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Friday, October 20, 2017 FOOTBALL Muharram 30, 1439 AH Conte takes GULF TIMES blame for Chelsea’s sloppy show SPORT Page 3 FORMULA ONE Vettel determined to delay Hamilton’s Texas title party Hamilton holds a 59-point lead over Vettel and is on the verge of a fourth career championship and third with Mercedes

DPA THE MATH Austin, Texas

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton errari’s Sebastian Vettel en- can secure the fourth Formula One ters Sunday’s United States world championship of his career at Grand Prix knowing he must Sunday’s United States Grand Prix — Fend a poor run of results if he but needs others to play their part. is to have any chance of denying Lewis Hamilton can win the title at the Hamilton the Formula One world Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, championship. “What has happened if... to us can happen to others at any time,” — he wins the race and Ferrari’s Vettel said. “It all balances out.” Sebastian Vettel finishes outside Just three races ago, Vettel looked set the top five. Hamilton would then to reclaim the lead in the title standings have a 76-point lead over Vettel but a crash in Singapore, engine trou- with three races — and a maximum ble in Malaysia and a spark plug failure of 75 points — remaining while his in Japan has left him on the brink. teammate Valtteri Bottas would be “If the pace is right than we can still at least 79 behind. do everything,” Vettel insisted ahead of — he is second, Bottas does not win the trip to the 5.513-kilometre Circuit and Vettel finishes outside the of the Americas in Austin, Texas. top eight. Vettel would be at least 76 Hamilton holds a 59-point lead over points behind and though Vettel and is on the verge of a fourth Bottas would trail by only 75, he career championship and third with could not match Hamilton’s number Mercedes. He will be crowned if he of victories over the season if the wins and Vettel fi nishes outside the top pair finish level on points. fi ve or if he is second, teammate Valt- teri Bottas does not win and Vettel fi n- ishes outside the top eight. extracting everything from the car and Any other combination of results working with the team to solve prob- would keep the championship alive lems and improve even further.” Apart from the big two, Red Bull will into the last three season races. Mer- Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari. cedes are also closing in on a fourth be hopeful of making an impact from consecutive constructors’ title, which outside the title fi ght and Carlos Sainz will be won if they are not outscored by will debut for Renault having moved Ferrari by 17 points. Ferrari have been able to fi nally chal- thumping 73 points. Vettel said of looking on at Mercedes’ Malaysia when he didn’t defend his from Toro Rosso. Red Bull’s feeder “There are still 100 points available, lenge the Mercedes dominance of the The Mercedes car has been de- reliability. lead from eventual winner Verstappen, team will fi eld New Zealander Brendon that’s a lot,” Hamilton cautioned. “In hybrid era from 2014 but what looked scribed as a diva by the team this term Hamilton clinched his 2015 title in he is too experienced to do anything Hartley as Pierre Gasly concludes the life everything can happen.” Hamilton, like being a thrilling championship is but, if everything works, it is hard to Austin and pointed out: “I just have to rash. Super Formula championship in Japan. however, has a sterling record in Austin in danger of ending weakly. see anything other than Hamilton get- keep going in bringing this level. Then “Lewis has driven brilliantly this With their line up for 2018 uncertain, with four victories from fi ve races held Since the summer break, Hamil- ting the required points, in Texas or there is no reason for me to change year — and since the summer break in Russian Daniil Kvyat in their other car at the venue — only Vettel has broken ton has won four of the fi ve races — later on. something.” particular, he has been on another lev- is in desperate need of a strong per- his streak since the US Grand Prix re- the other went to Max Verstappen of “I never wish anyone ill but that’s That means Hamilton is unlikely to el,” team chief Toto Wolff said. formance to boost his hopes of a race turned in 2012. Red Bull — and outscored Vettel by a sometimes how it goes in motorsport,” ease off too much but, as was seen in “It has been impressive to watch him seat next season.

FOOTBALL/QNB STARS LEAGUE Al Sadd should have it easy against Al Arabi

By Sports Reporter hail and Al Sadd. Al Rayyan have also Doha been in tremendous form but their 5-3 defeat to Al Duhail last month came as Al Kharaitiyat shock Gharafa a setback. l Sadd should face no prob- But players such as Rodrigo Tabata Al Kharaitiyat recorded their first victory of the QNB Stars were rewarded through captain Vladimir Weiss. Having lems when they face Al Arabi and Sebastian Soria in their ranks, they League season as they ran out 4-1 winners against Al played a neat one-two on the edge of the box, he slalomed today as they seek to continue will have plenty of opportunities to Gharafa at the Al Khor Stadium on Thursday night. around a couple of defenders and finished with venom from Atheir winning run in the QNB challenge for the title. In a much more confident display from the home side, it was 14 yards out. Stars League. Meanwhile, Qatar SC coach Gabriel The Cheetahs who created better early chances. They were Al Kharaitiyat quickly regained the lead in the 66th minute Jesualdo Ferreira’s boys have been on a Calderon repeated his philosophy that twice denied by finger-tip saves following powerful drives as Gounerou Mohy struck a fierce shot that ricocheted off an hot streak ever since the tournament be- all matches were like a fi nal as he spoke from Qatari Othman Al Yahri. unfortunate Diego Amado. They made the game comfort- gan, winning all their four matches so far to the media ahead of his team’s match As the first half wore on, it was Al Kharaitiyat who started to able in the 78th minute as a patiently-crafted attack was and hardly giving their rivals any respite. against Al Ahli tomorrow create a bit of territorial dominance, leading to danger man finished off by Abdulhalim who side-footed home from close They also don’t seem to be unduly “All matches are like a fi nal to me. Rachid Tiberkanine being upended by Al Gharafa goalkeep- range. Deep into injury time, Rachid made the result certain worried about Al Duhail scoring more That’s my philosophy when I prepare er Qasem Burhan in the 41st minute. Burhan saved Rachid’s with a long-range strike to get their season up and running. goals and leading the standings on goal teams. We’re in a sort of must-win situ- penalty, but was adjudged to have encroached too early and Next up for Al Gharafa will be a tricky away tie at league diff erence. ation, having scored just one victory so the kick was retaken. The striker made no mistake this time. leaders Al Duhail, while Al Kharaitiyat have the chance to “What is important is that we won all far in our comeback campaign in the top Al Gharafa exerted pressure early in the second half and build momentum away to bottom side Al Markhiya. matches and we hope to continue with Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira. fl ight and lost three times,” said Cal- that today,” Ferreira said yesterday. deron. “All matches are important and we to win this match,” added the Tunisian “ Al Ahli are also coming off a de- Al Kharaitiyat cannot aff ord to relax and drop our whose side are ninth in the standings feat, so we expect them to give us a players celebrate guard especially in the early stages of with just three points. hard fi ght. Moreover, they’re 11th in the one of their the tournament,” he added. Al Arabi lost their previous match to standings with one point. goals against Al Arabi coach Qais Yaakoubi does Umm Salal 4-1 but Yaakoubi said there “I’ve confi dence in my players and, Al Gharafa not have the luxury of the quality of were positives even in such a big defeat. going by form, we can expect to win. yesterday. players that Al Sadd have but that didn’t “Though we lost our last match We’re almost at the same level as the top stop him from being optimistic about against Umm Salal by a big margin, we teams in the table. We had created more his team’s chances. had more ball possession (63 per cent). chances in our previous games than our “Al Sadd are a very strong side with “We lacked in fi nishing as we didn’t rivals, but we weren’t able to translate players such as Xavi Hernandez, have many fast players and that wasn’t them into goals. Jugurtha Hamroun, Baghdad Bounedjah the case with Umm Salal. I’m not shirk- “I need more time to make this group and Boualem Khoukhi,” said Yaakoubi. ing responsibility. However, they were a winning side and I’m sure this group “More than that, there’s a lot of very defensive and our players made of players can emerge as a cohesive hype created around the Qatar Derby. many individual mistakes.” unit. What troubles me the most at the As usual, only three points are up for Former champions Al Rayyan are also moment is that we don’t have a strong grabs from this game and not four or in action today against Al Sailiya and striker. Our scoring rate isn’t enough. fi ve points! But we’ve confi dence in Michael Laudrup will be hoping to bag We should do more,” said the Argentin- ourselves and we believe we’ve a chance full points and put pressure on Al Du- ian.

Al Kharaitiyat players celebrate one of their goals against Al Gharafa yesterday. Gulf Times 2 Friday, October 20, 2017 FOOTBALL

EUROPA LEAGUE I’ll do my best to be the top scorer again: Giroud overhead kick Duhail’s Youssef l Duhail’s Youssef Are you looking forward to al-Arabi has emerged become the top scorer again? Aas the top scorer with Yes, I’ll do my best. I would like eight goals after four rounds of to score more goals this season, helps Arsenal win action in the QNB Stars League. given that I had missed nine His average of two goals per matches last year due to injury. game is definitely commend- able and stands proof of his Did you expect to score four Italian high-flyers Lazio came from behind to win 3-1 at Nice talent. The Moroccan striker goals against Al Ahli? netted four goals in their last We’ve some very good players match against Al Ahli, which and when I get excellent sup- they won 6-1. port from them, I do expect to Al-Arabi was the top scorer score goals. in the previous season with 24 goals. In an interview, he spoke Who’re the players who’ve about his personal goals as well caught your attention? as his ambitions with Al Duhail, A lot of players, such as my who are leading the standings teammates Youssef Msakny with an all-win record and 12 and Nam Tae-Hee, Abderrazzak points. Excerpts Hamdellah and Sebastian Soria of Al Rayyan, and Baghdad What’s your take on Duhail’s Bounedjah of Al Sadd. league campaign so far? I’m very happy with such a Do Duhail have the potential good start by our side. Four to keep the league title? games… four wins. Yes, this team has the potential to defend the title and that’s How do you feel being our main target. the top scorer? I’m very comfortable with scor- Sadd and Rayyan are strong ing goals as I contribute to the contenders for the league team’s victories. title. Does this fact worry you? Yes. These three teams are What’s your ambition with the best in the league and the Al Duhail this season? competition between them will Winning the QNB Stars League be very tough. title and making good progress in the AFC Champions League How do you feel playing in the are my main ambitions. In QNB Stars League? the previous season, we were I’m really happy and satis- knocked out of the Champions fied playing in the QNB Stars League due to some minor League. I look forward to see mistakes, but our team is better the fans supporting us more and stronger this time. and more. (QSL)

Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring against in the Europa League at Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, . (Reuters)

AFP real chance saved by the legs of Canadian of his son Lion earlier this week, only for 42, Kabananga 47, 52) beat Maccabi goalkeeper Milan Borjan. Felipe Caicedo to equalise seconds later. Tel Aviv (ISR) 0 The inexperienced away defenders The Italian capital-city side took top spot Group G: Hapoel Beer-Sheva (ISR) 1 (Cuenca were lucky not to concede in the 26th in Group K as midfi elder Sergej Milinko- 88) FCSB (ROM) 2 (Gnohere 70, 75) livier Giroud scored a fantastic minute when headed vic-Savic scored a second-half brace. Lugano (SUI) 3 (Bottani 63, Carlinhos 69, late winner as Arsenal edged onto the crossbar when unmarked at a Real Sociedad bounced back from their Gerndt 88) Viktoria Plzen (CZE) 2 (Krmencik to their third straight Europa corner. Arsenal were struggling to cope 3-1 defeat by Zenit St Petersburg last 76, Bakos 90) League win by beating 10-man with the pace in the Serbians’ attack and time out with a 6-0 thrashing of Vardar Group H: (SRB) 0 Arsenal RedO Star Belgrade 1-0 in Serbia yester- Cech was forced into a low save to deny in Macedonia as Brazilian Willian Jose (ENG) 1 (Giroud 85); BATE (BLR) 1 (Rios 55) day. Arsene Wenger’s men rode their luck Nemanja Radonjic before half-time. scored four goals in 25 minutes. The La Cologne (GER) 0 Al Duhail’s Youssef al-Arabi netted four goals in their last match at times in an uninspiring performance, The visitors started the second pe- Liga outfi t are second in Group L, three Group I: Marseille (FRA) 2 (Ocampos 28, against Al Ahli, which they won 6-1. before Giroud struck in the 85th minute riod with more urgency, as Giroud fi red points behind Zenit after Roberto Man- Lopez 76) Vitoria Guimaraes (POR) 1 (Martins after Red Star had seen Milan Rodic sent over and Walcott saw his shot smothered cini’s Russians saw off Rosenborg 3-1. 17); Konyaspor (TUR) 0 Salzburg (AUT) 2 off . The Premier League side stay top of by Borjan after being released by a Jack Athletic Bilbao, Europa League run- (Gulbrandsen 5, Dabbur 80) Group H, fi ve points clear of Red Star, Wilshere’s brilliant through ball. Arsenal ners-up to Atletico Madrid in 2012, are Group J: Zorya Luhansk (UKR) 2 (Silas 42, SPOTLIGHT while Cologne remained pointless after were given a great chance of snatching all third in Group J on only two points after Svatok 79) Hertha Berlin (GER) 1 (Selke 56) losing 1-0 at BATE Borisov. three points when home defender Rodic being held to a 2-2 draw at Swedish club Ostersund (SWE) 2 (Gero 52, Edwards 64) Wenger made sweeping changes to was given a second yellow card with 10 Ostersund, despite a late leveller from In- Athletic Bilbao (ESP) 2 (Aduriz 14, Williams his team with Sunday’s Premier League minutes to play. aki Williams. Swiss outfi t Lugano picked 89) English FA bosses visit to Everton in mind. Only goalkeeper The Londoners took it in style with a up their fi rst ever group-stage points in a Group K: Zulte Waregem (BEL) 1 (Kashia 23- Petr Cech remained from the starting XI wonderful goal, as Wilshere’s clever fl ick European competition with a 3-2 victory og) Vitesse Arnhem (NED) 1 (Bruns 27); Nice that lost 2-1 at Watford last weekend, as was turned across goal by Walcott for Gi- over Czechs Viktoria Plzen in Group G, (FRA) 1 (Balotelli 4) Lazio (ITA) 3 (Caicedo 5, face calls to quit injury-plagued French right-back Math- roud to send an overhead kick spinning while Marseille warmed up for Sunday’s Milinkovic-Savic 65, 89) ieu Debuchy made his fi rst start for the into the top corner. clash with arch-rivals Paris Saint-Ger- Group L: Vardar Skopje (MKD) 0 Real Socie- club in 11 months. Roared on by a vo- Italian Serie A high-fl yers Lazio came main by beating Vitoria Guimaraes 2-1. dad (ESP) 6 (Oyarzabal 12, Willian Jose 34, over Sampson aff air ciferous home crowd, Red Star made a from behind to win 3-1 at Nice. Mario Ba- 42, 55, 59, De La Bella 90) bright start, but it was Arsenal winger lotelli opened the scoring for Nice in the EUROPA LEAGUE RESULTS Zenit (RUS) 3 (Rigoni 2, 68, 75) Rosenborg AFP chairman Damian Collins said Theo Walcott who saw the game’s fi rst fourth minute, after announcing the birth Group A: Astana (KAZ) 4 (Twumasi 33-pen, (NOR) 1 (Helland 88) London the FA offi cials should consider their positions. “Yes, I think they have to look very carefully at the ROUND-UP nglish Football Associa- evidence given,” said the Con- tion bosses faced calls to servative politician. quit yesterday over their He added: “The question “shambolic” handling of should be: does what you’ve seen theE Mark Sampson aff air as Brit- today inspire confi dence and do Senegal pick injured Mane for World Cup ties ain’s sports minister urged the they understand the issues well organisation to sort itself out. enough to put in place the right enegal chose Liverpool star Sadio fi nals just twice before, in 1982 and 2010. A report released during a systems to ensure it doesn’t Mane on Wednesday for World They were hammered 9-3 on aggregate British parliamentary commit- happen again? And I’m not con- Cup qualifi ers against South by Mexico in a playoff for a place at tee hearing on Wednesday found vinced.” British sports minister Africa next month just eight days the 2014 fi nals in Brazil. New Zealand former England women’s coach Tracey Crouch said she hoped afterS his club said he could be sidelined Football said yesterday they had pre-sold Sampson had made racist re- the FA “learns lessons from this for six weeks. The striker was among 25 more than 30,000 tickets for the home marks to players Eniola Aluko whole sorry saga to ensure that players named by coach Aliou Cisse for leg at Wellington Regional Stadium, with and Drew Spence. all in the sport and the wider crucial back-to-back fi xtures with South more than 20,000 snapped up in the fi rst A fl awed FA internal review public have faith in their proc- Africa. “Mane has resumed individual hour of sales on Tuesday. and an earlier inquiry by bar- esses and procedures”. training and will probably resume full rister Katharine Newton had The FA apologised to Aluko, training next week,” Cisse said. A Liver- VILLAS-BOAS UNDER cleared Sampson over allega- who attended Wednesday’s pool statement last Tuesday said Mane PRESSURE AFTER SHANGHAI LOSS tions of bullying and discrimi- hearing in London, after New- “picked up an injury that could keep him Chinese media piled pressure on nation by Chelsea Ladies striker ton’s second report found Samp- out of action for up to six weeks”. Shanghai SIPG coach Andre Villas-Boas Aluko. Former England striker son had made discriminatory Mane had to be substituted after suf- yesterday after their stinging defeat Gary Lineker tweeted: “Damning remarks to her and teammate fering a hamstring injury during a 2-0 to Urawa Red Diamonds in the AFC and damaging for FA with total Spence. Sampson was found to World Cup victory in Cape Verde this Champions League semi-fi nals. The vindication of @EniAlu.” Former have told Aluko to make sure her month. Senegal need two points from Portuguese coach promised silverware Arsenal and England striker Ian Nigerian relatives did not bring matches in Polokwane on November 10 in his debut season but after Urawa’s 2-1 Wright tweeted the FA to say: the Ebola virus with them when and Dakar on November 14 to qualify for aggregate win, his best remaining hope “Rome is burning!” they attended a friendly between the 2018 World Cup in Russia. seems to be next month’s CFA Cup fi nal FA chairman Greg Clarke, England and Germany at Wem- South Africa will qualify if they win against city rivals Shanghai Shenhua. chief executive Martin Glenn, bley in November 2014. both games. The Senegalese are seeking a Leicester City vs Manchester United at playoff against Peru in November due to SIPG spent big this year, hiring Brazil- technical director Dan Ashworth He asked Spence, who is second World Cup appearance after los- 1945 GMT. injury. The 35-year-old suff ered a groin ian midfi elder Oscar for an Asian-record and human resources director mixed-race, how many times ing to Turkey in the 2002 quarter-fi nals. Premier League chairman Rich- adductor injury in Wellington Phoenix’s 60mn euros, but they look unlikely to Rachel Brace appeared before she had been arrested. Sampson South Africa qualifi ed for the 1998 and ard Scudamore said the timing of the 3-2 loss to Sydney FC in the A-League overhaul holders Evergrande the Culture, Media and Sport was sacked last month after it 2002 tournaments and were automatic Christmas holiday this year had made last Sunday. at the top of the . committee. Over two hours, emerged he had engaged in inap- participants in 2010 as the fi rst African scheduling complicated. The Premier Scans yesterday confi rmed the extent Urawa’s 1-0 second-leg win in lawmakers on the committee propriate behaviour with female nation to host the World Cup. League is the only top European league of the injury, local media reported, which Saitama late on Wednesday deepened the pulled apart the FA’s handling of players in a previous role. As the with games over the Christmas period would keep him out of action for up to problems of the ex-Tottenham Hotspur the allegations that pre-empted fallout from the Sampson aff air NO PREMIER LEAGUE and it is a tradition deeply ingrained in 12 weeks. The Oceania champions face and Chelsea boss, who has been in the Sampson’s dismissal last month. spread, the head of the Profes- GAMES ON CHRISTMAS EVE British football. Until 1958 matches were Peru, who fi nished fi fth in South Ameri- crosshairs of both the Chinese Football The offi cials were grilled sional Footballers’ Association, Christmas Eve will be free of Premier played on Christmas Day itself. Scuda- can qualifying, in the fi rst leg of the Association and the Asian Football Con- about what checks were made on which represents footballers in League football after broadcasters agreed more defended both Sky Sports and BT intercontinental playoff in Wellington federation. Sampson before he became Eng- the United Kingdom, chided the not to schedule any games for that day. Sport from criticism. The two broadcast- on Nov. 11 before heading to Lima for the The AFC fi ned him $14,000 for “of- land manager and why the FA was FA for ignoring Aluko’s concerns. Arsenal’s home clash with Liverpool had ers share the Premier League domestic second leg on Nov. 15. fensive” comments following SIPG’s vic- withholding half of an £80,000 “They didn’t listen to her then. been earmarked for a potential switch rights package having paid a combined Durante played alongside captain tory over Evergrande in the Champions ($105,000) settlement owed to They’re still not listening,” Gor- from its original Saturday (Dec. 23) slot 5.14bn pounds ($6.8bn) over three years. Winston Reid and Michael Boxall in de- League quarter-fi nals, and he received an whistleblower Aluko. Glenn de- don Taylor said. Glenn refused to to the Sunday, prompting criticism from fence in the All Whites’ last match, a 2-1 eight-match touchline ban from the CFA nied a claim by Aluko that she accept the FA’s entire response Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp and NEW ZEALAND DEFENDER loss to Japan in treacherous conditions in after complaining about a referee. was told she would receive the was fl awed, while Clarke would fans’ groups. DURANTE OUT OF PLAYOFF Nagoya earlier this month. Tommy Smith Villas-Boas said he was bitterly disap- second half of the payment if she not apologise personally to Alu- The match will now take place on Dec. New Zealand’s hopes of reaching the is expected to slot straight back into the pointed to miss out on becoming the released a statement saying the ko. Labour MP Jo Stevens told 22 with the other nine games kicking World Cup fi nals in Russia next year have squad in place of Durante as he continues second Chinese team to win the AFC FA was not institutionally rac- Clarke his attempt to justify his off on Dec. 23, starting with Everton vs suff ered a setback after defender Andrew his comeback from a hamstring injury. Champions League, following Ever- ist. Aluko said the request was actions as an example of good Chelsea at 1230 GMT and fi nishing with Durante was ruled out of the two-leg New Zealand have qualifi ed for the grande in 2013 and 2015. “bordering on blackmail”. Panel governance was “shambolic”. Gulf Times Friday, October 20, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Manager Conte takes blame for Chelsea’s sloppy show It took a late Hazard equaliser to stop Premier League champions suff ering a third successive defeat in all competitions

AFP problems in the Roma match. But London that’s exactly what he got as Luiz suff ered a calf injury that forced him off in the second half. ntonio Conte took the Tiemoue Bakayoko played on blame for Chelsea’s despite a groin problem, while failure to protect their Gary Cahill fi nished the game lead in a thrilling 3-3 with his head heavily bandaged drawA against Roma in the Cham- after a knock. With Chelsea in the pions League. Blues boss Conte midst of a hectic period that in- opted to deploy Brazil defender cludes matches against Watford, David Luiz in midfi eld in a bid to Everton, Bournemouth and Roma solidify his injury-hit team. before the end of October, Conte Luiz gave Chelsea the lead at was left to once again bemoan his Stamford Bridge on Wednesday growing injury list. “You know night, but although Eden Haz- very well our situation (with in- ard doubled the hosts’ advan- juries). I have to praise my play- tage before half-time, Roma hit ers because they showed a big back impressively. Aleksandar commitment, otherwise we lose Kolarov’s defl ected strike re- the game,” Conte said. “After the duced the defi cit before Edin fi rst half the doctor told me Luiz Dzeko netted with a brilliant vol- had a pain in his calf, the same for ley and then a glancing header to Bakayoko in his groin. put Roma ahead. “It was a good decision to It took a late Hazard equaliser protect Luiz. In this moment it to stop Chelsea suff ering a third is very important to protect the successive defeat in all compe- players. We must realise we had titions, and Conte admitted his three important players out. This tactical switch had backfi red. “I situation gives us problems, but didn’t like the type of football we I’m not looking for excuses.” did for a lot of the game, but it’s Despite the frustration of see- right to take the responsibility for ing a memorable victory snatched this,” Conte said. away by Hazard, Roma manager “I tried on one hand to protect Eusebio Di Francesco believes his my team, to become more solid side’s fi ghtback proves they are and to move our central defender capable of slugging it out with into midfi eld. On the other hand Europe’s top teams. we lost totally our style of foot- “We could easily have secured ball. Sometimes you have to fi nd the three points but we should the right solution to try to protect not forget we were 2-0 goals your team. Sometimes it’s good, down,” he said. Chelsea manager gives instructions to his players during the Champions league match against Roma at Stamford Bridge in London on Wednesday night. (AFP) sometimes it’s bad. Roma de- “We had the right mentality. served this result.” We have to grow from this per- Chelsea remain top of Group formance. We made individual C, two points above Roma ahead mistakes but the players who Conte hits back at Mourinho over injury jibe of their second clash in Italy later made those bounced back. They this month. But Conte is well showed the right character. We London: Antonio Conte warned Jose But Mourinho insisted that wasn’t mak- Alvaro Morata has just returned to fitness. at him. When the response was yes, Conte aware Chelsea are in a diffi cult are defi nitely on the right track.” Mourinho to stop talking about Chel- ing excuses, a charge he believes others “I never speak about injuries. Other man- visibly bristled before angrily telling moment, with injuries and errat- Key to Roma’s revival was a sea after the Manchester United boss are guilty of in the Premier League. Chel- agers, they cry, they cry, they cry when a former Chelsea boss Mourinho to mind ic performances threatening to powerful display from former criticised managers who complain about sea boss Conte has repeatedly mentioned player is injured,” Mourinho said after the his own business. derail their Premier League title Manchester City striker Dzeko. injuries. Defending United’s cautious tac- his team’s injury problems during their win in Benfica. “If this is for me my answer is this — defence and slow their progress “We know Edin scores lots of tics in last weekend’s draw at Liverpool current winless run, which extended to “If I wanted to moan and others I could he has to think of his team and look at in Europe. goals. It was a very good game by and Wednesday’s 1-0 win over Benfica, three matches after they were held to a cry like the others for five minutes; Ibrahi- himself not the others,” Conte said. “A lot Already without the injured him,” Di Francesco added. “When Mourinho made it clear he had opted for 3-3 draw by Roma on Wednesday. movic, Fellaini, Pogba, Rojo.” of times Mourinho has to see what hap- N’Golo Kante, Danny Drinkwater we go through diffi cult spells he a conservative approach because his side Conte is without N’Golo Kante, Victor Told of Mourinho’s comments by a pened in Chelsea. Also last season. He has and Victor Moses, the last thing can really overwhelm opponents are missing key players. Moses and Danny Drinkwater, while journalist, Conte asked if they were aimed to look at his team.” Conte needed was more fi tness and help the team.”

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Valverde remains calm aft er Juventus must rediscover fl ying 100-day start at Barca cutting edge, says Allegri

AFP AFP Barcelona Turin, Italy

arcelona coach Ernesto Valverde uventus coach Massimiliano Allegri warned celebrated his fi rst 100 days in that the Italian champions need to rediscover charge and Lionel Messi hit his their cutting edge if they want to push for 100th European goal as the Cata- Champions League glory after two runners- lanB giants swept aside Olympiakos 3-1 on upJ spots in three years. Allegri complained that the Wednesday night. 2015 and 2017 fi nalists lacked sharpness as they la- Valverde has overseen a sublime start of boured to a 2-1 Group D win over Sporting Lisbon at 10 wins to go with a draw at Atletico Ma- the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night. drid last weekend in his fi rst 11 and “Juventus at the moment aren’t brilliant,” Allegri Champions League matches in charge. said in the press conference after the match. “We’re However, that trouble-free start to life on paying heavily for the athletic quality of certain the fi eld contrasts with a series of distrac- players with injuries, and others who came back tions surrounding the club. Valverde’s men from international duty in bad shape.” have coped admirably with the departure A bizarre Alex Sandro own goal in the 12th minute of , which provoked calls for club left veteran skipper Gianluigi Buff on reeling, but president Josep Maria Bartomeu to resign, Bosnian midfi elder Miralem Pjanic’s curling free- and the tense political situation sweeping kick after 29 minutes pulled the hosts back from Catalonia. the edge before Croatian forward Mario Mandzukic In their fi rst appearance at the Camp Nou headed in the winner six minutes from time. since beating Las Palmas behind closed “The lads reacted well after the setback, they doors as a violence-marred referendum on did good things,” continued Allegri. “But we nearly Catalan independence took place on Octo- conceded a goal in the 93rd minute, and that means ber 1, Barca were met with a largely empty that we didn’t manage well. At the moment we have stadium due to torrential rain in the hours to focus on results, suff ering a little more than usu- before kick-off . Yet there were still calls for al. This victory is going to give us a little more se- Bartomeu’s head, chants in favour of inde- renity. It also shows that in football when you’re not pendence and a banner reading “Freedom winning you lose a bit of certainty. This evening, for Catalonia.” technically it wasn’t a good performance. Our re- “We concentrate on football so that the cent results weighed heavy on us.” fans can enjoy themselves,” said a charac- Italian title-winners in the last six seasons, Ju- teristically calm Valverde. “In the stadium ventus lost to Lazio on Saturday — their fi rst home people come to express themselves, but the defeat in more than two years — after being held to most fundamental thing is that they come a draw by Atalanta the previous week. They are cur- to see their team win and that is what we are rently sitting in fourth place on the Serie A table. here for...to try to win. As the Barca coach I But the three Champions League points on Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri says that the represent loads of people with many diff er- Wednesday put Juventus, who fell 3-0 to Barcelona 2015 and 2017 finalists lacked sharpness as they ent personal opinions. The only thing that before seeing off Olympiakos 2-0, second in Group laboured to a 2-1 win over Sporting Lisbon. (AFP) interests me is that my fans are happy and D behind the Spaniards with six points from three that the fl ag we defend is that of Barcelona.” Lionel Messi hit his 100th European goal as the Catalan giants swept aside Olympiakos 3-1 games. Sporting are third on three points. “So it was tus. “We’re like a diesel engine that takes a while to A third straight win in Champions League in the Champions League group match on Wednesday night. (AFP) an important victory,” said Allegri. build-up steam,” he said. “We’ve got a great me- Group D fi rmly maintains Barca’s place at “(Gonzalo) Higuain had a great performance, chanic working on it, trying to fi nd the right bal- the top of the section, three points clear Barca did as much damage to themselves to three goals in UEFA Super Cup fi nals. And with character and quality, I’m happy with him. ance.” of Italian champions Juventus, who beat as a meek Olympiakos as, after Dimitrios Messi was involved again for Barca’s third as Now we have to start again in Udine to resume the But Sporting Lisbon coach Jorge Jesus believes Sporting Lisbon 2-1 in Turin on Wednesday. Nikolaou’s early own goal, Gerard Pique got his low cutback was driven home by Lucas championship race,” he said, referring to Sunday’s his side are still in the mix. “We showed the Bian- And Barca also enjoy a four-point lead himself sent-off for slapping the ball into Digne before Nikolaou atoned for his earlier Serie A match against Udinese. coneri on their home ground that they are not the at the top of La Liga thanks to Valverde’s the net to pick up a second yellow card just error with a late consolation. “The results Juventus’ next European trip is to Lisbon on favourites,” said Jesus, who led Benfi ca to victory bright start. “He has made the Camp Nou before half-time. are favouring us, but we have to be calm October 31 before hosting Barcelona on Novem- over Juventus in a 2014 Europa League semi-fi nal and the members fall in love with him,” said Yet the hosts numerical disadvantage when things go well and badly,” added Val- ber 22 with a fi nal group game against Olympiakos in Turin. “We outplayed Juve at times. We showed Bartomeu of Valverde’s start. “They are 100 mattered little with Messi on their side as verde. “We know Barca is an enormous club in Greece on December 5. Veteran defender Gior- great qualities. From a defensive point of view we very optimistic days and we have to be am- the Argentine’s free-kick took his tally in the and moves in extremes. Our intention is to gio Chiellini said Wednesday’s win would give the were very effi cient. We could have won but Mand- bitious.” Champions League to 97 in his career, allied maintain that calm because that suits us.” former two-time European champions new impe- zukic played well on goal.” Gulf Times 4 Friday, October 20, 2017 SPORT

MOTORCYCLING SPOTLIGHT Patience pays off for Sopoaga as second Italian Dovizioso All Blacks start looms keen to keep the heat on Marquez ‘There are now just three rounds left until the end and on paper we are not favourites for the win in Australia but we’ll be fighting as hard as ever’

Reuters yourself here and really start to enjoy Sydney being an All Black,” he said as New Zea- land target a clean sweep of wins over Australia in their third meeting since fi nal couple of incident-free August. training runs and New Zea- “When you fi rst come in it’s quite a land fl yhalf Lima Sopoaga’s daunting task and hard to fi nd your feet Along vigil to start his second but I defi nitely feel more comfortable in test match will end when he faces Aus- my own skin.” tralia in the last Bledisloe Cup show- That confi dence, knowing he is fi rm- down of the season in Brisbane tomor- ly in coach Steve Hansen’s thinking, row. probably helped allay fears over a deci- Sopoaga was named in the number sion to further delay his own chances of 10 jersey yesterday after Beauden Bar- earning a second test start last month. rett failed to shake off concussion He was widely expected to line up symptoms and the match will come against Argentina on Sept. 30, with 820 days after he last ran out for the Hansen initially choosing to rest Bar- world champions’ starting side. rett and let him travel directly to South “I’m really excited and it’s a great Africa for the side’s next test. opportunity but I don’t think I can re- Sopoaga, however, remained in New ally articulate how much it means to Zealand to await the birth of his fi rst me,” Sopoaga told reporters in Brisbane child, forcing Barrett back into the yesterday. Buenos Aires-bound squad, and ulti- Sopoaga’s only previous start was mately the starting side. also his test debut against South Africa Sopoaga’s daughter Milla was born in July 2015, when the All Blacks opted the day after the squad departed for to rest senior fl yhalf Dan Carter, un- Argentina but the new father had no doubtedly to protect him ahead of the hesitation in declaring he would be World Cup in England a few months prepared to wait for another two years later. Despite being thrust into the Ellis to get a start. Park cauldron, the Otago Highlander “If I have to wait another 799 days showed few signs of nerves as he calmly to start a test match... I tell you what, slotted 12 points and played like he be- the gift I was blessed with today is well longed at the highest level. worth it,” Sopoaga wrote on his Twitter Sopoaga, however, admitted yester- account on Sept. 23, something he reit- day he had taken time to fi nd his feet erated yesterday. within the All Blacks squad as he was “Some things are bigger than rugby,” initially the third-choice behind Aaron he said. “I would have missed three or Ducati rider Andrea Dovizioso of Italy attends a press conference at Phillip Island circuit ahead of the Australian Grand Prix. Cruden, and then Barrett, and he has four games for my daughter and how earned just 11 more caps — all from the special that was. AFP on his Ducati and Phillip Island looms ments around the Phillip Island track, and I love being here, it’s amazing,” bench. “To get a start this week I feel very Phillip Island, Australia as the pivotal race of this year’s fi ght crashing out in last year’s race while Vinales said. “Over time you learn that you can be fortunate.” for the title. leading and already crowned world “The championship isn’t over until “For sure Phillip Island is one of champion and he also came off his all the points have been distributed, ndrea Dovizioso is looking to Marquez’s favourite tracks and the Repsol Honda bike during the 2014 so anything is still possible.” South African fl anker Louw suspended make further gains on Marc situation will probably be a bit more race. His team-mate Valentino Rossi has Marquez’s world cham- diffi cult for us,” Dovizioso said. But the fl ying Spaniard has been on a phenomenal record at Phillip Island London: South African flanker Francois sanctions and selected four weeks as pionship lead in Sunday’s “But last year we did a good race pole for the past three years at Phillip with six wins in the premier class Louw was suspended for three weeks the appropriate entry point,” said a AustralianA MotoGP at the demanding and so we must try and work in the Island and rates the track as one of his from 2001 to 2005, and again in 2014. over an incident during Bath’s Euro- statement from European Professional Phillip Island circuit where he histori- best possible way throughout the favourites. The legendary Italian, in fi fth place pean Champions Cup victory against Club Rugby (EPCR). cally struggles. weekend. “I really look forward to this week- and 76 points adrift of Marquez on the Treviso at the weekend. “There were no aggravating factors. Dovizioso powered to his fi fth win “There are now just three rounds end because Phillip Island is an in- world standings, resumed racing last Louw was cited for making contact However, as Louw did not have a clean of the year at rain-swept Motegi last left until the end and on paper we are credible race track, one of my favour- month just three weeks after double with the eye area of Marco Fuser, who disciplinary record, the committee weekend in a pulsating fi nal corner not favourites for the win in Australia ites,” he said. leg fracture surgery. was also cited for biting in the same decided to reduce the sanction by only duel with Marquez to reduce the world but we’ll be fi ghting as hard as ever.” “It’s diffi cult because it’s very phys- “I’m in a good mood because I want incident, during the 23-0 win at the one week before imposing a suspen- champion’s lead to 11 points with just Marquez has two victories around ical, with many hard and fast changes to work in the best way possible with home of the English club. sion of three weeks.” three rounds left in the championship. Phillip Island — in the 125cc class in in direction, but I enjoy it a lot and my team and fi x the issues we had in The veteran South African, capped The case against Fuser was dismissed Marquez’s second place was his 2010 and the 2015 Australian MotoGP generally I think it’s a better track for Japan and do nice races again,” Rossi more than 50 times by the Springboks, after the committee “concluded that 100th career podium from 165 starts — along with two podium fi nishes and us than Motegi.” said. tangled with Fuser at a 77th-minute there was insuff icient evidence to sup- and he is the youngest rider at 24 to four pole positions. Spain’s Maverick Vinales still has a “After the crash in Japan I’m feeling breakdown, pulling the Italy lock away port the charge”. achieve the milestone. Against that Dovizioso won in the mathematical chance of claiming the pretty good, just a little bit of pain.” and then raking his hand across his Louw will be available to play again on Marquez’s consistency has made 125cc class in 2004 and made the po- world title on his Movistar Yamaha, Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda) and face. “The (independent disciplinary) November 6, although both the player him the benchmark rider of this sea- dium with a third place in the 2011 lying 41 points behind Marquez with Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati Team) have committee found that the off ence and the EPCR have the right to appeal son’s world championship but Italy’s MotoGP. three races left. both won around Phillip Island and was at the low end of World Rugby’s the decision. Dovizioso has doggedly kept in touch Marquez has had his madcap mo- “I like the Phillip Island layout a lot have podium chances.

BOTTOMLINE Wallabies revival faces ultimate NZ Test AFP “From Australia’s point of view, Blacks’ starting line up is the return of Brisbane they’ll be desperate to win as they Waisake Naholo on the right wing for haven’t done so for some time,” he the injured Nehe Milner-Skudder. said. “I don’t think after the Dunedin Although New Zealand has domi- urtley Beale said an improv- Test we can aff ord to be one or two % nated Australia in recent years, Bris- ing Australia team will take off .” bane’s Suncorp Stadium has been a heart from their near-miss Hansen added that New Zealand’s diffi cult venue for the New Zealanders. against the All Blacks as they goal was to “never be satisfi ed at where Of fi ve matches there over the past Kbid to end their Bledisloe Cup misery in we’re at”. 11 years, the All Blacks have lost one, Brisbane on Saturday. “We’re always striving to get better drawn one, and won three but never by The world champions denied the every game and this week is no diff er- more than a four-point margin. Wallabies with a converted try less ent,” he warned. than two minutes from full-time to Lock Rob Simmons is the Wallabies’ Teams (15-1) scrape home 35-29 in a cliff -hanger in only change to the team that beat Ar- Australia: Israel Folau; Marika Dunedin in August. gentina 37-20 a fortnight ago to fi nish Koroibete, Tevita Kuridrani, Kurtley The victory meant the All Blacks second in the Rugby Championship Beale, Reece Hodge; Bernard Foley, claimed the Bledisloe Cup, contested behind the All Blacks, replacing Izack Will Genia; Sean McMahon, Michael between the two sides, for a 15th con- Rodda who underwent season-ending Hooper (capt), Jack Dempsey; Adam secutive year with the Wallabies only shoulder surgery on Wednesday. Coleman, Rob Simmons; Sekope Kepu, winning once in their last 18 meetings. Retiring former captain Stephen Tatafu Polota-Nau, Scott Sio. The Cup may be gone for another Moore was named among the replace- Replacements: Stephen Moore, Tom year but star centre Beale is confi - ments for what will be his last Test in Robertson, Allan Alaalatoa, Lukhan dent the Australians, who will wear an Australia and his 125th overall. Tui, Ned Hanigan, Nick Phipps, Samu indigenous-themed jersey to honour The veteran hooker will end his in- Kerevi, Henry Speight. Aborigines’ role in rugby, can fi nish ternational career after Australia’s Eu- New Zealand: Damian McKenzie; Wai- their home season with an uplifting ropean tour in November. sake Naholo, Ryan Crotty, Sonny Bill win. Kurtley Beale The All Blacks have opted not to risk Williams, Rieko Ioane; Lima Sopoaga, “I think that (Dunedin) was a huge of Australia. fl y-half Beauden Barrett after his re- Aaron Smith; Kieran Read (capt), Sam game for us to get a good understand- cent head knock, with Lima Sopoaga to Cane, Liam Squire; Scott Barrett, Sam ing of where we are at as a playing start at No.10. Whitelock; Nepo Laulala, Dane Coles, squad,” Beale said. Although Barrett was cleared of Kane Hames. “The more we play, the better we are Australia’s attack has been much (39) as they scored in 15 Tests during ter they improved markedly during the concussion after a clash playing South Replacements: Codie Taylor, Wyatt getting. That’s the positive. We’re still improved throughout this year with 2016. recent Rugby Championship following Africa two weeks ago, he has suff ered Crockett, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Patrick Tui- building towards what we believe we the Wallabies scoring the same number All Blacks coach Steve Hansen is a 54-34 beating in the series opener in dizziness and headaches since. pulotu, Matt Todd, TJ Perenara, Anton can achieve.” of tries in nine Test matches this year also wary of the Australian threat af- Sydney. The only other change in the All Lienert-Brown, David Havili. Gulf Times Friday, October 20, 2017 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Kempe has fi rst hat-trick in Kings’ Aussie Simmons win over Canadiens

By Curtis Zupke Jeff Petry. Carter examined his Los Angeles Times left skate, went to the dressing room and did not return. “I don’t know, to be honest,” ichael Cam- Kings coach John Stevens said beaten in debut, malleri’s smile of Carter’s status. “Any time a was subtle. Adrian player can’t fi nish a game, it’s Kempe’s could be a concern.” Mseen from space. Cammalleri’s lack of eff ec- Together they helped the tiveness was a concern for the Los Angeles Kings overcome Kings. But he got his fi rst goal what could have been a big out of the way when he bat- bummer. ted the puck out of the air on a Lin hurt in Nets loss It’s been that type of start power play in the fi rst period. to the season for the Kings He knocked in a loose puck in ‘To see Embiid out there... I’m like, ‘Man, I’m actually here.’ It was fun’ that their one area of off en- the third period for a 3-1 lead sive concern – the third line midway through the third pe- AFP – sprung alive Wednesday in riod. “It obviously feels good,” Washington a 5-1 win against the Montreal Cammalleri said. Canadiens. “It’s nice to contribute. It’s Kempe, quiet in the fi rst signifi cant for us. Something ustralian Ben Simmons four games, scored the fi rst hat we talked about – this last was beaten in his debut trick of his NHL career, all in game at home before we go on while Asian-American the third period. Cammalleri, the road. So it was ... nice for standout Jeremy Lin scratched the previous two everybody.” suffA ered a severe right knee inju- games, scored twice for his Tyler Toff oli needed a few ry as the new NBA season tipped fi rst goals as a King since his shifts to rest from an illegal off Wednesday for most clubs. fi rst go-around with them in hit to the head from Alex Gal- Simmons, a 21-year-old for- 2008. chenyuk; otherwise, Cam- ward from Melbourne, was the It occurred on a night the malleri might not have been top pick of last year’s NBA Draft Kings lost Jeff Carter to a low- on the second power play unit. by the Philadelphia 76ers but er-body injury on a freak play Cammalleri was in his place missed all of last season with a in the second period, but by for the goal. broken right foot. the end of the game the Kings The Kings’ third line saw Simmons made his much- remained the only team in the Justin Auger make his NHL awaited league debut at Wash- NHL without a regulation loss debut. The 6-foot-6 fourth- ington, where the 76ers lost their (5-0-1). round draft pick in 2013 is de- season opener to the host Wiz- “That was a good night,” scribed by Stevens as a wing ards 120-115 despite 18 points, 10 Kempe said. “We took care of “that’s good on the wall that rebounds and fi ve assists by the our opportunities.” can play a north-south game.” Aussie. “I felt like I was playing Kempe converted a two- Auger showed his power, (a video game), honestly,” on-one for his fi rst goal. His too, when he drew a hooking Simmons said. second goal was pure skill on penalty on a drive to the net in John Wall scored 28 points a drive to the net. He fi nished the second period. He said his and Bradley Beal added 25 for the it with an in-close slap shot of parents fl ew in from Waterloo, Wizards, but Washington clung a loose puck and calmly raised Ontario, near Toronto, in the to only a 115-113 edge with 1:44 his arm as if he had done it a morning, for the occasion. remaining after Simmons sank hundred times. “It’s a long time coming,” two free throws to end a 7-2 Six- “Before I came into the Auger said before the game. ers run. game, I was chasing it a lit- Auger’s debut occurred Turnovers doomed two tle bit too hard sometimes,” against a team he rooted chances for the Sixers to equal- said Kempe, who recorded the against as a kid, and that team ize in the dying seconds, and the fi rst hat trick by a Kings player got the fi rst goal. Paul Byron Wizards went 5-of-6 from the since Anze Kopitar last season. forced Derek Forbort into a free throw line down the stretch “After I got that fi rst one, you turnover and beat Forbort to to seal the victory. get a little more comfortable the net on a rebound in the “How about Ben Simmons’ and you feel better about your- fi rst period. fi rst game in the NBA?” 76ers self. Everything came to me.” coach Brett Brown said. The theatrics came after RESULTS “His fi rst game was really ex- Carter left the game when he Maple Leafs 6 Red Wings 3 ceptional – really, really excep- got pinned against the board Kings 5 Canadiens 1 tional.” with Canadiens defenseman Blues 5 Blackhawks 2 Joel Embiid had 18 points, 13 rebounds and one blocked in 27 minutes after leg injuries kept him to only 31 games in his fi rst three NBA seasons. “To see Embiid out there... I’m like, ‘Man, I’m actually here.’ It was fun,” said Simmons. A day after Gordon Hayward suff ered a broken left leg, it Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball against the Washington Wizards players at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. was Brooklyn’s Lin, the NBA’s (Getty Images/AFP) fi rst US player of Chinese and Taiwanese heritage, who went Giannis Antetokounmpo who to lead Detroit while Kemba points to lead the Atlanta Hawks Sacramento behind 27 points down in Indiana’s 140-131 home spoiled the night for the Celt- Walker led the Hornets with past host Dallas 117-111 while from James Harden plus 22 win over the Nets. ics, scored 37 points and grabbed 24. Rudy Gobert scored 18 points to points and 17 rebounds from Lin, who scored 18 points, was 13 rebounds to spark Milwaukee Mike Conley had 27 points lead six double-fi gure scorers for Clint Capela. hurt with 4:53 remaining, land- over the Celtics 108-100. and Spanish center Marc Gasol Utah in a 106-96 triumph over ing awkwardly after a drive to the Orlando’s Evan Fournier added 14 points and 11 rebounds visiting Denver. RESULTS basket, and helped off the court scored 23 points, seven of them as the Memphis Grizzlies beat LaMarcus Aldridge scored 25 Bucks 108 Celtics 100 with a right knee injury. in the last two minutes, to lead visiting New Orleans 103-91, points and grabbed 10 rebounds Trail Blazers 124 Suns 76 “We just hope he’s OK,” Nets the Magic over visiting Miami despite the Pelicans getting 33 to lead the San Antonio Spurs Rockets 105 Kings 100 forward Caris LeVert said. Lin 116-109, their fi rst season- points and 18 rebounds from over visiting Minnesota 107-99, Wizards 120 76ers 115 played only 36 games last sea- opening triumph since 2012. Anthony Davis and 28 points, 10 while Damian Lillard netted 27 Pacers 140 Nets 131 son due to nagging hamstring At Detroit, the Pistons made rebounds and a career-high sev- to power the Portland Trail Spurs 107 Timberwolves 99 injuries. a triumphant debut at their new en blocked shots from DeMarcus Blazers to a 124-76 triumph at Grizzlies 103 Pelicans 91 Hayward made an emotional home in Little Caesars Arena Cousins. Phoenix. Jazz 106 Nuggets 96 video appearance at Boston’s with a 102-90 victory over The Houston Rockets, com- Hawks 117 Mavericks 111 Adrian Kempe (left) of the Los Angeles Kings celebrates his hat home opener saying he would be Charlotte. Rockets defeat Kings ing off an opening-night win at Pistons 102 Hornets 90 trick against the Montreal Canadiens with Jonathan Quick at “all right,” but it was Greek star Tobias Harris scored 27 points Dennis Schroder scored 28 Golden State, won 105-100 at Magic 116 Heat 109 Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. (Getty Images/AFP)

BASEBALL Baez homers twice, Cubs edge Dodgers to avoid sweep AFP this series and the series before. situations. Chicago I’ve been trying so hard,” Baez Davis struck out Granderson said. “I just said, ‘Today don’t try cleanly for the second out of the to go so hard,’ and that’s what hap- eighth but Yasmani Grandal walked avier Baez blasted two pened.” to send potential tying run Puig to home runs and the defend- Baez and Willson Contreras blast- second base. ing champion Chicago Cubs ed solo homers in the second inning Chase Utley, hitless in his previ- avoid being swept out of to put the Cubs ahead 2-0, but Cody ous 23 times at bat in the playoff s, theJ Major League Baseball playoff s Bellinger answered in the third for came to the plate for the Dodgers Wednesday by edging the Los An- the Dodgers with a solo homer of his and struck out to end the threat. geles Dodgers 3-2. own to halve Chicago’s lead. In the ninth, Davis issued a one- The Dodgers still lead the best- Baez responded with another out walk of Chris Taylor to put the of-seven National League Champi- solo homer in the fi fth inning, potential tying run on base again onship Series 3-1 and could advance boosting the Cubs ahead 3-1. The but Bellinger grounded into a to their fi rst World Series since 1988 Dodgers had not trailed so late in a game-ending double play. with a victory in Thursday’s game game in the playoff s. “We’re in a position to win or go fi ve. Chicago brought on relief ace home so we brought in the closer to “We’ve been struggling as a team Wade Davis in the eighth inning make sure everything is good,” Baez in the playoff s but we’ve finally but the fi rst batter he faced, Dodg- said. gotten on track and hopefully we ers slugger Justin Turner, blasted keep going,” Baez said. a solo homer to pull Los Ange- PLAYOFF RESULTS The Cubs-Dodgers winner will les within 3-2. Yasiel Puig walked American League play either the New York Yankees and an emotional moment fol- At New York or Houston Astros in the World Se- lowed when Dodgers batter Curtis New York Yankees 5 Houston ries starting Tuesday. The Yankees Granderson argued a third-strike, Astros 0 lead that series 3-2 entering game claiming he tipped the ball, and had (New York Yankees lead series 3-2) six Friday at Houston. an umpire’s call overturned. Baez blasted his fi rst hits of the That sent heated Cubs manager National League playoff s into the outfi eld bleachers Joe Maddon out of the dugout to At Chicago at Wrigley Field to snap out of his complain and he was ejected, beg- Chicago Cubs 3 Los Angeles slump in impressive fashion. ging for consideration of a video Dodgers 2 Chicago Cubs second baseman Javier Baez hits a solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fifth inning in game four of the “I’ve just been struggling a lot replay that is not approved for such (Los Angeles lead series 3-1) 2017 NLCS playoff series at Wrigley Field. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Friday, October 20, 2017 SPORT

BADMINTON Saina wins, Sindhu bows out of Denmark Open Agencies ympic 2016 champion and two-time Odense, Denmark world champion Carolina Marin of Spain with a 22-20, 21-18 victory in 46 minutes. With this win, London ndia had a bitter sweet day at Olympics bronze medallist Saina Denmark Open as Saina Nehwal has taken a 5-4 lead in head-to- knocked out Olympic champion head record against the 24-year-old Carolina Marin of Spain but Spaniard. Ititle-contender P V Sindhu suff ered Men’s singles eighth seed Kidambi a straight game loss against ’s Srikanth eliminated compatriot Chen Yufei. Subhankar Dey with a 21-17, 21-15 The unseeded China player edged victory in 35 minutes. past the second seed Sindhu 21-17, Joining Srikanth in the second 23-21 in 47 minutes on Wednesday. round was Prannoy, who beat Danish Sindhu started the fi rst game on a Emil Holst 21-18, 21-19 in 48 min- steady note but towards the end it utes. Satwik lost both in the men’s was the World No. 10 Chinese who doubles and mixed doubles. He part- proved superior and bagged the nered Ashwini Ponappa in the mixed game. doubles and they lost to Niclas Nohr In the second game, the Chi- and Sara Thygesen 19-21, 17-21 in 39 nese players took four points lead at minutes. the start but a good shot selection Satwik and Chirag Shetty then lost helped Sindhu to reduce the gap. At to South Koreans Chung Eui Seok one point, Sindhu made it 16-17, but and Kim Dukyoung 21-14, 18-21, 17- some poor shots towards the end of 21 in 56 minutes. the game resulted in her defeat. Danish Hans-Kristian Solberg Earlier, Indian shuttlers Nehwal, Vittinghus defeated Praneeth 21-10, Kidambi Srikanth and HS Prannoy 21-15 in 39 minutes. entered the second round, while B. Indian men’s doubles pair of Manu Sai Praneeth and Satwiksairaj Ran- Attri and B. Sumeeth Reddy were kireddy were eliminated in the open- humbled by Danish sixth seeds Mads ing round of the Denmark Open Conrad-Petersen and Mads Pieler World Superseries Premier. Kolding, who won 21-13, 21-18 in 35 Hyderabadi Saina, 27, ousted Ol- minutes. Saina Nehwal of India in action against Carolina Marin of Spain during their first round match of the Denmark Open. (Reuters)

GOLF FOCUS Trump and NFL at odds on how to Thomas surges clear get players to stand for anthem

Reuters of semi-regular rebukes since New York he fi rst expressed his disdain as PGA Tour makes for the protests at a rally in September. he National Foot- Earlier on Wednesday, ball League rejected Trump expressed his anger at US President Donald the previous day’s news that Trump’s calls to punish the NFL rulebook, which says Tplayers who kneel for the na- players “should” stand for tional anthem to protest racism the anthem but stops short of South Korea debut but said on Wednesday players mandating it, was not being “should” stand and it hopes the changed any time soon. ‘He’s a great guy and great player and it’s good to have him back’ demonstrations will stop. While the president and NFL Commissioner Roger the league appeared to have AFP Goodell made clear he will take reached a stalemate, some Jeju, South Korea a more patient approach than fans have said they are heeding the one urged by the president: Trump’s calls to boycott games Rather than using discipline, while the kneeling continues, orld number four the league will continue to which Trump has said is un- Justin Thomas nurture players’ eff orts to fight patriotic and an insult to the brushed off a shaky racial disparities in the crimi- country’s military veterans. start to fi re a su- nal justice system, believing Players kneeling during the Wperb nine-under par 63 and take this would make the urge to national anthem are protesting a three-shot lead after the fi rst protest fade. at the killing of unarmed black round of the CJ Cup yesterday. “We have about six or seven men and boys by police across US PGA Championship win- players that are involved in this the United States, as well as ra- ner Thomas is three strokes clear protest at this point,” Goodell cial disparities in the criminal of fi ve players on six-under 66 - told reporters after a two-day justice system. More than half Malaysia’s Gavin Green, the US meeting with team owners and of all NFL players are black. trio of Chez Reavie, Scott Brown the players’ labour union in Former San Francisco 49ers and Patrick Reed, and Australia’s New York City, saying he hoped quarterback Colin Kaepernick, Marc Leishman. that number would eventually who fi rst popularised the ges- Thomas came up short in his be zero. “What we’re trying to ture last year, said he settled on bid for a hat-trick of wins at do is deal with the underlying kneeling as a form of protest the CIMB Classic in Malaysia issue and understand what it is because it is widely seen as a last week, fi nishing tied 17th, they’re protesting.” gesture of respect. and he bounced back from an The commissioner cited bail More players have begun early wobble at the Nine Bridges reform and ending mandatory kneeling since Trump criti- course in the fi rst US PGA Tour sentences as justice topics of cized the practice, and some event ever to be played in South concern for players. sympathetic teammates have Korea. He dropped a shot “really In contrast to Trump, who linked arms with the kneelers badly” on his opening hole, the has scorned any player who while standing themselves. 10th, but got it back with inter- protests as a “son of a *****” Some of the league’s 32 est by eagling the par-fi ve 12th. who should face suspension, team owners, including Jerry That was the start of a run of Goodell praised the athletes as Jones of the Dallas Cowboys, eight-under par for seven holes political activists trying to im- have said they will bench comprising four birdies and an- prove their communities. players who do not stand for other eagle at the 18th to reach Trump responded to Good- the anthem. Goodell said on the turn in a scintillating seven- ell’s approach with impatience. Wednesday that the question under par 29. “Too much talk, not enough of what individual teams might “It was a weird day,” said action,” he wrote, referring to do had not come up during the 23-year-old FedEx Cup cham- the league, in a Twitter post on meeting. Instead, he said, the pion Thomas, who has been in Wednesday afternoon. “Stand team owners generally agreed sizzling form since winning his for the National Anthem.” It it was important to listen to fi rst major in August and was re- was the most recent in a series players’ concerns. cently voted PGA Tour player of the Year for 2017. “It started off with a really South Korea’s Ji takes lead in Taiwan badly played bogey and then I went on a seven-hole stretch South Korea’s Ji Eun-Hee to pick up her second victory where I kind of went uncon- battled windy and rainy condi- on the LPGA Tour but said it scious and that was was pretty tions to fire a six-under 66 to had been a “tough day”. much most of my round.” lead the opening round of the “We got a lot of rain, and on a Thomas holed a bunker shot LPGA Taiwan Championship couple of holes, really gusting at 15 for the second of four bird- yesterday. The current world wind. It was tough to judge ies in a row and chipped in from Justin Thomas of the US tees off at the 10th hole during the first round of the CJ Cup at Nine Bridges in Jeju Island yesterday. (AFP) number one Ryu So-Yeon, also distance and how to take the off the fringe at 16 for another. of South Korea, finished the club,” she said. Taiwan’s Lee “That’s kind of how my day alongside Thomas at TPC Kuala hero Bae Sang-Moon who shot when I played in the Masters,” Lucas Glover, Anirban Lahiri first round in a disappoint- Min carded a two under par was. Hit two really bad wedge Lumpur. “My routes are going to 71 in only his third event since said the 22-year-old. (IND), Pat Perez, Patrick Rodg- ing 23rd place after hitting 70 with four birdies and two shots and got away with them be diff erent to these long bomb- military service, and last week’s ers, Xander Schauff ele, Cameron one-over par 73. Ji scored six bogeys to share a place with to steal two bogeys,” admitted ers but the greens were great.” winner in Malaysia, Pat Perez, Leading scores after the first Smith (AUS), Robert Streb, birdies in a bogey-free round four others. Thomas. Whee Kim shot a four-under who carded 69. round Harold Varner III to keep a three-shot lead over His second nine was almost 68 to be the highest placed of the “It was awesome out there,” (par 72, USA unless stated) 70 - Daniel Berger, Keegan compatriot Kim Sei-Young, Leading first-round scores boring by comparison featuring 17-strong Korean contingent, said Thomas. “I said to Bae you 63 - Justin Thomas Bradley, Wesley Bryan, Graham American Megan Khang and 66-Ji Eun-Hee (KOR) three birdies and another bogey who all received enthusiastic probably got the best crowds out 66 - Scott Brown, Gavin Green Delaet (CAN), Emiliano Grillo Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand 69-Ariya Jutanugarn (THA), at the seventh to fi nish at nine- home support at the inaugural here. He’s a great guy and great (MAS), Marc Leishman (AUS), (ARG) KT Kim (KOR), Kim Si-Woo at the Miramar golf Country Kim Sei-Young (KOR), Megan under par. $9.25 million, 78-player event on player and it’s good to have him Chez Reavie, Patrick Reed (KOR), Jamie Lovemark Club in New Taipei city. Khang (USA) the southern Jeju Island. back.” 67 - Tony Finau, Russell Henley, 71 - An Byeong-Hun (KOR), Bae Ji said she had changed her 70-Lydia Ko (NZL), Aza- ‘Super-respectful’ Koreans “The fans were super respect- Players Championship winner Charles Howell III, Ollie Schnied- Sang-Moon (KOR), Rafa Cabrera swing to adapt to the condi- hara Munoz (ESP), Brittany Reavie had a bogey-free day ful and enjoy golf,” said Reavie. and world number 41 Kim Si- erjans, Jhonattan Vegas (VEN) Bello (ESP), Choi Jin-Ho (KOR), tions. “I think just a good day. Altomare (USA), Jenny Shin with a balanced card of three “When you make birdies they Woo went one stroke better than 68 - Jason Day (AUS), Brian Stewart Cink, Danny Lee (NZL), I’m just more relaxed with (KOR), Lee Min (TPE) birdies on each nine to get into cheer and they were rooting all of Bae with a 70, but admitted the Harman, Whee Kim (KOR), Luke Lee Kyoung-Hoon (KOR), Tho- the weather. That makes it 71-Candie Kung (TPE), Angel the fi ve-way tie for second. us on, it’s great.” pressure of playing in front of his List, Rod Pampling (AUS), Kyle mas Pieters (BEL), Ian Poulter a lot easier for when I play,” Yin (USA), Nicole Broch Larsen “It was fun tying to fi gure out Thomas’s group was followed home fans in such a high-class Stanley, Hudson Swaff ord, Nick (ENG), Charl Schwartzel (RSA), she added. Kim, who had two (DEN), Brittany Lincicome a new course” said the 35-year- by the biggest galleries as it fi eld had aff ected him. Taylor (CAN) Chris Stroud, Kevin Tway, Camilo bogeys and five birdies, aims (USA), Brittany Lang (USA) old, who fi nished tied 17th contained the returning Korean “I felt more nervous than 69 - Bud Cauley, KJ Choi (KOR), Villegas (COL) Gulf Times Friday, October 20, 2017 7 SPORT

CRICKET SPOTLIGHT India ease past Imam ready to Malaysia in Asia follow in uncle Cup hockey IANS keeper Suraj Karkera make brilliant Dhaka saves that had the Dhaka audience in raptures. His fi rst big save came only two minutes into the second quarter ndia thrashed Malaysia 6-2 in a when Malaysia won a penalty corner. second-round clash to take a big Karkera was resolute to pad it away. step towards qualifi cation for the Later in the 23rd minute, another Inzi’s footsteps fi nal of the Asia Cup hockey cham- penalty corner was averted when Kark- Ipionship here yesterday. era saved a fi ercely struck drag-fl ick Akashdeep Singh (15th minute), from Rahim to keep Malaysia from ‘The best for me is to answer my critics with my bat and I have done that’ Harmanpreet Singh (19th), SK Uthappa converting. (24th), Gurjant Singh (33rd), SV Sunil Earlier, Harmanpreet Singh was at AFP (40th) and Sardar Singh (60th) scored his best when he found the centre of the goals for a ruthless India. the goal to take India’s lead to 2-0 in the India were already 5-0 up when Ra- 19th minute. A good assist by Sunil saw zie Rahim and Ramadan Rosli struck Uthappa score India’s third goal in the akistan cricket’s newest dis- for Malaysia, who in their previous 24th minute. covery Imam-ul-Haq has match had stunned Pakistan 3-2. Post the 10-minute half-time break, some very large footsteps to With this win, India now have four India scored two more goals to stamp follow in — those of his uncle, points from two matches, while sec- their supremacy over Malaysia. It was Pthe great Inzamam-ul-Haq. ond-placed Malaysia have three points. Gurjant in the 33rd minute followed by But Imam wasted no time in getting South Korea, who drew 1-1 with Pa- a splendid goal by Sunil brilliantly-as- started, smashing a match-winning kistan earlier in the day, hold the third sisted by Gurjant Singh who worked in century on his one-day international spot. tandem to score India’s fi fth goal. debut against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi Top two teams will qualify for the fi - A trademark reverse hit by Gurjant on Wednesday, becoming only the nal, while the teams fi nishing third and from the left fl ank to Sunil, who made second Pakistani and 13th batsman in fourth will vie for the bronze medal. a diving attempt to push the ball into the world to achieve the feat. Tomorrow, India will meet Pakistan the post, ensured the local crowds were As a child, Imam would receive needing at least a draw to seal their thoroughly entertained. This goal by guidance from Inzamam on the fi eld, place in the fi nal on October 22. Sunil was also adjudged as the goal of his father helping him skip school Malaysia will face South Korea today the match. against his mother’s wishes. He went also searching for a point to reach the The fi nal quarter saw India make on to wear Pakistani colours at junior fi nal. a few defensive errors that saw them level, impressing in the 2014 Junior But the Malaysians need to put up concede penalty corners. With 10 World Cup. a better performance than they did minutes to the fi nal hooter, Malaysia’s Imam’s run of form continued at against India. Rahim utilised the chance to put one domestic level and two centuries in Having won all their matches thus past a diving Akash Chikte in the 50th the Under-23 Emerging Cup in Bang- far in the tournament, Malaysia raced minute. ladesh this year elevated him to Paki- out of the blocks at a frenetic pace, at- Malaysia won another penalty cor- stan’s one-day side. tacking India constantly. ner in the 54th minute but Chikte was “I am proud to score a hundred on They made two strong circle entries outstanding in his save. debut,” said Imam, now 22. “When I at the start of the game but an alert In- Almost immediately, Malaysia won was told that I achieved the honour dian defence kept them out of scoring. another set-piece but an alert Chikte of scoring a debut hundred I felt more India’s fi rst break-through came in averted a goal again. Malaysia won proud to do this feat for my country.” the 14th minute when Manpreet as- two back-to-back penalty corners in Saleem Elahi is the only other Paki- sisted Akashdeep inside the circle with the 58th minute but couldn’t make the stani to hit a debut century, also against a fi ercely-struck long pass. The Indian chance count. Sri Lanka at Gujranwala in 1995. forward was impeccable in his attempt Though their second goal came to improvise the pass to beat the Ma- through in the 59th minute via Rosli, ‘A GREAT INFLUENCE’ laysian goalkeeper Kumar Subramani- India extended their lead in the 60th It’s not only Imam’s style of play that am to take a 1-0 lead in the fi rst quarter. minute when veteran Sardar employed is similar to his uncle. His stocky build The second quarter saw Indian goal- a reverse-hand strike. and cherubic face resembles that of a Pakistan’s Imam-ul-Haq celebrates his century against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. (Twitter/ICC) young Inzamam, who once famously hit an Indian spectator after being uncle has its challenges, particularly ture and I have played in Junior World relieved Imam to return to the crease TENNIS called “Aloo” (potato). as Inzamam heads the selection com- Cups and have performed well to win and complete his century. The obvious diff erence is that Imam mittee which chose the current one- in domestic matches.” “Obviously it was a bad feeling,” wears glasses — a rare sight in cricket day squad. Imam’s century in the third one-day Imam said. “I knew that I had nicked these days — and bats left-handed. Imam’s selection was criticised but international looked in doubt when he it, so I thought it’s out and I have lost a Kyrgios ends season of But the similarity to Inzamam is sig- the youngster justifi ed his place. was given out caught behind on 89. chance to score a hundred. But when I nifi cant. “It’s not my fault that I am his neph- He was trudging back when his bat- knew that it was not out I felt like I was “Inzi uncle has been a great infl u- ew,” Imam said. “I can’t help that. The ting partner Mohamed Hafeez stopped given a new life.” pain and private strife ence. Whenever I need help in batting best for me is to answer my critics him to check the legality of the catch. Imam has a long way to go, but his he gives me time and always tells me to with my bat and I have done that. Television umpire Richard Ket- fi rst knock at the international level be positive, play brave cricket and be- “It makes no diff erence to me be- tleborough declared that the ball had proved that he has plenty of potential lieve in destiny,” said Imam. cause I have grown up in a (cricketing) touched the ground before reaching to make a name for himself, just like But having a cricket great for an family. I have self-belief and I am ma- the wicketkeeper’s gloves, allowing a his famous uncle.

Pakistan’s Hafeez reported for suspect bowling action

Pakistan’s off -spinner Mohamed Ha- the match on Wednesday. has been reported as suspect. He On 17 November 2016 Hafeez under- feez has been reported for a suspect “Hafeez’s bowling action will now be was first suspended from bowling went reassessment of his bowling ac- bowling action during the third one- scrutinised further under the ICC ille- in December 2014 before he was tion at the National Cricket Centre in day international against Sri Lanka in gal bowling action regulations. He is cleared the following April. Brisbane and was allowed to resume Abu Dhabi, the International Cricket required to undergo testing within 14 His action was reported for a sec- bowling after his action was found to Council said yesterday. days, and, during this period, Hafeez ond time in June 2015 and as this be legal. The ICC said the match off icials’ is permitted to continue bowling in was his second suspension within Hafeez bowled eight overs for 39 report, which was handed over to the international cricket until the results 24 months of the initial suspension, taking one wicket in the match which Pakistan team management, cited of the assessments are known,” said he was suspended from bowling in Pakistan won by seven wickets to concerns about the legality of the an ICC release. international cricket for 12 months take an unbeatable 3-0 lead in the 37-year-old’s bowling action during This is the third time that his action from July 2015. five-match series.

BOTTOMLINE England plot revenge in women’s Ashes

Reuters player of the series in the past two Melbourne Ashes campaigns. AFP appointments throughout the year.” She enters the tournament off the Paris Kyrgios joins Andy Murray, Novak back of an outstanding World Cup Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka in being ngland’s women will hope to where she amassed 404 runs and took unable to complete the season while build on the success of their nine wickets. olatile Australian Nick Kyr- former world number four Tomas Ber- World Cup triumph and wrest England will lean on their formida- gios became the latest high- dych also ended his 2017 campaign on back the Ashes from an Aus- ble attack of seamers Anya Shrubsole, profi le tennis star to bring an Thursday with a back injury. tralianE side shorn of talismanic cap- Katherine Brunt and young spinner early end to his season yester- Kyrgios will miss next week’s Swiss tain Meg Lanning. Sophie Ecclestone to thwart Perry and Vday with the 22-year-old surrendering Indoors in Basel and the Paris Masters, The all-formats tournament kicks the Australian batswomen. to his long-standing hip injury. which starts on October 30. off with a one-day international in After opening with three ODIs, the The world number 20 said he was His last match was on Wednesday Brisbane on Sunday and promises to teams play a day-night test in Sydney withdrawing from the remainder of the when he lost in he second round in Ant- be more than a curtain-raiser for the before fi nishing off with three Twen- campaign in the hope of being fully fi t werp to Ruben Bemelmans of Belgium. fi ve-test men’s series that begins in ty20 matches. for a fresh assault on the 2018 Austral- Last week, he was fi ned $10,000 November. The limited overs matches are worth ian Open in January. after storming off midway through England, captained by Heather two points for a win, with victory in “Unfortunately due to the reoc- his fi rst-round match at the Shanghai Knight, are seeking revenge after be- the test worth four. curence of my hip injury which I origi- Masters. That incident followed him ing humbled on home soil in the pre- Women’s cricket has gone from nally suff ered at Queen’s, I am shutting being hit with a point penalty in losing vious series in 2015, while Australia strength to strength since the last down my season to make sure I can the fi nal in Beijing to Rafael Nadal. are desperate to make amends for their Ashes two years ago, as witnessed by rehab and prepare as best as I possibly Earlier this year, Kyrgios shelved the surprise World Cup semi-fi nal exit in the sell-out crowd that saw England can for the Australian summer,” Kyr- start of his claycourt season to return to July. defeat India by nine runs in the World gios said in a statement on Twitter. Australia after his grandfather passed “We’ve got over (the World Cup) Cup fi nal at Lord’s. “Unless I want this to escalate into away. now,” Australia pace bowler Megan England, captained by Heather Knight, are seeking revenge after being humbled Organisers decided to limit capac- an injury that requires surgery, I need Kyrgios endured a bittersweet season Schutt told reporters this week. on home soil in the previous series in 2015. ity at Brisbane’s Allan Border fi eld to to listen to my body and my team.” on the court, losing in the second round “We’ve learnt from the mistakes only 2,000 for Sunday’s opener, but He added: “This year hasn’t been as of the Australian and French Opens be- that were made over there and dealt Rachael Haynes has been named a cool head during the World Cup on the tickets were sold out three weeks successful as I would have liked, espe- fore fi rst round exits at Wimbledon and with the personal issues that came skipper of Australia in place of Lan- home soil. in advance. cially at the Slams. the US Open. with that. ning and will be under pressure to get Australia all-rounder Ellyse Perry “The interest in women’s sport is “It’s no secret that I have had some But he also made the fi nal of the “We’ve really worked hard at get- the better of Knight, who replaced again looms as a huge threat to Eng- at an all-time high,” Cricket Australia sad moments to deal with away from Cincinnati Masters and helped Aus- ting over that speed bump.” Charlotte Edwards last year and was land’s hopes of victory after being chief executive James Sutherland said. the court which have added to my dis- tralia reach the Davis Cup semi-fi nals.

Friday, October 20, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

MODERN PENTATHLON FOCUS Qatar begin Asia Pacifi c Fourth edition of UIPM beach volleyball with two Champion of Champions victories

QNA Two-day event will see top athletes Sumatra

compete in five Olympic disciplines atar beach volleyball from tomorrow team started its cam- By Sahan Bidappa paign at the 2017 Asia Doha Pacifi c beach volley- ballQ championship, which is be- ing held in Indonesia until Octo- atar will host the annual In- ber 22, with two victories. ternational Federation of Qatar is represented at the Modern Pentathlon (UIPM) championship by two teams — Champion of Champions Qatar A and Qatar B. event,Q tomorrow and on Sunday at the Qatar A beat Indonesia 3 team Qatar Foundation Recreation Centre 2-0 in a Group B game and will and Al Shaqab arena. face New Zealand 1 today in the The tournament, fi rst hosted by Doha last match of the champion- in 2013, will see the top 34 UIPM ranked ship’s fi rst round. athletes – 17 men and women each – Meanwhile, Qatar B won 2-0 compete to claim the crown for the best against Indonesia 2 in Group C modern pentathletes in the world. The and are set to face Thailand 2 women’s competitions will be held to- today. morrow, while the men will be in action Qatar B had won the Grand on Sunday. Osaka Asian (Masters), which The two-day competition will see top was held in Japan, after defeat- athletes from 16 countries compete in ing Indonesia 2 in the fi nal game. fi ve Olympic disciplines –- Swimming, Qatar’s beach volleyball team Fencing, Riding, Running and Shoot- are 12th in the world ranking af- ing. Last year, the Germans dominated ter the A team qualifi ed for the the event with Patrick Dogue winning round of 16 in the recent world the title, while Annika Schleu emerged championship in Austria and as the women’s winner. In fact, Sch- lost to the host nation. leu has won the last two editions of the competition. The event is organised by the Qatar CRICKET Equestrian & Modern Pentathlon Fed- eration for the fi rst time after both the bodies merged earlier. At a press conference yesterday, Ali Taylor, al-Rumaihi, Event Director of Cham- pion of Champions, said the aim is to stage the event successfully like in the Latham previous years. “We are excited for this fantastic op- portunity to host this event in Qatar steer again, allowing us to build on previ- ous editions of the Modern Pentathlon Champion of Champions competition. Kiwi win Working closely with the International Federation of Modern Pentathlon, we (From left) International Union of Modern Pentathlon (UIPM) Competitions manager Philipp Waeff ler, Event director Ali al-Rumaihi, UIPM president Dr Klaus Schormann hope to showcase this sport in Qatar and Qatar Equestrian Federation secretary general Bader al-Darwish pose after the press conference at Al Shaqab yesterday. in tour and across the whole of the Middle East, supporting Qatar national vision 2030 will be in action in Doha. “These are top to develop Qatar into an international What is Modern Pentathlon? class athletes of our sport. They all have game sporting hub,” he said. participated in the Olympics are one of “In addition to being an international Modern pentathlon was invented has been used ever since. The modern Except for the fencing competition, the toughest contenders. We can expect AFP world class sports event, our hosting of by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the pentathlon has been on the Olympic athletes do not directly compete a high-class Modern Pentathlon event Mumbai the COC competition, provides the op- founder of the modern Olympic program continuously since 1912 and by against one another in the five events. amid the high-quality facilities in the portunity for the community to discov- Games, and was originally designed a vote of the IOC it will be in the Olympic A better absolute performance results Qatar Foundation Recreation Centre er and understand the sport, especially as a soldiers’ event. The name derives program at least until next year’s Rio in a higher points score wins - points and Al Shaqab Arena. Doha is a special ew Zealand batsmen hit those who are not familiar with it,” the from the Greek penta- “five” and -ath- Games. for each event are combined to give pillar of our movement and I thank our two centuries to propel Event Director of QEF added. lon “contest”. The format for the Doha event will the overall total scores. The fencing hosts for conducting this magnifi cently their team to victory, Al-Rumaihi also reckoned the event The format has changed over time. It have fencing (epee), swimming (200m discipline uses the epee. The competi- over the last three years,” added the defeating the Indian was an Ideal stage to encourage the German, who has been the head of the NBoard President’s XI by 33 runs used to be held over several days, but it freestyle), riding (show jumping on a tion is a round-robin, meaning each youth in Qatar through the sport. was compressed into a single day at the 350-450m course with 12 obstacles), competitor will face all the other global Modern Pentathlon movement yesterday in the second and fi nal “Promotional plans are being put 1996 Atlanta Olympics, bringing it close shooting (laser pistol 10m standing) competitors once. since 1993. warm-up match in Mumbai. together to encourage the younger gen- to de Coubertin’s vision, and this format and running (3km cross-country). Kiwi middle order batsmen eration to attend such a competition, to SCHEDULE Ross Taylor and Tom Latham generate an interest in sports among the TOMORROW struck centuries to steer their young and develop a healthy lifestyle. last three years. a very special moment of sportsman- gathered at the fi nish line to applaud Women: Swimming (at QF Recreation team to a mammoth 343 runs for Through organising such international “The magical city of Doha is staging ship and also this year I welcome you him. This was a true expression of the Centre 9am) 9 in 50 overs against the Presi- competitions, we hope to inspire the this competition for the fourth time and all to celebrate together wonderful mo- values of Olympic sport, as established Fencing round-robin (QFRC 10am) dent’s XI, who were bowled out community and realise more participa- we know that this is always a highlight ments through Modern Pentathlon in by the founder of the Modern Olympic Fencing bonus round (Al Shaqab at for 310 in 47.1 overs. tion from local residents in Qatar,” he of the season for our athletes, coaches the spirit of friendship and peace. Games and Modern Pentathlon, Baron 1.15pm) The visitors went down in the added. and fans watching all around the world,” “For the fi rst time we saw an athlete Pierre de Coubertin. These values re- Riding competition (Al Shaqab at 2.55pm) opening warm-up game against President of UIPM, Dr Klaus Schor- he said yesterday. from Qatar participate at this high level main central to our sporting movement Running & Shooting Combined event (at the hosts on Tuesday ahead of mann was eff usive in his praise of Qatar “One year ago during the 2016 and when he completed his fi nal lap of today,” he added Al Shaqab, 5pm) their fi rst one-day international for hosting the event successfully in the Champion of Champions, we witnessed the Laser-Run, all the other athletes Schormann said the high class fi eld Award ceremony (Al Shaqab; 5.45pm). on Sunday. Right-hand batsman Taylor (102), and his left-hand partner BOTTOMLINE SPOTLIGHT Latham (108), put together 166 runs for the fourth wicket before both retired from the game on a fl at Brabourne Stadium pitch. De Villiers fi nds Latham signed off with a mas- sive six to reach his ton. The visitors fi nished their in- QU and QPA sign MoU sweet spot on nings with a brisk knock of 29 runs in 18 balls by all-rounder Mitchell Santner. South Africa return President’s XI left-arm medi- um pacer Jaydev Unadkat grabbed for collaboration in sport four wickets for 57 runs in 10 Reuters Paarl, South Africa overs. Later his batting blitz of 44 By Sports Reporter the benefi ts of sport and recrea- runs off 24 balls almost took away Doha tion, not only for the physical, the match from the Kiwis. but the positive impact on the B de Villiers feels Unadkat hit fi ve fours and individual’s social and cultural he is hitting the ball three sixes but was caught by atar University (QU) skills. Our collaboration with as sweetly as he ever Glenn Phillips off Matt Henry. yesterday signed a QPA will contribute to enhancing following his recent Openers Prithvi Shaw and memorandum of un- QU students’ performance in the breakA from the South Afri- Karun Nair gave the hosts a brisk derstanding (MoU) fi eld of sports and to establish- can side, an ominous sign for start before Shaw was bowled by withQ Qatar Players Association ing a strong football team at the bowlers ahead of a busy sea- Santner for 22. Nair scored 53 off (QPA) to establish collaboration University. It also highlights the son across all three formats. 54 balls, hitting seven fours be- in the fi eld of sports activities. Student Activities Department’s South Africa were given fore he was caught and bowled The MoU was signed by QU ongoing eff orts to off er students a glimpse of what they have side, but announced last by Colin Munro. Student Services and Activities a wide range of sports activities.” been missing as De Villiers month he would be available Batsman Gurkeerat Singh re- director Abdulla al-Yafei and Al-Kuwari added: “Our col- fl ayed Bangladesh’s attack again in all three formats as mained the top scorer for Presi- QPA vice president Abdulrah- laboration with QU aligns with with stunning ease on his South Africa prepare to wel- dent’s XI with 65 runs off 46. man al-Kuwari in the presence our commitment to providing way to a career-best ODI come India and Australia for Santner fi nished with fi gures of manager of Sports and Rec- support to educational institu- score on Wednesday. respective test series in the of three for 44 in 7.1 overs. reation Activities at QU Student tions through the provision of He smashed 176 from 104 coming months. The Black Caps are visiting Activities Department, Asmaa technical expertise to football balls, including seven tow- “I just needed a couple of India to play three ODI matches al-Naemi, and other offi cials teams. This MoU will contribute ering sixes, as South Africa months away with the fam- and three T20 matches begin- from QU and QPA. providing football players with sealed the three-match se- ily, which I got,” he said. ning October 22 in Mumbai. In the terms of the MoU, QU will the necessary training, which ries with a game to spare fol- “I watched all the games provide QPA football team with will contribute to strengthening lowing a 104-run victory. the guys played and I’ve been BRIEF SCORES: New Zealand access to its stadium and facili- their skills and capabilities. QPA “I’m hitting the ball as in contact with them. It felt 343-9 in 50 overs (Ross Taylor ties for training. QPA will sponsor will sponsor QU football team well as ever and it felt that like I never really left, but I 102, Tom Latham 108; Jaydev and provide the technical and ad- during its participation in the way out there, I could feel the did miss being on the park Unadkat 4-57, Karn Sharma ministrative support as well as the University League, as well as QU ball coming off really well,” and playing. For the last few 2-45) beat India Board Presi- necessary equipment and sport amateur football team during its he told reporters. “It’s just months, I’ve been working dent’s XI 310 all out in 47.1 overs clothing to QU football team. participation in the Qatar Ama- nice to contribute.” really hard on my game and (Gurkeerat Singh 65, Karun Nair In his remarks, al-Yafei said, teur League that are organised by QU Student Services and Activities director Abdulla al-Yafei and QPA De Villiers had been on a all I wanted to do was get 53; Mitchell Santner 3-44, Tim “At QU, we strongly advocate the Qatar Football Association.” vice president Abdulrahman al-Kuwari signed the MoU. self-imposed exile from the back into the side.” Southee 2-22) by 33 runs