived in Lahore, while former Pakistan cricketer Tahir took wickets of B. The cricket World Cup will close to the coveted prize that Tour. and PCB’s Director International Cricket Zakir holds the 1992 Mavuta, K. Jarvis and T. take place in England and will be lifted at Lord’s will defend their World Cup trophy which was also put on display at Gaddafi Chatara to complete his hat- Wales from May 30 to July 14, Ground on July 14, 2019.” World Cup crown next year. Stadium, yesterday. trick. Earlier, Steyn shone with the bat on his return to one-day international cricket with a career-best 60. The veteran fast bowler came in to bat with South Africa reeling at 101 for seven. He and Andile Pheh- Shaw set for India debut lukwayo (28) added 75 for the eighth , a record for South Africa against in first West Indies Test Zimbabwe. SCOREBOARD South Africa AFP subsequently dropped ahead of D. Elgar c Taylor b Chatara ...... 4 A. Markram c Taylor b Tiripano ...... 35 the West Indies series. R. Hendricks b Jarvis ...... 1 NEW DELHI: India skipper Virat “We know as a team and H. Klaasen c Mire b Chatara ...... 1 Strauss Kohli yesterday said they are everyone on the outside also K. Zondo st Taylor b Mavuta ...... 21 looking to cement the team’s top knows the areas we need to C. Jonker b Mavuta ...... 25 quits top order against the West Indies as improve on and definitely if you J. Duminy lbw b Jarvis ...... 5 teenager Prithvi Shaw was look at sides that win Test A. Phehlukwayo c Taylor b Chatara ...... 28 named in the final 12 for the first matches contributions at the top D. Steyn b Tiripano ...... 60 England Imran Tahir lbw b Williams ...... 1 Test. and contributions in the lower L. Ngidi ...... 4 The world’s number one Test order are more crucial,” said Extras (lb2, nb1, w10) ...... 13 post side suffered from inconsistent Kohli. Total (47.3 overs) ...... 198 top order contributions during “Because whatever happens Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Elgar), 2-9 (Hendricks), 3-26 (Klaasen), 4-49 (Markram), 5-85 (Jonker), AFP their overseas tours of South in the middle is connected to Africa and England, losing 1-2 either the top order or what the 6-92 (Zondo), 7-101 (Duminy), 8-176 (Phehluk- and 1-4 respectively. lower order does.” wayo), 9-177 (Tahir) Bowling: Jarvis 10-2-26-2 (1w), Chatara 9-1- LONDON: Andrew The two-match West Indies Kohli, who was criticised for pictured, above 42-3 (2w), Tiripano 8.3-1-37-2, Mavuta 10-0- Strauss ( ) series starting in Rajkot today sitting out the Asia Cup which 48-2 (1nb, 5w), Williams 10-0-43-1 (1w) announced yesterday gives India an opportunity to was eventually won by the Rohit Zimbabwe that he is standing down work on their problem areas Sharma-led India in the UAE, S. Mire lbw b Steyn ...... 2 as England’s director of ahead of the all-important tour said rest in between long tours H. Masakadza lbw b Ngidi ...... 27 cricket following a of Australia. will be key for keeping players C. Ervine c Phehlukwayo b Steyn ...... 3 period of compassionate “I think the top order getting fit ahead of the World Cup in B. Taylor lbw b Imran Tahir ...... 10 S. Williams st Klaasen b Imran Tahir ...... 9 leave. cemented with these two Test 2019. P. Moor lbw b Imran Tahir ...... 5 Strauss’s wife Ruth matches, that’s what we are “I am feeling rejuvenated E. Chigumbura c Hendricks b Phehlukwayo ..0 was diagnosed with looking at,” Kohli told reporters. again. It was mental and physical D. Tiripano not out ...... 12 cancer during the Ashes “These guys are new, so they Indian cricketer Prithvi Shaw looks on during a training session both because of the intensity of B. Mavuta b Imran Tahir ...... 0 K. Jarvis b Imran Tahir ...... 1 in December 2017 and he will take a bit of time to get into ahead of the first Test against the West Indies in Rajkot, yesterday. the two tours, both South Africa took a break from his and England,” said Kohli. T. Chatara c Steyn b Imran Tahir ...... 3 position earlier this year INDIA TEAM “I definitely needed the Extras (lb2, w4) ...... 6 Total (24 overs) ...... 78 after she began a new it but they definitely have the runs in 14 first-class games break because my back went Virat Kohli (), Lokesh Rahul, Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Mire), 2-26 (Ervine), course of treatment. skillset”. including seven centuries and once in South Africa then it went 3-43 (Taylor), 4-43 (Masakadza), 5-58 (Wil- The former Test Prithvi Shaw, Cheteshwar Pujara, The 18-year-old Shaw, who made a strong showing for Delhi again (in) England. liams), 6-59 (Chigumbura), 7-59 (Moor), 8-59 captain, who had been in , (wicket- was chosen ahead of uncapped Daredevils in the Indian Premier “Looking at the World Cup I (Mavuta), 9-64 (Jarvis), 10-78 (Chatara) Bowling: Steyn 6-0-19-2, Ngidi 7-1-26-1, Pheh- the post for three-and- keeper), , Ravin- and one-Test League tournament. think these things are very a-half years, has told the old Hanuma Vihari, is expected Left-handed opener Shikhar important to consider, to give lukwayo 5-1-7-1, Imran Tahir 6-0-24-6 (2w)

England and Wales dra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed to open the alongside Dhawan managed just 162 runs players ample rest and oppor- Result: South Africa won by 120 runs

Series: South Africa lead the three-match se- Cricket Board (ECB) that Shami, , Shardul Thakur Lokesh Rahul. in eight innings in seaming tunity to train well and come ries 2-0 he will not be returning Shaw has accumulated 1418 English conditions and was back stronger.” to his role. He will take on a “flexible” position with the governing body. Andy Flower, who has Roberts named new Coach Langer confirms Finch, been standing in since May, will continue to hold the reins until December CEO of Cricket Australia Head debuts in series opener while recruitment of a REUTERS permanent successor number six against Pakistan A AP takes place. general meeting on October 25. and scored an unbeaten 39 in “Taking time out this Sutherland was appointed Australia’s only innings. summer to support my MELBOURNE: Kevin Roberts in 2001 to replace Malcolm DUBAI: White-ball specialist The 24-year-old, who can wife and kids, as Ruth (pictured) has been named the Speed. batsman Aaron Finch (pictured) also bowl part-time legspin, was goes through treatment new chief executive officer of In March, captain Steve and South Australia captain a surprise inclusion in the for cancer, has given me Cricket Australia, replacing Smith, vice-captain David will make their Test 15-man squad but played a key the chance to fully con- James Sutherland, who quit in Warner and opening batsman debuts in the series opener role in Queensland’s Sheffield sider what’s right for June after an embarrassing were caught against Pakistan in Dubai on Shield triumph earlier this year. England and what’s ball-tampering scandal up in a plot to tamper with the Sunday, Australia coach Justin “We’ve seen in the history needed at home,” he involving the country’s Test match ball during the third Test Langer has confirmed. of Australian cricket a lot of said.“The role in cricket team. against South Africa in Cape Both players scored half- people take their opportunities requires total focus and Cricket Australia said yes- Town. centuries in Australia’s drawn through injury,” Langer said. commitment to deliver terday that Roberts, the group’s Smith and Warner were tour match against a Pakistan A “I thought Marnus fielded the best results, yet right chief operating officer and a subsequently banned by Cricket side, convincing Langer to ball during the tour game that brilliantly but was really good now I need far more flex- former domestic first-class Australia from international award them their first caps in ended on Tuesday. with the bat (against Pakistan ibility than could ever be cricketer, will take over for and domestic first-class cricket the five-day format. “I think Matthew Renshaw A), bowled a few overs. He’s cer- possible in my position Sutherland after the annual for 12 months, and Bancroft for “There was never any doubt will be physically fine -- the one tainly put a strong case forward in order to support my nine months. Darren Lehmann over those two for me, I thought thing he’s got is he hasn’t played for selection as well.” Australia family. quit as national coach less than they were certainties to play,” much cricket,” Langer told are likely to opt for a second “Next year is poten- a week later, after being cleared Langer said of his first Test side reporters in Dubai. paceman to support left-armer tially the most important of any involvement in the ball- as Australia coach after the “He went on the Australia A Mitchell Starc and uncapped the game has had in this tampering incident. former opener took over from trip, he got a hamstring strain... Queensland quick country, with the World Sutherland also presided Darren Lehmann in May. he hasn’t spent much time in the may get the nod over workhorse Cup on home soil and a over a contentious period in the Despite the pair making middle. That’s going to be the , with Langer home Ashes series, and past year while Cricket Australia certain of selection, doubts issue for him.” impressed by his spells against we have an incredible negotiated a new pay deal with remain in other areas of captain Renshaw’s possible absence Pakistan A. opportunity to do some- the players’ union, and Roberts Tim Paine’s team, with opener could pave the way for South The second match of the thing special.” was credited with helping Matt Renshaw picking up a head Africa-born Marnus two-test series is in Abu Dhabi achieve the new pay contract. injury after being struck by the Labuschagne, who came in at from October 16 to 20. THURSDAY 4 OCTOBER 2018 SPORT 27 Qatar confident of hosting unique FIG Worlds

THE PENINSULA top-most level of success and to number of participating coun- show the real picture of the tries exceeding 80. It’s a large Qatar’s Ahmed Al Dayani in action at FIG Artistic DOHA: Dr. Thani bin Abdul- country’s distinctive organisa- number and which the world (pictured), Gymnastics World Cup Series at Aspire Dome in this rahman Al Kuwari the tional abilities in hosting major gymnastics hasn’t seen before. file picture. second Vice-President of Qatar sporting events. And as such we are keen to come Olympic Committee and Vice- Q: Doha Worlds will see a out with an exceptional cham- Chairman of the Organising record participation of over 700 pionship which reflects our high Committee for the 2018 World gymnasts for the first time. Does organisational capabilities to the Artistic Gymnastics Champion- this put pressure on you in world. ships Doha 2018 is confident of organising the championships? Q: What message does the Qatar showcasing a unique and A: The preparations are going Organising Committee seek to unprecedented hosting of Doha on at a hectic pace and with the send to the world by hosting this Worlds – the first such gymnastics aim of hosting a world championships? event in the Middle East. distinctivedistinctive A: This champichampi-- With hectic preparations versionversion of onshiponship comes at a under way for the champion- thet he very importantimportant ships to be staged at the Aspire champi-champi- time,time, whichwhich Dome from October 25 to onships. motivates us November 3, Dr. Al Kuwari spoke We are toto proviprovidede about the Organising Commit- wwelle ll thethe best tee’s efforts to showcase Qatar aaheadhead in andand to to the world. Following are the ttimeime for excerpts of his interview: tthehe event Q: Are the preparations well wwhichhich will showcase the essence of civili- A: The establishment of the the inter-generational and create in place ahead of the opening day wwitnessitness the sation of Qatar and the people of World Artistic Gymnastics promising cadres for the future, on October 25th? llargestargest Qatar to the world. We will show Championships for the first time because Qatar continues its A: First of all, we would like nnumberumber ofof that Qatar is living development in the Middle East is a gaining vision to organise more tourna- to thank H E Sheikh Joaan bin pparticipantsarticipants and progress at all levels, and ground. The main element of ments. The investment in the Hamad Al Thani, President of the wwithith the that what some seek to promote Qatar Vision 2030 is the fact that human element is very Qatar Olympic Committee and is unfounded and that those who the organising committee important for us. The legacy of Chairman of the Organising will come to Qatar will see on the includes Qatari cadres. We are the tournament will not stop at Committee of the championship ground what we live is progress, keen to take advantage of the possessing stadiums, facilities, for providing full support prosperity and civilization. organisation of this world cham- infrastructure and other organ- towards organising the tour- Q: What will be achieved by pionship with the introduction isational aspects, but will nament in the best possible way. hosting this edition of the world of new young players in the extend to include the human The work being done is to ensure gymnastics? organisational work to achieve element. Club claim QCA T20 Division A crown THE PENINSULA He faced 33 balls, fired seven sixes and four bound- DOHA: Imraz and Adnan mixed aries. Benin contributed 34 with aggression and patience to lead two sixes and four A file photo shows World Warriors Club to the Division A boundaries. Superbike Championships title in a thrilling finish in the Ashraf then guided the round taking place at Losail QCA Twenty20 Cricket Tour- chase with a 39-ball cameo. He International Circuit. nament in Doha. rifled three sixes and eight The Qatar Cricket Associ- boundaries to collect 76. Shahid ation hosted this tournament missed out on a half-, to provide competitive edge to getting a 30-ball 47 with seven all the division teams and con- fours. tinue the growth of the sport in Asif Umer added the Losail Circuit Sports Club the country. momentum with 31 not out, With Praveeth and Umar including half a dozen fours. bagging two wickets each, Benin and Faiz shared four Galfar Al Misnad were kept in wickets. gears up for busy season check by Warriors Club, Hadico held off Gladiators allowing them to make 142 for Club to claim the Division C title eight. Then Imraz and Adnan with a close six-run triumph, THE PENINSULA at night. You can also enjoy the produced solid batting to help despite Avtar’s splendid all- Jonathan Rea of Kawasaki Racing in action during the karting track, that resumes the team complete the chase in round display. World Superbike Championships - Superpole 2 at the Losail DOHA: Losail Circuit Sports again today from 5pm to 10pm 17.3 overs. Hadico made a challenging Club (LCSC) is ready for International Circuit, in this file photo of 2016 season. and it will take place on Imraz blasted 58 not out in 159 for seven as Ateer and another busy season that will Thursdays and Fridays. 51 balls, including four bound- Murad turned out to be best include hosting of several A unique initiative in the aries and two sixes, while scorers. world championships rounds, new season is the creation of Adnan’s run-a-ball 43 had Ateer was a bit slow as he track days and training the Qatar Motorsports seven shots to the fence and a got 39 off 36 balls with three sessions for budding riders and Academy (QMA). The aim of the six. fours. In contrast, Murad was drivers over the next months. QMA is to train children from Earlier, Rizlan and Faisal in an attacking mould and he Another exciting round of 8 to 16 years old to improve carried Galfar Al Misnad to a just took 17 balls to compile 37. World Superbike Champi- their riding skills in a safe envi- fighting total. Rizlan smashed His knock had three sixes onship (WorldSBK) at the ronment and look for talented three sixes in his 21-ball 35. and two boundaries. Avtar was Losail International Circuit will riders who could feature in Faisal took 22 deliveries to the pick of the Gladiators conclude later this month as for professional fields. reach 22, which contained four bowlers with three for 26. the fifth year in a row, the LIC QMA has training facilities boundaries and a six. Gayan Gladiators Club were will host the finale of the inside the LCSC and the added 26 off 15 balls with a six restricted by Jagroop and WorldSBK from October 25 to training will take place twice and two fours. Suhail, who took five wickets 27 with evening races a week and it is open for Qatari Imraz was declared the Man between them. Jagroop netted scheduled on Friday and and non-Qatari boys and girls. of the Match. three for 25 and Suhail grabbed Saturday. The season will be com- Dorna is involved in this In the Division B, the final two for 35. Grandstand tickets start A unique initiative posed by five rounds and both project with the programme was a high-scoring affair as Asif Avtar shone with the bat as from QR40 and all tickets give in the new season is championships will have the called ‘Road to MotoGP’ as well Ashraf excelled to power Selex well, hitting 42 in 23 balls with free access to the Paddock with the creation of the support of Qatar Motor and as the Aspire Academy. past Qatar Super Kings by four three sixes and as many fours. fans having the possibility Qatar Motorsports Motorcycle Federation. Khalid Al Remaihi, LCSC wickets with 13 balls remaining. Emad hit 26 as his 19-ball getting an access to the Grid Academy (QMA). The Meanwhile, training days Vice-President and General Batting first, Qatar Super innings contained four and to the Pit Wall Canopy for aim of the QMA is to are held on Tuesday for ladies Manager, said he is looking Kings piled up an impressive- boundaries. WorldSBK races. only and on Wednesday, forward the start of a new looking 181 for six as Tony Avtar was rewarded with All ticket holders can get train children from 8 to training days are open for the season. Archer laid the foundation with the man of the match award for the opportunity to be present 16 years old to improve general public. “Our overall objective is to a fine 71. his fine performance. at the Paddock Show to hear their riding skills in a Losail International Circuit promote motorsport. We know from the participating riders safe environment and has become a unique place to that it is important to create an and take photos and auto- look for talented riders exercise in an outdoor facility environment for racing enthu- graphs from them. who could feature in and in a safe environment. siasts to practice motorsport For families and kids, there The track is open both days safely. Apart from racing will be a fan area in the professional fields. from 5pm to 8.30pm and par- championships and com- Paddock with merchandise ticipants can bring their own munity activities that we are tents, kids activities, pedal purchased at www.lcsc.qa and bicycle or rent one at the track. organising, we are very excited karts, food court and much during the event at the ticket Fans can also run, walk or even with the launch of the Qatar more. booths at the LIC. go rollerblading. Motorsports Academy,” he said. As was the case in previous The new Qatar Superstock In addition, if you are a fan “We know the importance years, fans can also share the 600 and Qatar Touring Car of adrenaline and racing, there of focus on the young genera- FIM World Superbike Cham- Championship will start at the will be a track day for cars on tions and we believe that by cre- pionship Price Giving Cer- end of November with 2 days October 11 and for the bikes, ating this academy, we will be emony that will take place after of official practice and the first the track day will be on able to provide different pro- the second race of WorldSBK round to take place on October 12. grams depending on the skills Warriors Club’s players pose with the trophy after winning the at 9pm. Tickets can be December 7. Both track days will be held of each child,” Al Remaihi said. Division A final of QCA Twenty20 Cricket Tournament played in Doha recently. SPORT Thursday 4 October 2018 PAGE | 25 PAGE | 26 Del Potro Strauss quits seals ATP top England Finals spot post

Qatar to face Iceland Barcelona win thriller as and Switzerland in November friendlies

PSG hit Red Star for six THE PENINSULA AFP

DOHA: Qatar will play Iceland and Swit- LONDON: Barcelona and PSG regis- zerland in two international friendlies next tered contrasting wins to pick up full month, the Qatar Football Association points in their Champions League announced yesterday. group matches yesterday. Qatar will take on Switzerland (ranked At Wembley Stadium, Lionel 8th in FIFA rankings) on November 14 in Messi inspired Barcelona to an Switzerland. enthralling 4-2 victory over The maroons will then travel to the Belgian Tottenham. city of Eupen to face Iceland on November 19, Messi scored twice in an excellent the first meeting between the two sides since attacking display from the Spanish striker Mohammed Muntari scored a late champions, who were twice pegged equalizer for Qatar in a 1-1 friendly draw last back in a breathless second half. year. Former Liverpool midfielder After making a splash in their first foray Philippe Coutinho put Barcelona into international football tournaments in ahead in the second minute at the end Euro 2016; Iceland (ranked 36th in FIFA of an excellent team move involving Rankings) made their first World Cup Messi, although returning Spurs goal- Barcelona striker Lionel Messi celebrates appearance last summer, but failed to keeper Hugo Lloris helped the vis- after scoring their third goal against progress beyond the challenging Group D, itors by rushing off his line. Tottenham Hotspur yesterday. which saw them pitted against Croatia, Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic Argentina and Nigeria. then doubled the lead by firing home The international friendly will serve as an acrobatic half-volley off the inside another episode of Qatar’s friendly series of the post from 20 yards. against top-50 ranked sides in the world. But Harry Kane halved Spurs’ Last month Qatar defeated China and Pal- deficit in the 52nd minute, shortly estine in two friendlies held at Khalifa Inter- after Messi had twice hit the post for PSG forward Neymar reacts after scoring a goal during their UEFA Champions League match against Red Star national Stadium. the visitors. Belgrade at the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris, yesterday. Qatar will play two more friendly matches Messi then put Barca 3-1 in front in October, against Ecuador on 12th in Doha at the end of another flowing move, and Uzbekistan four days later in Tashkent. only for Erik Lamela to pull another return to top form with a hat-trick in miss the last three months of last In Moscow, American interna- Coach Felix Sanchez will be looking to test back for Spurs with a deflected shot a sublime display to lead Paris Saint- season. tional midfielder Weston McK- his players against formidable opposition in from the edge of the penalty area. Germain to a 6-1 rout of Red Star But he tore a hapless Red Star ennie hit an 88th-minute winner a bid to form a powerful side in the build-up Messi sealed the result in the 90th Belgrade. apart with two goals in the space of as struggling Schalke 04 edged to the 2019 Asian Cup set to take place next minute with a calm finish which gives The world’s most expensive two first-half minutes at the Parc des Lokomotiv Moscow 1-0 in their January in the United Arab Emirates. his side a second successive Cham- player admitted on the eve of this Princes, the first a delightful curling Group D clash. In the 2019 Asian Cup, Qatar will be pions League win and sees them top game that he still did not feel back to free-kick, before completing his hat- Lorenzo Insigne’s dramatic late playing against Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Group B. 100 percent after the foot injury trick from another stunning free-kick winner gave Napoli victory over Liv- North Korea in Group E. In Paris, Neymar continued his which required surgery and saw him late on. erpool in their group game in Italy. We can turn things around, says Al Sadd coach Ferreira

RIZWAN REHMAT echoed coach Ferreira’s senti- THE PENINSULA ments, saying Al Sadd will be playing to win. Ismail said Al DOHA: Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Sadd was in dominant position Ferreira has given his team a until the 86th-minute penalty rallying shout ahead of the from Ali Alipour who was rough second leg of their AFC Cham- tackled by goalkeeper Saad Al pions League semi-final against Sheeb. Qatar's Abdulla Al Persepolis, saying the Doha “We controlled the match Tamimi in action in giants could turns thing around right up to the penalty,” Ismail this file picture. in the decisive encounter. said. “We felt some of their On Tuesday, Persepolis upset players were exhausted and so Al Sadd plans with a 1-0 win at we tried to push forward to get Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium fol- the win but unfortunately, we Tamimi continues lowing a late penalty in the first ended up losing. We now look leg. Al Sadd’s head coach Jesualdo Ferreira of Portugal gestures forward to going to Tehran and “I am sure that Al Sadd are during the AFC Champions League semi-final first leg match getting a good result there.” ranking surge capable of returning with a pos- against Persepolis FC at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in “We are used to seeing itive result,” Ferreira said at the Iranian sides play an open game Doha on Tuesday. THE PENINSULA post-match press conference. against us but Persepolis were tournaments including the JP “We still have a chance of playing in a defensive manner.” Morgan China Open held winning the second leg. The team don’t have any option but to win Hamza’s lack of playing time in “I think they may play a more DOHA: Aspire Academy recently in Shanghai. must believe in its chances in the second leg in order to keep the league is not in our hands, it open game in front of their fans graduate and Qatar’s number 1 Tamimi was delighted by order to achieve this goal (of our title hopes alive. We know is due to the QFA’s rules.” in the second leg and that could squash player Abdulla Al taking the 24th place for the reaching the final),” the Portu- how difficult it will be but we When questioned on turn out to be good for us; we Tamimi, has climbed the PSA first time in his career and guese added. have the desire to achieve it,” he choosing to play with three could use that to our advantage World Ranking to position 24th stressed that he will do his “We are only thinking about added. central midfielders, Ferreira said: and score the goals that we are as per the latest world ranking best to reach a higher one result and that is to win the When asked about his team “If you look at the game against looking for,” he said. at the end of September 2018. position during the new second leg in Tehran. This is the selection and plans for the return Al Rayyan, we played with the “Of course, we did not play The 24-year-old Aspire season. only result that will take us clash on October 23, Ferreira same formation and it was very as well as we wanted in this graduate moved four places up Tamimi began his squash through to the final,” he said. said: “Meshaal Barsham was successful.” game but we now have a huge from last ranking released in career in 2011 and broke into Al Sadd coach came down injured and he wasn’t able to kick “The second leg will be really desire to perform at a higher August. This is Tamimi’s highest the world’s top 70 in November hard on the Iranian rivals, saying the ball. That’s why Saad Al- difficult especially as we are level in Tehran and come back ever PSA World Ranking so, he 2014 and entered the top 40 the visitors resorted to negative Dosari played but he won’t be going to be playing in front of with a win. became the highest ranked after winning the title of Aus- tactics in the game under lights playing in the second leg because 100,000 fans. They have a big “We have a good period of squash player from the Gulf tralian Open. on Tuesday. he picked up a yellow card.” advantage because of the 1-0 win preparation lying ahead of us region. Al Tamimi is one of most “Persepolis are a tough side. The coach added: “As for here. They also have great and, hopefully, Al Sadd will be in Tamimi’s progress in the prominent Aspire graduates and They were wrestling with us, it Hamza Al Sanhaji, he is our only physical strength and will look a better situation by then. What PSA World Ranking comes on one of the talents that the is not football. They wasted time striker on the bench and I put to exploit their mistakes, but we is important is that we fully the back of solid performances academy has developed to throughout the game,” he said. him in to replace Hamid Ismail can do it,” Ferreira said. believe in our chances,” he and pleasing results from recent make the nation proud at inter- “We fought well but now we to add strength to the attack. Al Sadd midfielder Ismail added. international squash national tournaments.