ZZZGLVVFRPTD 6$)(7<75$,1,1* 2BUBScT-BSHFTU4BGFUZ 5SBJOJOH$FOUFS

2YHU6DIHW\&RXUVHV 4XDOLILFDWLRQLQMXVWGD\V

&ODVVURRP (/HDUQLQJ 'D\VD:HHN SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2017 ',66 LQIR#GLVVFRPTD 

Serena weds Alexis Goffin sets up Federer clash New Orleans in US is abuzz over tennis David Goffin beats Dominic Thiem to meet CRICKET TEST star Serena William’s wedding PAGE 22 Roger Federer in semis of ATP Finals PAGE 22 INDIA VS SRI LANKA INTERNATIONAL SHOWJUMPING CHAMPIONSHIP Gharafa face Al Sailiya challenge

The QNB Stars League’s Round 8 fixtures on Saturday will see Al Gharafa host Al Sailiya, while Al Markhiya will take on Al Ahli at the Al Arabi Stadium in simultaneous kick-off mathes at 4pm. Qatar SC will play at home against Al Khor at 6.10pm.

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Vladimir Tuganov of Russia on Suspens Floreval during the Table A, Against the Clock FEI Art. 238.2.1 (145cm) event of the FEI World Cup qualifying competition at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s main arena in on Friday. (PICS: LOTFI GARSI) GOING by their form and recent results Al Sailiya start as favour- ites against Al Gharafa for the Round 8 clash of the QNB Stars League on Saturday. The sixth-placed Al Ghara- Russia’s Tuganov rules fa, coached by Frenchman Jean Fernandez, however, have the capacity to beat Al Sailiya, who are on a high hav- ing beaten Umm Salal. with Suspens Floreval Al Gharafa will still need to New Hope show consistency in their per- formance having been held by My immediate priority is to also represented Russia at the promoted team Al Markhiya in boost the morale of my Fifty-six-year-old 2004 and 2012 Olympics. Round 7, after holding leaders He began riding at a young Al Duhail in the previous week. players and hopefully, you’ll veteran in race age and from 1976 to 1979 he Al Gharafa have so far see a different Al Khor in for 2018 FEI was successful in junior event- recorded only one victory, the future games. ing. In 1983 he was crowned but have the most number of World Cup spot Soviet showjumping champi- draws (four) among all teams. Al Khor coach Nassif Al Bayawi on. He quit competitive riding VINAY NAYUDU for several years in the 1990s QNB STARS LEAGUE STANDINGS DOHA but returned to active compe- tition to realise his dream of POS CLUB M W L D GF GA GD PTS THEY say age is no bar for competing at the Olympics. 1. AL DUHAIL 7 6 0 1 25 10 15 19 those who want to succeed. His showjumping in the 2. AL RAYYAN 7 6 1 0 19 10 9 18 Russian rider Vladimir Qatar championship would be 3. AL SADD 7 6 1 0 17 8 9 18 Tuganov is one such personal- an inspiration to many of the 4. AL SAILIYA 7 5 2 0 20 11 9 15 ity, who brought himself into young riders. 5. UMM SALAL 7 4 2 1 13 9 4 13 focus once again on Friday as Meanwhile, in the Ta- 6. AL GHARAFA 7 1 2 4 8 9 -1 7 he galloped over the fences at ble A, Against the clock with 7. AL KHARAITIYAT 7 1 3 3 9 11 -2 6 the Qatar Equestrian Federa- jump-off (135cm) class, Qa- 8. AL AHLI 7 1 4 2 8 15 -7 5 tion’s arena in style to win the tar’s promising rider Mubarak feature class of Day Two of Yousuf al Rumaihi continued 9. AL ARABI 7 1 4 2 8 16 -8 5 the QNB Qatar International to excel. 10. AL MARKHIYA 7 1 4 2 5 14 -9 5 Showjumping Championship The Qatar Armed Forces 11. AL KHOR 7 1 5 1 7 14 -7 4 at Al Rayyan and stay in con- showjumper, on his grey geld- 12. QATAR SC 7 1 6 0 6 18 -12 3 tention for the FEI World Cup Vladimir Tugalov of Russia, runner-up Salmeen Sultan al Suwaidi of Qatar and third-placed Hamad al ing mount SIEC Cosmos Win- to be held in Paris in 2018. Attiyah of Qatar with Usman Nasir, Member, Executive Board of Equestrian Federation of Pakistan, and jgaardhoeve Z, completed the Al Sailiya, guided by Tu- Qatar SC play Al Khor Tuganov, 56, stole the Hamad bin Abdulrahman al Attiyah, President Qatar Equestrian Federation, after the prize-giving ceremony routine with ease but swiftly nisian coach Sami Trabelsi, The bottom-placed two teams Against the clock 145cm class at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s main arena in Al Rayyan on Friday. taking 35.68secs. broke into the top four with will look for a lifeline. Al Khor, show on his grey stud Suspens Qatar’s Hamad Nasser al their victory over Umm Salal under new coach Nassif Al Baya- Floreval clocking 72.74secs to 72.91secs on his mount 73.04secs to claim the third showjumping. A Master of Qadi on St. Lucia stood sec- and are on 15 points. wi, will look to capitalise on Qa- finish just 0.17secs ahead of Cantaro 32. place on Clinton. Sport of International Class ond in 36.23secs while Awad Vladimir Weiss, Diego tar SC’s miserable run of late. the Qatari challenger Salmeen Another Qatar rider All top riders from this in the Russian Federation and al Qahtani, also of Qatar, Amado and Luis Jimenez It will be Al Bayawi’s first Sultan al Suwadi, who took Hamad al Attiyah clocked class have qualified for the one who believes in the motto finished third on Gerenie of mainly carry Al Gharafa’s league match in charge of The Grand Prix World Cup compe- ‘If you want to succeed, work Colors in 36.89secs. hopes, while Al Sailiya have Knights. The Tunisian, who tition of two rounds (160cm) hard’, veteran Tuganov has Earlier in the 120cm class, the likes of Wagner Ribeiro, previously coached Saudi Ara- on Saturday. Qatar’s Ghanim Nasser al Qadi Temurkhuja Abdukholikov bian team Al Qadisiya, was ap- Their highest scores SATURDAY SCHEDULE on Fudine clocked 33.58secs and Valentin Lazar. pointed to replace Frenchman through the championship to win the event, followed by Laurent Banide who was dis- will be taken into account and (CSI4*- W DOHA compatriot Mohammed Salem Al Markhiya meet Al Ahli missed after Round 6. will determine selection for 1.30pm: Class 7: Table A, Against the Clock 130/135cm al Marri in 36.62secs on Gin Both Al Markhiya and Al Ahli Incidentally, Al Khor and the FEI World Cup. 3.30pm: Class 8: Table A, One Round + Winning have amassed five points, but Qatar SC were locked in a Round 145cm Tonic Van De Kranenburg. Tuganov surely has set his 6pm: Class 9: Grand Prix – World Cup Competition Indonesia Ferry Wahyu they are placed eighth and 10th goalless draw in the fourth eyes on the team to Paris and (Two Rounds) 160cm. Hadiyanto, riding Looping 46, respectively on goal difference. round of QSL Cup played on seemed determined with his came third in 37.18secs. The Brigadiers’ have a goal dif- November 13. ference of 7 against the Oryxes’ 9. Al Khor coach Nassif Al The teams are more or less Bayawi, speaking to the me- of same strength. They had dia ahead of their match played out a goalless draw against Qatar SC, said, “I’m RESULTS CSI4* DOHA in the fourth round of QSL no stranger to Qatar foot- CLASS 6: TABLE A, AGAINST THE CLOCK FEI ART. 238.2.1 (145CM) Cup on November 12 and are ball having assisted French in contention for the second coach Bernard Simondi at Al QUALIFYING COMPETITION FOR FEI WORLD CUP semifinal spot from Group B Kharaitiyat. I’m happy to be 1. Vladimir Tuganov, Russia (Suspens Floreval); Faults 0; Time: 72.74secs; Prize: €15,450 from which Al Rayyan have al- back coaching in this country 2. Salmeen Sultain al Suwaidi, Qatar (Cantaro 32); 0; 72.91secs; €12,360 ready progressed to. and I look forward to my first Al Ahli’s injured Tuni- league match, against Qatar 3. Hamad al Attiyah, Qatar (Clinton); 0; 73.04secs; €9,270 sian professional Yassine SC, with a lot of hope. We’re 4. Vladimir Tuganov, Russia (Qualidam; 0; 74.24secs; €6,180 Chikhaoui is set to return to definitely looking forward to a CLASS 5: TABLE A, AGAINST THE CLOCK WITH JUMP-OFF ART. 238.2.2 (135CM) action from an injury he suf- positive result. 1. Mubarak Yousuf al Rumaihi, Qatar (SIEC Cosmos Wijngaardhoeve Z); 0; 35.68secs; €2,500 fered in sixth minute of their “Qatar SC are bottom match against Al Arabi in the placed, but we aren’t taking 2. Hamad Nasser al Qadi, Qatar (St. Lucia); 0; 36.23secs; €2,000 sixth round, which resulted in them lightly. We’re just above 3. Awad al Qahtani, Qatar (Gerenice of Colors); 0; 36.89secs; €1,500 him being taken off the pitch. them in the table. We’re com- 4. Nasser al Ghazali, Qatar (Casmir’s Son); 0; 37.38secs; €1,000 He had also missed Al ing from four straight defeats CLASS 4: TABLE A, AGAINST THE CLOCK WITH JUMP-OFF FEI ART.238.2.2 (120CM) Ahli’s Round 7 game that they in the league and the players’ 1. Ghanim Nasser al Qadi, Qatar (Fudine); 0; 33.58secs; €1,500 lost to Al Sadd. morale is very low. My imme- Ghanaian striker Kwame diate priority is to boost their Mohammed Salem al Marri, Qatar (Gin Tonic Van De Kranenburg); 0; 36.62secs; €1,200 2. Karikari leads Al Markhiya’s morale and, hopefully, you’ll 3. Ferry Wahyu Hadiyanto, Indonesia (Looping 46); 0; 37.18secs; €900 Qatar’s Mubarak Yousuf al Rumaihi on SIEC Cosmos Winjgaardhoeve after winning the 135cm Against the charge. see a different Al Khor in the 4. Gairat Nazarov, Uzbekistan (Vlacido); 0; 37.91secs; €600 Clock class event at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s main arena in Al Rayyan on Friday. future games. Sports Saturday, November 18, 2017 23 Qatar’s Frijns emerges 3rd in qualifying at Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge ME Ashkanani takes pole for opening race of Season 9

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK era as all drivers took to the DOHA 5.40 km grand-prix configured track to qualify for Race 1 of QATAR-RESIDENT Charlie Round 1 in control of the next Frijns emerged third while generation of GT3 Cup car, with Kuwait-driver Zaid Ashkanani lap times noticeably quicker set the pace in a dramatic first thanks to the four-litre six-cyl- qualifying session of the Por- inder flat engine with direct fuel sche GT3 Cup Challenge Mid- injection delivering 485 hp. dle East Season 9 on Friday. Whether returning to the Ashkanani clocked an im- series or entering the competi- pressive 2:03:990 to sit on pole tion for the first time, adrena- at the top of a 17-car grid featur- line was high in the pits as ing drivers from nine different drivers held their nerve before countries, just ahead of Tom using their 30 minutes of quali- Charlie Frijns (right) qualifies for the opening race of the Porsche GT3CCME. Oliphant of Great Britain in sec- fying wisely. ond at the Bahrain Internation- After taking pole Ashkanani over the summer and unfortu- 12 races over a period of six al Circuit in new GT3 Cup car. said: “Firstly, it’s great to be nately I wasn’t able to do so this months. Drivers will compete Fellow team member and back. I have very fond memo- year. I may take a little longer to across the region with con- father to Charlie, Rob Frijns ries of the Porsche GT3 Cup get up to the pace, but I know firmed circuits including Du- completes team Frijns Struc- Challenge Middle East and it the track well enough which bai Autodrome, Yas Marina tural Steel ME of Qatar and will is always exciting to be racing Qatar’s Charlie Frijns during the qualifying rounds of the GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East Season 9 on Friday. paid off in qualifying. After Circuit in Abu Dhabi and Bah- start from 16th on the grid. close to home. I had a success- missing out on the champion- rain International Circuit. As with previous years, the ful summer in the Porsche Mo- more and more international region. torque and power out especially ship title last season, I am more Season 9 sees drivers hail- opening round of the region’s bil 1 Supercup and I am hoping names and the level of the re- Clocking a furious 2:04:067, on the straights and it feels great motivated than ever to make ing from Germany, Great Brit- most successful and profes- to replicate this form during gional drivers is getting strong- Charlie Frijns commented: “It’s pushing the car to the limit. I every round count and hopeful- ain, Netherlands, Sweden as sional series is held in support this weekend. er each season. It’s encouraging great to be back in the Porsche wasn’t on new tyres today, but ly lift the championship trophy well as returning and new lo- of the FIA World Endurance “I’m pleased with my time to see so many Middle Eastern GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East the times were still strong which in April next year.” cal stars from the Middle East Championship (WEC) 6 Hours and securing pole, but it is not drivers in the championship, and even better to be compet- is very encouraging for me. The Porsche GT3 Cup Chal- region representing Bahrain, of Bahrain weekend. But Sea- going to be an easy race. The proving that there is a growing ing in the brand-new GT3 Cup “A lot of the drivers here lenge Middle East will con- Oman, Saudi Arabia and Ku- son 9 signals the start of a new championship is attracting appetite for motorsport in the car. You can really feel the extra have been driving in Europe sist of six race weekends with wait. QSL holds meeting on Nigeria’s bobsled women IBSF chief praises Doha's Arabi, Rayyan clash organisation of world QNA ers, inviting the public to attend in Olympic first for Africa DOHA early to avoid crowding, fixing championship the opening time of the entrance QATAR Stars League held a co- gates to the public with the pres- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK He added that there is a ordination meeting in Al Bidaa ence of representatives of the DOHA consensus that QBSF has ex- Tower on Thursday in prepara- two clubs at the gates to help ceeded all expectations with tion for the big match between facilitate public access without INTERNATIONAL Billiards the organisation of the tourna- Al Arabi and Al Rayyan in the any obstacles or difficulties, as and Snooker Federation ment. eighth round of the QNB Stars well as the cooperation with se- (IBSF) President Mubarak al The IBSF president said League at Hamad Stadium on curity and organisers. Khayarin has praised the or- that despite the lack of popu- Sunday. There will also be a dedi- ganisational and technical suc- larity of English billiards in During the meeting, a cated event area on the day of cess of the ongoing World Bil- Qatar in particular and the number of important issues the match, which will include a liards Championship. Gulf generally, the federa- were discussed, including at- range of activities for all ages. It The championship, which tion worked hard to prepare tendance at the scheduled time will open from 4:30 pm on the was held from November 9 to Khamis al Obaidly to partici- for the two teams and organis- day of the match 15, was hosted by Qatar Bil- pate in the Asian Champion- liards and Snooker Federation ships. (QBSF) at Al Arabi Club's In- He added that the player door Hall. took part in the World Billiards Over 19 top-class players Championship, where he Fleetwood fights from nine countries partici- played well but the difference pated in the tournament which in experience did not allow featured the 150-up and the him to achieve better results as back in second Long-up formats. expected. Speaking to the media, Khayarin stressed that all Khayarin said such successes hands are equally on deck to round in Dubai are nothing new to QBSF, ensure a very successful IBSF AFP if Fleetwood does not win, or which has gained great ex- World Snooker championship, DUBAI with a top-five showing if his periences in organising such which brings together the lead- younger compatriot finishes (From left to right) Seun Adigun, Ngozi Onwumere and Akuoma Omeoga, the Nigerian bobsled team, pose events for 10 years running. ing world players, beginning THE battle between Tommy down the leaderboard. Fleet- for photographs after their qualification in Calgary on Thursday. He said the Doha event, from Saturday. Fleetwood and Justin Rose wood leads the race by 256,737 which took place a few days He added that as IBSF to finish the year as Europe's points. AFP parisons with Jamaica's par- Under Armour. after the Sheffield tournament, president, he aims to include number 1 golfer took another "It's all about how you react LAGOS ticipation in the 1988 Games in Reaction to their qualifica- was far better than the latter in billiards and snooker in the Ol- twist on Friday in the DP World to stuff, isn't it?" Fleetwood said Calgary, Canada, which led to tion in Nigeria was largely one all comparison. ympics and that he has made a Tour Championship. after a birdie finish. "Yesterday, THE Nigerian women's bobsled the 1993 Hollywood film "Cool of surprise, with many peo- Khayarin said that all par- lot of contacts with the Olym- After two rounds, a famil- I was really unhappy with how team was celebrating on Friday Runnings". ple unaware the football-mad ticipating players have com- pic Council of Asia under the iar face topped the leaderboard I reacted early on. Got off to a after becoming the first from Nigeria's team -- driver country even had a bobsled mended the organisational side presidency of Sheikh Ahmed al in the $8 million (6.78 million bad start and got back into it Africa to ever qualify for the Seun Adigun and brakewomen team. "I'm honestly not fully of the tournament in terms of Fahad al Sabah to support this euro) event. Matthew Fitz- and I didn't really play great. Winter Olympics. Ngozi Onwumere and Akuoma sure what a Bobsled team really providing all forms of comfort. proposal. patrick, the defending cham- "I was on the putting green The Bobsled and Skeleton is. But Go Nigeria!" wrote one pion, hit a second 67 to finish till dark last night. Today was Federation of Nigeria posted a user on Twitter. 10 under par. just a much better day. And I photograph on its Instagram Reaction to their qualifi- The women, who were all But much of the focus in the am happy I still have things in account of the three-women cation in Nigeria was born and grew up in the United European tour's season-ending my hand instead of being way team high-fiving one another largely one of surprise, States, have a background in event was on the two men lead- back." with delight at making it to next with many people unaware athletics. Adigun, competed for ing the "Race to Dubai". Fleet- Rose, who played another year's games in Pyeongchang, the football-mad country Nigeria at the 2012 Olympics. wood, who struggled in the first solid round with four birdies South Korea and said: "Ecstatic even had a bobsled team She told the BBC in April round, shot a seven-under-par in increasingly difficult condi- to say the least." this year: "My goal is to get this 65 in the second to make up tions, was disappointed with "We are so proud of our team representation for this five shots on Rose, who hit 70. his three-putt bogey on the Women's Bobsled team being Omeoga -- have done little to country (Nigeria) and this con- Rose is tied for third, two shots 18th. eligible to qualify for the Winter play down the comparison. tinent (Africa) at the Olympic ahead of Fleetwood who is in a "Slightly frustrating round," Olympic Games," it added after They crowd-funded the Games... four-way tie for 11th. Rose said. "There were proba- they completed their last quali- $150,000 (130,000 euros, "We are from a continent For Fitzpatrick, Friday was bly a lot of chances I could have fying run in Calgary on Thurs- £114,000) required to train and that would never imagine slid- eerily similar to the final round taken. But at the same time, it's day. compete and through a mixture ing down ice at 80 or 90 miles last year when he won with a a good mark. It's a good, solid The qualification of Nigeria of savvy marketing and pub- an hour (130-145 kilometres birdie on the 18th as Tyrrell effort after yesterday and puts -- where temperatures are cur- licity have developed a strong per hour). Hatton made a bogey. me in great position for the rently upwards of 35 degress online profile that has helped "The idea of being able to This time, Fitzpatrick sank weekend." Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) attract sponsorship from Visa take to that in itself is empow- a 25-footer on the final hole The only other player in -- has inevitably drawn com- and sportswear manufacturer ering." IBSF President President Mubarak al Khayarin. on the Earth course at Jumei- contention, Masters champion rah Golf Estates, while Hatton, Sergio Garcia, added a 69 to his 10-under through 17 holes, opening-round 70 and is one dropped a shot on the 18th shot behind Fleetwood. from a horrible lie in the bun- Rookie Julian Suri (68) of Russian TV will ‘not show Winter Olympics’ if team banned ker to finish on nine-under par. the USA and Kiradech Aphib- Rose can claim his second arnrat (67) of Thailand were in AFP was quoted as saying by Inter- network Match TV, which is European end-of-season title tied third place at eight-under MOSCOW fax news agency. indirectly owned by the gas gi- by finishing first or solo second par 136 alongside Rose. The Kremlin said it could ant Gazprom. RUSSIAN state television said "understand" the decision of Channel One will also boy- Friday it would not broadcast the state media group. cott the games if the national the Winter Olympics from "Broadcasting the Olympic team is banned, the Russian South Korea next year if the Games requires the acquisi- business daily Vedomosti re- Russian team is banned from tion of rights that are very ported. Channel One would the games over doping. expensive. These sums are not immediately comment The International Olympic clearly spent in the hope of when contacted by AFP. Committee's executive board great interest from Russian Match TV said its agree- is due to meet next month to viewers," Kremlin spokesman ments to screen the games consider whether Russia can Dmitry Peskov said. were still in force. compete in Pyeongchang in "If our team is not partici- "Nobody has banned Rus- February, after evidence of pating in the Olympics then sia from the Games. We don't widespread cheating emerged the interest of Russian view- see any point in discussing the in 2015. ers in these programmes will subject today," spokesman Le- "If our team is barred from be reduced. "But it is still too van Matua told AFP. participating in the Winter Ol- soon to talk about that. Prepa- This week the World An- ympics, our channels will not rations for the Olympics are ti-Doping Agency (WADA) show the games," the press ongoing and our sporting au- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. maintained their suspension Tommy Fleetwood of England plays a shot during the second round of service of the All-Russia State thorities are continuing with he said. cast the games: VGTRK's Ros- of the Russian body, RUSA- the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai Television and Radio Broad- great patience in dialogue with Three Russian channels siya 1, the state-controlled DA, which was first imposed on Friday. (AFP) casting Company (VGTRK) international sporting bodies," were originally set to broad- Channel One and the sports in 2015. 22 Saturday, November 18, 2017 Sports New Orleans in US abuzz Goffin sets up Federer semis over Serena’s wedding at ATP Finals AFP LONDON

DAVID Goffin survived a shaky start to his ATP Finals shootout against good friend Dominic Thiem on Friday to win 6-4, 6-1 and advance to the semi-finals, where he has the daunting task of taking on Tennis star Serena Williams Roger Federer. and her beau Reddit co-founder The Belgian seventh seed Alexis Ohanian. lost the first three games against Austria's Thiem at London's O2 AFP Arena but roared back to win six Belgium’s David Goffin gestures NEW ORLEANS (LOUISIANA) of the next seven and take the to the crowd after his straight sets set. After Thiem received med- win over Austria’s Dominic Thiem STAR wattage abounded in ical treatment for an apparent in ATP World Tour Finals at the O2 New Orleans on Thursday as cut on his left knee, Goffin es- Arena in London on Friday. (AFP) A-list celebrities gathered for tablished an iron grip on the the wedding of tennis super- match with an early break in losing heavily to Dimitrov. star Serena Williams and Red- the second set as his fourth- In the evening match Dim- dit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. seeded opponent continued to itrov, who has already won the Despite the media frenzy, struggle to land first serves. group, will play Pablo Carreno the happy couple released few The pair were playing off Busta, who replaced world details of their ceremony. But for the last semi-final spot af- number one Nadal after the unnamed sources told People ter Federer, Grigor Dimitrov Spaniard pulled out injured magazine and the Daily Mail and Jack Sock sealed their following his defeat by Goffin. that some 250 guests were places earlier in the week. Federer, chasing a sev- invited to the festivities at the Goffin, who beat Rafael enth end-of-season trophy, southern US city’s Contempo- People gather outside the Contemporary Arts Museum, where Serena Williams got married to Alexis Ohanian on Thursday evening in New Nadal in his round-robin open- topped the Boris Becker group rary Arts Center. Orleans, Louisiana, United States. (AFP) er in the Pete Sampras group, with American Sock in second Music royalty Beyonce, showed impressive mental place. Sock will play Bulgaria's legendary Vogue magazine the tennis star's sister Venus Stars attend photo deal had been signed “We love her. She’s classy. strength to bounce back from Dimitrov in Saturday's other editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, was seen late on Wednesday with Vogue. She and Venus. They never his poor start to the match after semi-final. reality TV star Kim Kardashi- leaving the arts center. Despite the media frenzy, the Williams, 36, a 23-time complain,” Riley told AFP. an, actress Eva Longoria and Workers could be seen happy couple released few Grand Slam champion, and “We’re so glad she found singer Ciara were all also seen early Thursday transforming details of their ceremony. Ohanian, 34, welcomed their happiness. Little baby Alexis is Quick read arriving at the arts complex. the arts complex for the cer- Sources told People first child, daughter Alexis Ol- so precious,” said Mary Huber, Security for the event, an- emony, while the parking lot ympia, on September 1. who was among a small group magazine and the Daily Mail Belgian Fissette is Kerber’s new coach ticipated to last into the wee beside the building was full that some 250 guests were They announced their en- who took a break from work to hours, was tight. An entire of tents and trucks unloading gagement in December after observe the hectic scene. block in the Big Easy – a city flowers, tables, carpets, ward- invited to the festivities at meeting in 2015 in . Williams won this year’s FORMER world number one Angelique Kerber on Thursday an- known for its jazz music, good robe, and musicians. the southern US city’s While New Orleans was Australian Open while preg- nounced that Belgian Wim Fisette will replace Torben Beltz as her food and party atmosphere – The locally popular New Contemporary Arts Center. no stranger to celebrities and nant, and is expected to de- coach in 2018. After winning two Grand Slams and an Olympic was closed to traffic. Orleans funk and jazz band TV star Kim Kardashian, weddings, the star wattage fend her title in Melbourne in silver medal in 2016, the 29-year-old failed to claim a single title A steady train of black Naughty Professor was seen actress Eva Longoria and Thursday stirred up extra ex- 2018 – just four-and-a-half this year and fell to 21st in the world rankings, also losing her spot SUVs brought members of the arriving in the late afternoon, singer Ciara were all citement in the city. months after giving birth to as German number one to Julia Goerges. Kerber and compatriot wedding party to the event, as as was the traditional Paulin seen arriving. Linda Davis and Cora Ri- her child. Beltz first worked together from 2011-13 and rejoined forces in workers hurried final prepara- Brothers Brass Band. ley drove four hours from the The Contemporary Arts 2015, with the German pair having their most successful season tions for the festivities. Chefs cooked in an outdoor small Louisiana town of De- Center is a large, four-sto- a year later. “It’s been tough but I’m about to start a new chapter According the entertain- tent, with feasting options in- event would cost more than Ridder just to get a glimpse ry, multi-disciplinary com- in my career, with a new coach,” Kerber said on her official Twitter ment website ETonline, the cluding two food trucks as well $1 million and guests would of the tennis champion. They plex boasting approximately account. Fissette has previously worked with top players such as wedding was to have a “Beauty as an outdoor bar. be asked not to bring their cell waited outside the arts com- 10,000 square feet (929 square Kim Clijsters, Victoria Azarenka and Simona Halep, and coached and the Beast” theme. It said The Daily Mail said the phones, because an exclusive plex for hours. meters) of gallery space. Britain's Johanna Konta for the 2017 season. (REUTERS)

Pujara holds fort Paine handed shock recall as Oz gamble

AFP Wade and Peter Nevill for as India stumble SYDNEY his first Test match since The Squad October 2010. WICKETKEEPER Tim Paine Bancroft, a 24-year-old was handed a shock recall af- Steve Smith (capt), David Warner, Cameron right-hander, is in line for ter a seven-year Test absence Bancroft, Jackson Bird, Pat Cummins, Peter his Test debut at the expense on Friday as Australia gam- Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Usman Khawaja, of opening batsman Matthew SCOREBOARD bled on sweeping changes Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine, Chadd Renshaw following a prolific for the first two Ashes Tests Sayers, Mitchell Starc. series of scores for Western INDIA INNINGS: (OVERNIGHT 17-3) against England. Australia in this season’s L. Rahul c Dickwella b Lakmal ...... 0 domestic Sheffield Shield S. Dhawan b Lakmal ...... 8 competition. C. Pujara batting ...... 47 V. Kohli lbw b Lakmal ...... 0 In a stunning selection, Bancroft, who is also a A. Rahane c Dickwella b Shanaka ...... 4 32-year-old (Tim) Paine, wicketkeeper, amassed an un- R. Ashwin c Karunaratne b Shanaka .....4 beaten 228 with other scores of W. Saha batting ...... 6 who was once on the brink 86, 76, 76 and 73 for his state Extras: (lb1, b4) ...... 5 of retirement over a serious Total: (For 5 wickets, 32.5 overs) ...... 74 side to force his Test claims, Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Rahul), 2-13 finger fracture, was pre- while Renshaw has struggled (Dhawan), 3-17 (Kohli), 4-30 (Rahane), ferred to Matthew Wade for runs for Queensland. 5-50 (Ashwin). Shaun Marsh, 34, makes Bowling: Lakmal 11-9-5-3, Gamage and Peter Nevill for his first yet another return to the Aus- 11.5-3-24-0, Shanaka 8-2-23-2, Test match since October Karunaratne 2-0-17-0. tralian side and is slated to bat Toss: Sri Lanka. 2010. Bancroft, a 24-year- at number six to shore up the old right-hander, is in line batting instead of all-rounders for his Test debut at the Glenn Maxwell and Hilton expense of opening bats- Cartwright. Only five players survive India’s Cheteshwar Pujara during the second day of the first Test man Matthew Renshaw. from Australia's last Test against Sri Lanka at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Friday. (AFP) against Bangladesh in Sep- tember. The first Ashes Test Paine, who has not kept is in Brisbane next week, Hosts slide to 74-5 on Day for Tasmania in their opening with the second – a day- three Sheffield Shield games PAINE’S GAIN: Cricket Australia night match – in Adelaide Two of rain-affected Test because of the presence of in- XI’s captain Tim Paine during from December 2. cumbent Test gloveman Mat- an Ashes tour match at the Ad- The selections were de- AFP four, putting the hosts in trou- thew Wade, comes into the elaide Oval. Paine was handed scribed as "bombshells" KOLKATA ble at 50-5. 13-man squad along with bats- a shock recall after a seven- in Australian press, while Pujara, starting the day on men Cameron Bancroft and year Test absence as Australia former Test bowler Stuart CHETESHWAR Pujara stood eight, hit out when he could, Shaun Marsh. gambled on sweeping changes MacGill lashed the selectors firm against a relentless Sri finding the boundary nine times In a stunning selection, for the first two Ashes Tests as “morons”. Lankan pace attack as India during his 102-ball stay so far. 32-year-old Paine, who was against England. (AFP) “Ashes selections.... made stumbled to 74-5 before rain Sri Lanka coach Nic Poth- once on the brink of retire- by morons mascarading (sic) washed out the second day as lauded “world class” Pujara ment over a serious finger as mentors. Times (sic) up of the first Test before lunch for his gritty knock, saying the fracture, was preferred to gents,” he tweeted. on Friday. batsman's county experience Fast bowler Dasun Shana- helped him master the seam- ka struck twice on a cloudy ing conditions. morning session at Kolkata's “He is obviously a world Eden Gardens as the hosts class player. That innings just struggled to build on their showed you the benefits of Australia retain women’s Ashes with T20 win overnight 17-3. him playing county cricket,” Pujara, on 47, and wicket- Pothas told reporters. Australia’s Beth Mooney, who keeper-batsman Wriddhiman “That is genuinely a wick- AFP ries for Australia with two made 86 not out, celebrates Saha, on six, were at the crease et that you will find in Eng- SYDNEY matches to play. with Rachael Haynes in Sydney when rain arrived before land April-May. And he cer- In the multi-format se- on Friday. (ICC-CRICKET.COM) lunch, preventing play for the tainly played the conditions AUSTRALIA retained the ries, the four points from two rest of the day. very well. women's Ashes with a six- ODI wins, two points from The continued adverse “So far we have been pretty wicket win over England in the drawn day-night Test and weather meant only 21 overs pleased of how we have gone the first Twenty20 Interna- the T20 victory enabled Aus- were played Friday, after just about things. It is obviously tional in Sydney on Friday. tralia take an unassailable 11.5 overs were completed the very very challenging batting A career-best haul of lead and retain the trophy. previous day. conditions... we are hoping four for 22 from Megan The highlight of the Pujara’s overnight part- things go our way,” the former Schutt restricted England Ashes series was Ellyse ner Ajinkya Rahane became South African player added. to 132 for nine before Beth Perry’s record-breaking Shanaka's first victim, caught Meanwhile Suranga Lak- Mooney’s 86 – the highest 213 not out in the day-night behind for four after a tenta- mal, who took three wickets in score in a T20 in Australia Ashes Test last week. tive 21-ball stay at the crease. six maiden overs on Thursday, – helped reel in the target The series now moves to Shanaka, playing just his conceded his first runs after 46 with 25 balls to spare. Canberra for the final two second Test after his debut balls to return figures of 3-5. The two points from ODIs on Sunday and Tues- against England last year, also His victims on day one includ- the victory clinched the se- day at Manuka Oval. got Ravichandran Ashwin for ed India skipper Virat Kohli. Sports Saturday, November 18, 2017 21

News Wenger vows to fix power in brief

Rift between Ramos and Ronaldo shift in Spurs showdown resolved, says Zidane MADRID: Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has played down the rift between his captain Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo before Saturday's Liga derby at Atletico Madrid, saying on Friday Tottenham will arrive at the Emirates Stadium sitting four points above the Gunners in the EPL that the two players had resolved their differences. Marca reported on Thursday that tensions between two of Ma- AFP drid's senior players had risen amid the team's inconsistent run of LONDON results, which includes defeats at Girona and Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League. After Madrid were beaten 3-1 by Spurs ARSENE Wenger has warned at Wembley on Nov. 1 Ronaldo put their malaise down to selling Tottenham that Arsenal will the likes of James Rodriguez and Alvaro Morata, a view Ramos use Saturday's derby showdown rejected, describing the four-time Ballon d'Or winner's words as to prove the balance of power "opportunistic". "Sergio is very clever, he can say what he wants in north London hasn't shifted and so can Cristiano, they've spent so long playing together and permanently. have won a lot of things together and it doesn't mean anything if After decades of lording it they disagree on something from time to time," Zidane said. (AFP) over their neighbours from the other end of the Seven Sisters Road, Wenger's side have found Former England striker Lineker to host themselves in the unpleasant World Cup draw in Moscow position of playing second fid- dle to Tottenham over the last BERLIN: Former England striker Gary Lineker and Russian sports year.Tottenham will arrive at journalist Maria Komandnaya will host the draw for the 2018 the Emirates Stadium sitting World Cup finals, football governing body FIFA said Friday. four points above the Gunners "As a player, I was fortunate enough to take part in the World in the Premier League and still Cup finals on two occasions," Lineker was quoted in a FIFA state- basking in the afterglow of their ment. "It is quite special to be involved in yet another tournament memorable victory over Euro- - now on the stage, unveiling the results of the draw. pean champions Real Madrid "I have been on the other side, waiting to find out my oppo- earlier this month. nents, and I know how exciting this occasion is." While Mauricio Pochet- The 56-year-old Lineker will lead the December 1 ceremony at tino's team harbour ambitions the State Kremlin Palace in Moscow despite being a harsh critic of winning both the Premier of FIFA corruption and the award of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar. League and Champions League, FIFA deputy secretary general Zvonimir Boban said Lineker's Arsenal are living in reduced "honest and open views together with his in-depth knowledge of circumstances. the game greatly enrich the world of football journalism. (DPA) Having finished below Tot- Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger reacts during their EPL match against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester recently. (REUTERS) tenham last season for the first time in 22 years, a black cloud run against Tottenham. Head-to-head (Last 10 matches) certainly be vital to decide Aubameyang doesn't understand latest hangs over the Gunners, who Asked if Arsenal were un- where we finish at the end of Dortmund suspension appear destined for a grim fight derdogs in the derby, Wenger Tottenham 2-0 Arsenal (Premier League, April 2017) the season." Wenger's hopes of for a top-four finish. said: "No, not at all. Arsenal 1-1 Tottenham (Premier League, November 2016) a much-needed victory weren't BERLIN: Gabon striking star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has re- Many Arsenal fans have "I think Tottenham are a Tottenham 2-2 Arsenal (Premier League, March 2016) helped by the injury suffered by acted with disappointment to being suspended by Borussia Dort- mund ahead of Friday's Bundesliga game away to VfB Stuttgart. grown tired of Wenger's ex- good side but we have the qual- Arsenal 1-1 Tottenham (Premier League, November 2015) France striker Olivier Giroud cuses after 13 years without a ity to win this game and that's during the international break. Dortmund said the 28-year-old forward would be left out of the title triumph and the indignity what we want to show. Tottenham 1-2 Arsenal (League Cup, September 2015) Giroud will be sidelined squad for "disciplinary reasons," reportedly arriving between 20 of missing out on a Champions "The conclusion of people Tottenham 2-1 Arsenal (Premier League, February 2015) on Saturday, meaning Wenger and 30 minutes late to training on Thursday. League berth last term was the will be the comparison of the Arsenal 1-1 Tottenham (Premier League, September 2014) may have to start erratic for- It is Aubameyang's second internal suspension after he was final straw for many. two performances on Saturday. Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal (Premier League, March 2014) ward Alexandre Lacazette who left out of the squad for a Champions League game last Novem- ber for an unauthorized shopping trip to . Arsenal haven't beaten We have a good opportunity to Arsenal 2-0 Tottenham (FA Cup, January 2014) was left out of previous mar- Tottenham in the league since show we are the strongest, so quee match-ups with Liverpool "After Milan I could understand the punishment and the March 2014, a barren streak let's do it. "It's one of the fixtures Arsenal 1-0 Tottenham (Premier League, September 2013) and City. suspension because I went against an instruction," Aubameyang stretching to six matches. that is very important for us and "He didn't play away from told the Bild newspaper late Thursday. "This time I really don't But despite a damaging that we want to win, basically Premier League form guide (Last five matches) home at City, I think that's the understand it. I didn't want to arrive too late." Aubameyang was defeat at leaders Manchester as well because in the table we Arsenal - W L W W L only game he didn't start (along the top scorer in the Bundesliga last season and has 10 goals in 11 Bundesliga games this season. (DPA) City in their last league game, have to make some ground up Tottenham - W W W L W with Liverpool). I trust him Wenger is adamant his team are with the top teams. completely," Wenger said of his primed to end their frustrating "Our home strength will pre-season signing from Lyon. Camp Nou could be closed if Barca fans insult Spain, says Tebas

BARCELONA: La Liga president Javier Tebas said on Friday Barce- Ibrahimovic, Pogba back for ’s stars fall back lona supporters are free to chant in favour of independence for Catalonia at games but said any "insulting" chants against Spain could lead to the temporary closure of their Nou Camp stadium. Man United, says Mourinho to earth in Pro-independence gestures have been on the rise at Barca's AFP and his Italian teammates can stadium since the banned referendum on Catalonia's split from AFP MILAN now fully focus on a chasing a Spain on Oct. 1, which has provoked a stand off between the MANCHESTER seventh straight Serie A title Spanish central government and its richest region. ITALY'S stunned internation- and their Champions League The league's organising body has cracked down on antisocial PAUL Pogba and long-term in- als return to the mundane set- campaign which continues behaviour in stadiums across Spain since a Deportivo La Coruna jury victim Zlatan Ibrahimovic ting of Serie A this weekend against Barcelona midweek. supporter was murdered by Atletico Madrid fans before a match will make their Manchester days after their star status in Napoli are top of the Italian between the two sides in the Spanish capital in 2014. United returns against Newcas- world football imploded with a league standings with 32 points La Liga releases a weekly memo denouncing insulting chants tle United on Saturday, man- shocking World Cup exit. from 12 games, a point ahead of heard in games, arguing that chants promoting violence leads to ager Jose Mourinho announced Goalkeeping great Gianluigi Juventus with third a greater risk of violence occurring in and around stadiums. (AFP) on Friday. Buffon was back training with on 30. France midfielder Pogba Juventus after his emotional Massimiliano Allegri's Ju- has been out since Septem- retirement from international ber with a hamstring injury, duty after two decades, prepar- Getting set while former Sweden striker ing for Sunday's game at Samp- Juventus captain Buffon and Ibrahimovic has not played doria, along with fellow 2006 his Italian teammates can since damaging knee ligaments World Cup winner Andrea Bar- now fully focus on a chasing against Anderlecht in April. zagli, and Giorgio Chiellini. a seventh straight Serie A Argentinian defender Mar- , another title and their Champions cos Rojo is also set to return, Manchester United’s manager Jose Mourinho walks on the red carpet former world champion, was League campaign having suffered a cruciate knee as he arrives to attend the “United for UNICEF Gala Dinner” at Old back at Roma for Saturday's ligament injury in the same Trafford in Manchester on Wednesday. (AFP) 'Derby della Capitale' against Europa League game as Ibrahi- bitter city rivals Lazio. ventus head to Genoa to play movic. "Zlatan, last season we another thing is mid-Novem- availability is a welcome fillip "Obviously nobody expect- Sampdoria, sixth with a game in played with him every minute ber. "He was, as an injured for Mourinho, who has seen ed it to end this way. It was an hand, boosted by the return of almost until he was injured," player, the same super profes- his team fall eight points below immense letdown not just for German world champion Ben- Mourinho told his weekly press sional he is when he's fit. So Manchester City in the Premier us, but for all Italians," said edikt Hoewedes from injury. conference at United's training fantastic work, same as Marcos. League title race. Ibrahimovic, Roma's Stephan El Shaarawy Maurizio Sarri's Napo- base west of Manchester. "He had an important inju- 36, made a stunning impact on after the 1-0 aggregate play- li, meanwhile, are looking "This season we learn how ry too, a big surgery. He played English football last season, top- off defeat by Sweden left four- to bounce back after being to play without him, but he's a with the young boys (United's scoring for United with 28 goals time champions Italy out of the held before the international very important player for us. Under-23s) on Wednesday and in 46 games before succumbing World Cup for the first time break, as they host under- "So welcome back and of is fine. He is confident, is also to his career-threatening injury. since 1958. pressure AC Milan. course he is an incredible per- ready. "Paul is obviously not Pogba, 24, was less con- "I feel great bitterness, but 's Milan sonality to fight such an impor- the same dimension of injury. spicuously successful following we must get back on our feet are seventh after a 2-0 win over Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds’ players practise during a training tant injury. We were all saying It was not a surgical situation, his return to the club from Ju- and try to work towards the fu- Sassuolo last time out but have session prior to their AFC Champions league final football match in 2017 he will be back, but one but it was also bad and all three ventus in a then world-record ture," he added. struggled with big name rivals first leg in Riyadh on Friday.(AFP) thing is December 31, 2017 and are back." News of the trio's $117.7 million transfer. Juventus captain Buffon this season. Madrid giants face similar struggles ahead of derby

finals respectively. ments as "opportunisitic". "We have a new stadium, we Early season struggles have left both However, Ronaldo has Griezmann's commitment are struggling to score goals and scored just once in seven La has also been questioned de- win games. At the back we are sides eight points adrift of La Liga Liga appearances so far this spite the Frenchman turning fine, we just need a bit of luck leaders Barcelona season despite having 48 his back on a move away from up front." shots on goal. Spain to sign a new deal with Atletico's slow adaptation AFP stage exit in the Champions "It's not my fault if (the ball) Atletico just five months ago. to the 68,000-capacity Wanda MADRID League, whilst Real also suf- does not want to go in," Ron- "Whoever doesn't want to Metropolitano has played its fered thier first group-stage de- aldo told French sports newspa- be here should leave," Atletico part in their struggles as Sime- ACCUSTOMED to unrelent- feat for five years to Tottenham per L'Equipe on Thursday. midfielder Koke said on Thurs- one's men have failed to win any ing success in recent seasons, Hotspur earlier this month, "People look at me like a day. Koke's return after a month of their last four games at home both Real Madrid and Atletico although they should still goal machine, like a guy who out through injury should at in all competitions. Madrid enter Saturday's first progress to the last 16. has to score all the time." least inject some creativity back As well as Koke's return, ever Spanish capital derby at A large part in the downfall However, Ronaldo's rest- into an Atletico side badly lack- Yannick Carrasco is fit again Atletico's new Wanda Metro- of both sides of the Madrid di- lessness on the field has been ing a spark. for Atletico. Real, by contrast, politano Stadium with little vide has been the poor form of mirrored by rising tension off Griemzann hasn't scored are still riddled with injuries room for error. their normally reliant source of it with more Madrid-based in his last seven Atletico games with Gareth Bale ruled out for Early season struggles have goals in Cristiano Ronaldo and sports daily Marca reporting and was even substituted by another month and doubts over left both sides eight points adrift Antoine Griezmann. on his fractuous relationship Diego Simeone before Tho- Isco, Dani Carvajal, Keylor Na- of La Liga leaders Barcelona The two went head-to-head with Real captain Sergio Ra- A combo picture of Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann (left) and mas Partey's injury-time strike vas and Mateo Kovacic. and four points back on a revi- for the Ballon d'Or last year af- mos this week. Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo. ground out a 1-0 win at Depor- Barcelona are also in action talised Valencia. ter Real and Ronaldo's Portugal After the 3-1 defeat at tivo la Coruna two weeks ago. in Madrid on Saturday and Twice finalists in the past edged out Atletico and Griez- Wembley to Spurs, Ronaldo Champions League double for Alvaro Morata, Pepe and James "Compared to previous can open up a seven-point four seasons, Atletico also look mann's France in the Cham- admitted Madrid's squad that 59 years last season had been Rodriguez among others. Ra- years it is different," admitted lead at the top when they trav- set for an embarassing group- pions League and Euro 2016 delivered a first La Liga and weakened by the departures of mos later described those com- Griezmann. el to Leganes.